Gemscentric

Written by Julian Robov

Thirteen


Toni, James and Gary arrived late evening at SV City. Rudy’s study room-cum-office looked a bit disorganized with files and papers around. He motioned them to sit on the sofa, while he switched on his notebook computer.
“So everyone is back,” Rudy said pleasantly. He continued, “which is a good news. How was your trip to Indonesia, Toni?”
“Disaster. Riots everywhere. I think Suharto needs a long vacation far away from his country. Perhaps to the end of the world. And his successor looks no different. Economy is too bad. With unemployment going sky high, and the rich moving money out of the country at the speed of light, there is no way we can sell any gemstones in that country. People just don’t have the money. I hope there won’t be another coup,” he said with a shrug.
“So that market is off the map for the time being,” Rudy added dryly. “Gary, how are things in New York?”
“Booming. Probably the best market in the world if the Asian crisis doesn’t contaminate the American economy like Aids. They say it is a global economy. But everyone is getting sick when one country gets cold. People have money and they are spending it on women, men, cars, houses, gems and jewelry. Lately, traveling too. The stock market is shooting up—like some of our space programs. The Dow Jones is smiling happily and God knows what happens when it hits beyond ten thousand. So far so good. And it did cross the ten thousand mark. Our old customers are still alive and believe me, if they know you are back, they will buy from us. In fact, the Sotheby’s people were asking about you, and you know all that personal stuff,” Gary answered. Rudy nodded. James sat thoughtfully staring at Rudy.
“The local market is half-dead, but I still think we may be able to sell to the rich. I know. In the long term, we should expect the market to recover from Burma to Indonesia. If we can keep that ten per cent rich happy, we are floating not sinking. They have a culture of buying good, big and expensive stones, and given the lack of confidence in their own currency, where do you think they want to put their money? GEMSTONES! They can’t put their money in local and foreign banks. The whole world will know it in a short while. So if they have spare cash, we should encourage them to buy more blue sapphires, because the good ones will always have value despite the crazy mood swings in their economy,” Rudy said.
“I need something to eat,” Toni interrupted.
“Help yourself. In fact, I did order a large vegetarian pizza from Narai, for you and Gary. James, your favorite Big Mac is also on the dining table. And we have more than enough Singha and Carlsberg in the fridge. After this meeting, I’m taking you out to the Rembrandt hotel. Try some hot Indian food—a good chemical match,” Rudy said.
“Ooh! Isn’t that something?” Everyone nodded.
After a fifteen minute break, they were back to the discussion, as Rudy began working out his plans and their assignments.
“I think Gary should be shuttling between Bangkok and New York. Toni will be moving between Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. While James will work closely with me, as a contact source in Burma, Vietnam and Cambodia,” Rudy commented.
“Are we still working the same way like before?” Gary asked.
“Both Gary and Toni will have a five percent commission on each sale, including other benefits. Is that agreeable to you guys?” Rudy motioned James for a Singha.
“Good. We have two percent more this time,” Toni added. “But more than that we love working for you. It’s not the money that matters. You are just taking care of us beyond the commissions and other expenses. God bless you, Rudy.”
“Thank you. Gary, are you okay with this arrangement?” Rudy asked.
“I’m thinking on the same wavelength like Toni. The facilities you have provided for me in New York, Jeez, which dealer will do such things—free housing on Washington Square North. You have given me more than I deserve. I’ll work with you forever. I have no more comments. My mission this time? More business, more blues,” Gary smiled.
“So that’s it? Everyone wants to work for me? That’s great. I’ll have to work out some details with James later, but more than that, I have to thank James for all the help and making it possible for me to get back on my feet. Since you guys have been working with me for a good long time, I have to make this overdue statement. I’ll share fifty-fifty, our profits with James. And it’s my decision,” Rudy said firmly.
James never expected such a gesture from Rudy. He was surprised and felt happy. James deserved this privilege. Toni and Gary felt the same way too. They couldn’t pluck Rudy out of the jungle, and James did it his way with some help from a third party.

There was a jubilant mood among them, as Rudy went for a second round of drinks. Having the numbers tallied fairly, his concentration now moved to the legalese involving Seri and his business.
“What are you going to do with Seri?” Gary asked, after emptying ten cans of Singha.
“I’ll be working out a fair deal with Lec’s lawyer. He has his office at the ITF building on Silom Road. Philip Mathew is a long-term resident and quite influential too. Lec has enormous respect for him. It should be all over by the end of next week,” Rudy replied.
“Jeffrey?” Toni asked with a loaf of pizza still in his mouth. He was gasping for breath, as the food got stuck in his throat. Rudy and Gary rushed to the kitchen for water, while James kept massaging his back shoulder. After ten minutes, Toni was back to normal, but he looked different—like a pizza. Rudy had other plans. He had to first get into Seri’s business. They decided to break up the discussion.
“Are you all ready for the Rembrandt hotel?” Rudy asked while switching off his notebook computer. Then he remembered the note on his table from Potch.