Chapter Twenty-Two Meeting the Mafiya

“And what type of equipment are you looking for from me?”

“We have a list of various mechanical and electrical components that we are searching for, to fulfill the needs of several clients,” replies Hussein.

“And what kinds of components would these be?” The comment is made in an aggravated, disparaging tone.

“The utilities we are working with are looking for large horsepower generators, impeller drives, gear reduction units, flow valves, steam turbines and switch gear panels, for their control rooms,” Dakham tells him, unperturbed, then asks, “Is this something that you can assist us with, or perhaps you can recommend someone else for us to visit while we are here?”

“Do you have a list?” Dimitri asks, his words a command, not a question.

“Of course.” Hussein produces a document and hands it over to Dimitri, who merely gives it a perfunctory, almost dismissive glance.

“Vicktor, bring Ivan up.”

A couple of minutes later Vicktor returns with a small man who looks to be in his fifties, wearing grease-covered coveralls.

“Ivan, I want you to take this list and see if we have any of these things in inventory. If not, check our other sources.”

“Yes, sir,” Ivan says, taking the list, he promptly heads back downstairs.

“Gentlemen,” returning his disdainful gaze to Hussein and Dakham, “give us a few days. We will get back to you if we can be of some assistance. If not, then I suppose we could recommend another source.”