Unnatural Acts (Stone Barrington 23)

“Would the lady sell the building?”

“Yeah, but she wants six million for it.”

“How much have you got in the bank?”

“Eighteen million, give or take, from Marshall’s investment.”

“Buy the building today. Offer her five million. Then budget another two million to get a couple of floors in shape. I can handle that for you, and I can recommend an architect.”

“Is that a good investment?”

“Mark, it’s a steal. If this company works, you’re going to need all six floors before you know it. And you can use that old loading dock area for a parking garage. That will be very attractive to your employees.”

“Yeah, I’ve been parking my car down there.”

“What sort of computer security system you got here?”

“The usual firewall. We unplug everything when nobody’s here.”

“There’s no physical security either, is there?”

“A lock on the door.”

“You need to get somebody in here fast to secure this place. Think of it as a storage facility for gold bullion. Let me make some calls.”

“Sure, I guess that’s a good idea.”

“The architect needs to design you an office layout, too, and you need to start making this place look more businesslike. You should all dress better, too. I don’t mean you should wear Brooks Brothers suits, just not jeans-and the clothes should be freshly laundered. The media are going to want to talk to you soon, and you should be ready for them. Think Steve Jobs.”

“Funny, that’s what my girlfriend says-all that stuff about the building, too.”

“Give me your landlord’s name, and go back to work, then I’ll get to work buying the building.”

Mark took a card from his wallet. “Mrs. Friedrich,” he said, handing Herbie the card. He went back to his desk.

Herbie picked up the phone on the picnic table and called the number.

“Hello?”

“Mrs. Friedrich?”

“Yes.”

“Hi, my name is Herbert Fisher. I’m an attorney representing your tenant, Mark Hayes.”

“Uh-oh.”

“No, nothing like that. Mark has asked me to make you an offer of five million dollars for the building.”

“I told him I wanted six.”

“He’s a young man just getting started, but he can raise five million.”

“Oh, all right. When do you want to close?”

“Is the building entailed? Is there a mortgage?”

“No, I own it free and clear.”