“Please, just `Jonesy,'” the man corrected gently. “A little of both, actually. I was originally here for a vacation, but, as I mentioned, I recently received a call from my superior instructing me to investigate certain business opportunities for our organization.”
“And just what might those business opportunities be?” Maxine pressed. “I don’t mean to pry, Mr … . Jonesy, but I would like some reassurance that they aren’t in conflict with our own interests.”
“I …” Jonesy glanced at Stilman, who was standing between him and the door. “I was instructed to investigate the possibility of our organization acquiring full or partial ownership of this casino hotel.”
His words hung in the air like a death sentence.
“I don’t understand,” Maxine said carefully. “There has always been a sort of gentleman’s agreement between our organizations regarding territory. Why are you attempting to move into an area which has always been acknowledged as mine?”
“My superior told me to specifically assure you that we are not moving against you,” the man explained hastily. “We will continue to respect your current holdings, and we will not compete with you for this property.”
“Then what …”
“Please, allow me to explain,” Jonesy said, holding up a hand. “We are, of course, expecting you to attempt to gain control of this casino as you have the others on Lorelei. There has, however, been media coverage of a new security force hired to protect this facility. My superiors are impressed with the reputation of this force and the individual who leads it, and are unsure if your organization is capable of opposing it. I have simply been instructed to observe your efforts. If you are unsuccessful in adding the Fat Chance to your holdings, then my superiors feel they will be free to make an attempt of their own. In such a case, they feel they would not be opposing you in any way, but simply moving on an unclaimed opportunity. I hasten to repeat, however, that this will only be done if, and only if, your own efforts prove fruitless.”