Read Online The Siren Project by Stephen Renneberg - Free Book Online

you
did. So, how can I help you?”
    “Our company will shortly be bidding on
some government contracts. We'd like to make sure that influential people, such
as yourself, see the benefits of giving our company . . .” Mitch searched for
the right words.
    “Preferential treatment?”
    “Exactly.”
    Rayborne nodded understandingly, then cut
straight to business. “What contracts?”
    “High technology, in the defense systems
area.”
    Rayborne furrowed his brow perplexed. “My
secretary told me you represented a fertilizer company. Something about a
phosphate amendment?”
    Mitch nodded a little embarrassed, thinking
he should have given Mouse more precise instructions about their cover. For
some reason, Mouse had found the notion of Mitch as a fertilizer salesman
amusing. “Our company does have a fertilizer business, however we also have
substantial interests in the Californian electronics industry. If we publicized
the fact that we were interested in some upcoming defense contracts, then our
larger competitors might try to undermine our efforts.”
    “Of course. What are these contracts going
to be worth?’
    “Several tens of millions of dollars,”
Christa said.
    Rayborne’s interest rose visibly. The
smaller projects received less scrutiny than the big ticket items, which an
enterprising man like Rayborne could convert into creative opportunities. “What
kind of preferential treatment were you looking for?”
    “We’d like background information on key people
involved in the project, so we could visit them, and privately discuss the
merits of our tender.”
    Rayborne interpreted that as bribing other
officials. “Sounds like a reasonable request.”
    “It’s call the Siren Project,” Christa
explained. “We’re particularly interested in contacting one of the project
leads, a Doctor Erich Steinus.”
    “I see,” Rayborne said thoughtfully. “And
then later, when the contracts are about to be awarded, if you are not the
favored vendor, a more favored bidder may be found wanting for . . . technical
reasons.”
    Mitch nodded appreciatively. “Exactly.”
    Rayborne pursed his lips. “And why don’t
you contact this Doctor Steinus directly?”
    “We’re not sure where he is. You know how
these classified projects are, getting in touch with key people is not easy.”
    “I understand.” Rayborne paused in thought.
“I believe I am in a position to help you, but you should know, this kind of
assistance can be a complex business. Naturally . . . there are expenses.”
    “Of course,” Mitch agreed, waiting for the
price.
    “Because Marsin is a valued . . . associate,
I’ll do it for you at a cut rate. Say five percent.”
    “Five percent?” Mitch asked a little
confused.
    Rayborne looked surprised. “Your people at Marsin
didn’t explain my terms?”
    “Well,” Mitch said a little embarrassed, “I
asked them to recommend someone we could deal with. We didn’t discuss money.”
    “Ahh, rightly so. Five percent of the
contract value.
    “Of the contract value?”
Christa gasped.
    “Indeed. If the contract is twenty million,
then my share is one million dollars.”
    Mitch’s eyes widened.
    “You seem surprised. Surely a twenty
million dollar contract, which you may not win without my help, is worth at
least a million dollars in gratuities.”
    “I see your point,” Mitch said, convinced. “You
have a deal, Mr Rayborne.”
    “Now, there is the matter of my retainer.”
    Christa forced herself to remain seated,
suppressing her growing rage.
    “How much do you require?” Mitch asked
    “Fifty should be sufficient.”
    “Fifty is fine with us,” Mitch replied evenly.
    Mitch exchanged contact details with
Rayborne, then they shook hands and excused themselves from his office.
    Outside, Christa exploded. “What a worm! Do
you know how many people sleep on the streets while that jerk is picking our
pockets!”
    Mitch read Rayborne’s banking details,
amazed. “He’s not only a