When they reached Nic’s private dock, some workmen he’d alerted on the estate ahead of time were on hand to greet them.
Nic made the introductions. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”
“You said you were in a hurry, Senor de Pastrana. What is it you wish to have done?”
“Luc has just purchased this boat and wants it painted flame-blue and white so it looks brand-new. Another sail has been ordered and will be delivered day after tomorrow to match the new name he’d like painted on it.
“He’s in charge. While he gives you details, I’m going up to the villa to attend to some business and will talk to you later.”
The men nodded.
Within a half hour Luc had instructed them on everything he wanted done. They promised to get a full crew assembled to finish the job as quickly as possible.
Since time was of the essence, Luc couldn’t have asked for more than that. When he joined Nic in his study, his cousin was seated at the computer.
“Any luck tracking down Signore Tozetti?”
“His secretary said he just came in his office and would join us at any moment. I’ve set it up for a conference call. Go ahead and use my cell phone.”
Luc sat down on one of the love seats and put the phone to his ear while he waited. Another minute passed, then they heard a voice.
“Signore Tozetti here. Good morning, gentlemen.”
“Good morning.”
“It’s a great honor to be speaking to members of the House of Parma-Bourbon. What can I do for you?”
“The owners of Duchesse Designs, the American women whose calendars you are planning to distribute throughout the Parma region, happen to be distant cousins of ours.”
“I had no idea. They never inti
mated—”
“That doesn’t surprise us, signore. They believe in themselves and their product. My cousin and I believe in their product, too, and that’s the reason we’re calling. We want to back them. Therefore we have a proposition to make to you.”
“Wonderful! What exactly did you have in mind?”
“We’d like to see their calendars distributed in other countries besides Italy. If you are interested in being in charge of the total distribution, it would work to everyone’s advantage.”
A laugh of surprised delight sounded over the wires. “I would be very interested, signore. What countries besides Italy are you thinking of?”
“Monaco, France, Spain to begin with.”
“Have their calendars already been printed in French and Spanish?”
“These are points we need to talk about. Could you meet with us for a late lunch today at the restaurant of the Splendido in Portofino, say two o’clock?”
“Of course.”
“We’ll talk serious business then. It’s vital you present the offer you’re going to make to them in such a way, they feel it’s a hundred percent genuine.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“You’ll have to,” Luc said emotionally. “Money doesn’t drive them, so promising them the moon will be a turnoff. Naturally they’re in the business to make a living, but the pigeon drawings of Violetta and Luigio happen to be very near and dear to their hearts.
“When you make your pitch, you’ll have to convince them the words and depictions representing those lovebirds speak to your soul.”
“I don’t understand. You make it sound like they might turn me down!”