Page 56 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“Not at all.”

Simon took the chair across from Dalton. “Phillip, could you bring me a glass of chardonnay?”

“Yes, sir.”

Dalton jumped at the sound of the big man’s voice. He hadn’t realized the guy had been standing in a back corner.

“Are you all right?” Simon asked.

“I’m fine.”

“You said you have the information?”

Dalton removed a thumb drive from his pocket. “Right here.”

“So kind of you to deliver it personally. Thank you.”

Simon held out a hand, but Dalton kept hold of the drive.

“Something we need to talk about first.”

Simon leaned back. “Anything you want to talk about could have been done over the phone.”

“Some subjects are better discussed in person.”

Phillip reentered the room and handed Simon a glass of wine.

“Thank you.”

Instead of leaving, Phillip took a few steps back and stood quietly, hands clasped behind his back.

Dalton eyed him for a second, then looked back at Simon. “I think this is a conversation we should have alone.”

“We are alone,” Simon said.

“What about him?”

“Think of Phillip as an extension of me.”

Dalton fought to keep the annoyance from his face. “Fine.”

“What is it you want to discuss?”

“My share.”

“You are already getting double your fee for this.”

“I didn’t say fee. I said share.”

“That’s not how our arrangement works.”

“It is now.”

“And what makes you think that?”

“The way I see it, I’m an integral part of your business, and it is only fair you pay me what my information is really worth.”

“And how much do you think that is?”

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