by Geoff Wolak
A prize more valued
1
Otto seemed pensive. ‘What is it?’ Beesely asked as they walked through the grounds, down towards the lake.
‘I have a request from ... from the secret Swiss banking organization.’
Beesely turned his head and frowned a question as they walked. ‘I thought we … were the secret banking organization?’
‘K2 is the security agency within this banking group. There are many other banking groups. The men who wish to see you are from the original secret banking organization, started a hundred years ago - maybe three hundred.’ He coughed out a nervous laugh, unusual for him. ‘There is an official banking confederation, this other group sits behind them - the real power.’
Beesely studied him carefully. ‘This group, they’re powerful?’
‘In financial terms yes, they are much bigger than our bank, perhaps one hundred times bigger. But they are not as logistically powerful as K2. They sometimes use K2 for their dirty work, as you say.’
‘So what do they want?’ Beesely probed.
‘They have heard you are more approachable than Gunter,’ Otto explained.
Beesely shot a glance at Otto. ‘Not much of a recommendation, my lad!’
‘They wish to meet as soon as possible, they have many grievances, not least the success of our bank at their expense.’
‘Is it … at their expense? I mean, if they are a hundred times bigger?’
‘Not really. But when we find out about company take-overs we do not tell them, so they lose out potential gains. We also get oil trading information which they do not.’
‘Gains they would make if they were in bed with us.’ Beesely clasped his hands behind his back. ‘I see. So, how did Gunter relate to them?’
‘He would meet with them when he was younger, but he wanted to be their leader, and he wanted them to be more aggressive and to kill competitors.’
‘They had no stomach for it?’
‘No. They always wanted to be very discreet,’ Otto pointed out.
‘But they have used K2 for dirty work?’
‘When they needed, but they did not want Gunter to have a hold over them.’
‘I see no reason why we should not patch things up. Arrange a meeting here –’
‘No, they will not come here. This group meets in secret, only at night, a place that is quiet. We own a hotel on a hillside not far away - it has been used before for such meetings. I will arrange the meeting for tonight.’
Beesely stopped. ‘Tonight?’
Otto looked apologetic. ‘They are insistent in their need to see you.’
Beesely breathed out. ‘I guess we best shine our shoes then.’
‘Gunter always said this.’
‘What?’ Beesely snapped.
‘It is common for Swiss to have the shined shoes. When I was a boy, Gunter said this often.’
Beesely made a face. ‘Hope I do not remind you of him too often.’ They walked on. ‘How much influence does this group have over the Swiss Government?’
‘The Swiss Government is as much regional, by canton, as it is Federal. And this group … they are the real power.’
Beesely took in the view. ‘So, around here the tail wags the dog.’
‘I have heard this English saying –’
‘It means, the criminals run the prison.’
‘Ah. We say … the skiers run the competition, not the judges.’
Beesely cracked a smile. ‘I shall have to remember that one.’
