PRIMAL Inception by Jack Silkstone Read Free Book Online Page A

the skills?”
    Kreshnik shrugged. “I can look into it.”
    “Do that.”
    The meal was interrupted by a knock on the dining room door. One of the men from the table got up and answered it. “Boss, the telephone guy is at the front gate.”
    Zahir wiped his chin with a napkin. “Let them in. I’ll meet them out front.”
    He pushed his chair back and stood. The others stopped eating. He waved his hand. “Keep eating, this could take a while.”
    He left the dining room with Kreshnik in tow. They met their guests at the front door. A smartly dressed businessman flanked by two ex-military types. He offered his hand to the Macedonian communications executive and spoke in English. “Mr. Taneski, my friend. I’m so glad you could make it. I trust you have been enjoying your stay.”
    “Yes, your hospitality has been appreciated.”
    He laughed. “It’s the Albanian way. Please, join me in the living room.”
    Kreshnik led them through a side door. There were two couches either side of a coffee table. In the corner of the room were a TV and video player.
    Zahir sent a housemaid to fetch coffee as they relaxed on the couches and made small talk. The two bodyguards and Kreshnik remained standing at the back of the room. When the pot arrived, he poured two cups of the thick black liquid.
    “So, you’ve had some time to consider my business proposal.”
    Taneski sipped the coffee. “I have, and I’m willing to meet you halfway with the amount you want.”
    He shook his head. “That’s not enough. If you are serious about backing my campaign, you will need to pay the whole amount. This will secure Kosovo’s future and your communications contracts.”
    The Macedonian placed his cup on the table. “We cannot afford to risk such a large amount of money, Zahir.”
    “There is no risk. I will win the election.”
    “The UN is running the election so if your… extra activities become public knowledge, then well...”
    Zahir locked eyes with the other man. “The UN won’t do anything. My people would tear Kosovo apart.”
    “We are willing to make a sizeable donation, but we cannot invest the amount you want.”
    “And that is your final decision?”
    “Yes!”
    He shrugged. “I did not want it to come to this.”
    Taneski’s bodyguards glanced at each other.
    “Kreshnik, show him the video.”
    His second-in-command turned on the television and pressed play. The recording on the screen was shocking. The Macedonian businessman was naked, and thrusting behind a semiconscious girl. She looked young, early teens.
    Zahir smirked as the man’s face paled.
    “You piece of–”
    “It’s nothing to be ashamed of, my friend. We all like a bit of pussy every now and then. The younger the better, hey.”
    Kreshnik laughed.
    Taneski’s face turned to a mask of rage. “You think you can blackmail a man like me, Zahir? You’re not dealing with a peasant or farmer. My company is worth billions. I will bury you.”
    He shook his head. “I’m not blackmailing you, Mr. Taneski. I am just nudging you in the right direction. I’m advising you. Invest in me and you will make millions.”
    “And if I don’t?”
    He shrugged. “Then maybe the world will find out what sort of man you really are.” He watched as Taneski contemplated the repercussions of the video being released. His brow was furrowed and he swallowed every few seconds.
    “Fine! But I want every copy of that.”
    “As soon as I have the money.”
    The Macedonian glared. “And what about Ibrahim Daçi? How are you going to deal with his popularity? He has three times the support base you have.”
    “I wouldn’t worry about Daçi. Haven’t you heard? Mitrovica is falling apart. His people are crying for action. They think he is weak.”
    The businessman rose. “You better come good on your promises.”
    Zahir gave him a wave. “It has been a pleasure. Kreshnik, see Mr. Taneski and his men out.”
    As they were ushered from the room, Zahir relaxed on