Soft.

f o u r

Thursday morning

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"I am more than aware of that, Mr. Baker. My father has built a brand and I intend on keeping that brand up to its standards." Zeke leaned back in his chair, turning slightly adjacent to the large window behind him. That window displayed a skyline view of Seattle as a whole. Skyscrapers towered up to the heavens, giving Zeke a world class view of one of his favorites. "I'm willing to buy your company at twice its value. We both know that you're in a rough spot. I'm making you an offer that you can't refuse."

"I.. I don't know, Mr. Ingram." Mr. Baker hesitated. Russell Baker was the owner of a software company and it was a successful business. However, he was up in age and hadn't found a successor. Once Zeke learned this, he personally made the phone call to persuade him to be bought out at twice the company's value.

Zeke stood up, sticking his hand into his pocket. "How about this? Call me back in three days or I'll even fly to Houston to meet with you personally to discuss this."

"That sounds good. I will let you know, Zeke."

Not only was Russell a rival company, he was a longtime family friend. Zeke was hoping that the relationship would be the deal that sealed the entire thing. "Sure thing, Mr. Baker."

Removing the device from his ear, he pressed the end button and laid it on his desk. He picked up a file before moving out of his office and heading down the hall to Jeff's. He knocked twice before walking in, seeing Jeff's wife, Tamia, sitting in one of the chairs. Her protruding belly sat out for everyone to see, considering that she was having twins.

"Oh, I'm sorry to interrupt." Zeke immediately apologized. "But, we have a meeting in five."

"Right, I know. Tamia was just filling me in on the doctor's visit." Jeff said, helping his wife stand on her feet. Tamia looked at Zeke with those rare blue eyes, not really wanting to speak but did anyway. She really didn't care for guys like him. Tamia was short, and before she was pregnant, she was a gym rat. She stayed in tip top shape and manages to do even while still pregnant.

She currently had her hair cut into a bob, and she had real dark skin. She was stunning, to say the least. Jeff would give her the world if he could. "Ok, I'll see you at dinner baby." The couple shared a quick kiss and embrace as Zeke stepped out of the doorway.

Tamia wobbled out of the door, causing Zeke to look at Jeff. He had a confused expression on her face. "You're not going to walk down with her?"

"Oh, right!" Jeff jumped off the desk, and followed behind her. "I'll be in the conference room in like a minute!" He called out to Zeke before the two disappeared onto the elevator. Zeke walked down the hall into the conference room where his employees were waiting patiently.

A few had notebooks already out with pens in their hands while the others elected to take notes on their devices, whether it was a phone, laptop, or tablet. Zeke preferred the old fashioned way. He loved the smell of a new notebook and a fresh out-of-the box pen. "Good evening, ladies and gentleman." He greeted in a rather monotone voice.

His staff greeted back, some perky and some matched his enthusiasm. This was the part of the job Zeke disliked. He didn't enjoy having meetings and usually Jeff would lead, but he was momentarily out. "Good morning, Mr. Ingram!"