Bonded In Truth

No Secrets, No Regrets

Zaiere

Things were going great in my personal life, and business was going well too. However, one particular inquiry from a potential client made me uneasy. Monty Stalone was the self-made multimillionaire of Stallion Tech Enterprises. He seemed to be the typical rich white man that everyone loved on the surface, but nobody knew that he was really a grimy muthafucka that didn’t play fair.

I knew I couldn’t put off his request too long, so I sent a formal email back to his assistant, letting her know that I would be available to speak with Stalone that afternoon at four o’clock. That gave me just enough time to swing by my crib and change into something more business professional. I knew his type from a mile away, and he was used to having people be comfortable being his little lap dog.
I shook my head at the thought. White people and their privilege was a trip. That’s why I made it my business to be my own boss and employ a staff of nothing but people of color. No one ever batted an eye at the fact that most large companies only hire white people with a sprinkle of black just to say they don’t discriminate, but we all knew the truth. Some of them wouldn't even give you the time of day if you didn’t sound white enough or had too much of an ethnic name.

Fuck that. I was proud to be a black man, and it felt only right to give back in that way to my people. I also donated regularly to the black communities in my area, especially the places for children because they needed to know they deserved to have the best, just like the white folks get a chance to have. Going to a PWI made a huge difference in how I viewed white people.

They really didn’t give a shit about us, and I knew then that I wouldn’t get caught up with any of them cause they’ll throw you under the bus in a heartbeat to save their own ass.
That’s why I was so hesitant to respond to Monty Stalone because there was no way he was seeking me out to only talk formalities. This nigga had a motive, and I didn’t care to be a part of it no matter what the price is involved.

* * * * * * *

I made it to my place, changed, and was out the door in less than 30 minutes. I didn’t want this meeting to linger, so I made sure to arrive early to get a start on the actual work I needed to focus on.

As expected, Stalone was right on time and all smiles as if he’d just hit the lotto. I greeted him with a genuine smile, completely in my element, no matter what the outcome was going to be.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Thornton, you sure are a busy man to catch up with.” He chuckled lightly, making sure I was aware that he knew I’d purposely not responded to his previous requests to me.
“I’m sure you know exactly how busy business can be,” I responded with a smile but not giving any apologies.

“Ah, yes, business can definitely be time-consuming, but business is what brought me here, and I have an offer I think would really be worth your while,” he stated without a flinch.

“Is that so? That’s a bit surprising seeing as how your company has never collaborated with any other company before. How could I possibly be of interest to one of the richest men in the country?” I voiced without an ounce of amusement.

The pleasantries were officially over, and my gut was telling me this nigga was up to no good.

“Well, as you know, our competitors are getting bigger and bolder with each passing day, and I need a few inside details on an upcoming software launch they’re planning. I think you’d be the perfect unsuspecting person to get that information with your skillset.”

I looked at him, smile fading, and on full alert.

“I’m flattered you’re impressed with my company and skills as you put it, but I’m not sure how I can be of any help. Any software your competitors may be releasing has absolutely nothing to do with my company,” I said, paying close attention to his body language.