Page 54 of Guarding Zuri
He snagged her arm and drew her close, his eyes holding concern. “Are you sure you don’t want me at the meeting?”
“I’d rather take the meeting alone, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t. And I respect you for it.”
“I’m not one to take the easy way out.”
“Or help.”
“I never said I didn’t want your help preparing.”
His face softened as his lips drew into a smile. “Good. Then let’s get ready.”
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
Zuri stood at the opposite end of the conference room in front of the monitors that displayed pictures of Bendola’s natural resources and graphs of production estimates. A trained economist from the resistance team had drafted this presentation for the meeting that ultimately later claimed Bayo’s life. She had the foresight to grab the thumb drive before they left Bendola. Zuri had always struck him as a quick thinker. She spoke well and confidently, and Daemon couldn’t be more proud.She’ll make a great president, he thought—if the coup was successful. But first, she had to meet with his father and convince him to invest in Bendola.
Zuri continued her pitch. “Once Bendola is in the hands of the people, the country will need outside help. We have many natural resources. I know certain people have contracts with President Gohi, but those could easily be canceled, as there is strong reason to believe those contracts were birthed in corruption.”
Did he hear her right? Daemon pulled his feet off the conference table and rested his arms on the table instead. “You’re offering Knight Industriesexclusivecontracts? No competition?”
Zuri nodded her head once and lifted her chin. Although she looked confident, he could see the desperation in her eyes. He understood how she felt. His father evoked a level of anxiety in him greater than war.She’s thinking exclusive contracts will convince my father to invest.Maybe.
“That might work with my father, but there’s the optics to consider. Offering Knight Industries exclusive contracts won’t sit well with competitors. You don’t want to be like President Gohi,” he cautioned gently.
She visibly stiffened. “What do you mean?”
“He unilaterally decides who gets what contracts, all of which favor him and not the people. I know your heart is in the right place, and I admire that. Even though your intentions are different, it’s the same optic.” She bit her lip and crossed her arms. Her expression turned pensive, and she looked away. Daemon came to her and squeezed her upper arms. “Look, I know you’re thinking of the people and not fattening your pockets. President Gohi is a greedy man, but you’re not him.”
“Thanks,” she said, her lips twisted into a grimace. “Even though deals like that are done all the time?”
“I know. But you want to start your presidency off right, at least for as long as you can. Going through the bid process with several companies may take longer, but it’s the better path.”
She ducked her head in uncharacteristic insecurity. “Who said I’d be the next president?”
“You don’t want to be president?” She shrugged. “Who else would it be?”
“David, for one. He’s got the temperament.”
Daemon pursed his lips, considering. There was truth in that statement. David was diplomatic enough, and his training and military background would serve him well as the leader of a country. Maybe David would be the next Bendolan president—if Zuri didn’t want the job.
But would the country follow David? And did Davidwantthe job? He seemed content to be second-in-command, performing his role well. If Daemon knew his friend, David preferred operating in the background.
His chest tightened at her downcast expression. She was losing confidence. He didn’t want her to think her plan was a total loss. “You’ve got the right idea, Princess.”
“You think so?”
“Wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.”
“Sometimes I wonder if I would be better in procurement,” she said with a chuckle. “I do like to manage.”
“Leading an entire country is on a different level. Your hesitation isn’t wrong. It’ll take stamina pushing for better and being okay with the tough decisions. You can do both.”
She nodded. “I believe you. But will it be enough to convince your father? He’s different from everyone else I’ve spoken to.”
“He is that,” Daemon said dryly. With one final squeeze, he released her. “My father can be very unpredictable, but one thing he can’t pass up is a good deal. He’s all about the money, and Bendola is untapped potential. I hate to put it that way, but that’s how he’ll see your country.”
She eyed him with a curious look, and he grinned back. “What’s in that head of yours, Princess?”
