Kids from One Alpha

Chapter 47: Negotiations

“Ahh, you must be Logan and Serena,” the company rep said when he greeted them at his office door.

“That’s correct,” Logan said. The rep held out his hand to shake and Logan paused in shaking it Serena nudged him in the shoulder to get him to use the proper greeting. Logan did, and the rep smiled at them. “Please, come in, let’s talk about this order of yours,” he said. “You can call me James.”

They went into his office where there were chairs prepared for them. Serena took her seat and got the files out of her backpack. She hoped that the rep wouldn’t defer to Logan on everything. Not only wasn’t he a doctor, but he wouldn’t necessarily understand all the human nuances.

more of a financial concern. You know, getting our money before the order is fulfilled.” Logan glanced sideways at Serena. She knew money wasn’t an issue. He’d told her not to worry about cost, and she hadn’t. “What numbers are we talking about?” Logan asked. Serena passed him her order form. It included the number of units for purchase and the price at the bottom. Logan reviewed it quickly. “As you can see, we have our concerns about why

the page back to Serena. “It sounds to me like you are questioning my honor in this matter, questioning my intentions,” he said. Serena winced, hoping he wasn’t about to blow their chances! Logan had a temper and if something else was bothering him, there was a chance he would take it out on this meeting. “No, no” James said, shaking his hands back and forth. Logan raised an eyebrow. “In my experience, business men don’t question a substantial order unless they have something to lose,” Logan went on. “I have my suspicions, but I’d like to hear it from you” Serena chewed on the inside of her cheek nervously. What was Logan after!? “I’m sorry if I offended you,” James said quickly. “I want

already has the funds to purchase this large of an order, what would we gain by reselling equipment for profit?” Logan asked. “I understand your concerns, but how many small hospitals do you know that have this solid of financial backing already?” “Not many,” James admitted. “That was part of my concern. You see, we offer payment plans. You wouldn’t have to pay it all up front, and then could sell the units, pay us back, and keep a profit.” Logan scoffed. Serena found her presence to be completely obsolete. Logan had taken charge, and even though he wasn’t familiar with the human world, he really knew what he was doing. She wondered it came from his work in trade negotiations. He didn’t necessarily need to be knowledgeable about the goods in question, he just needed to know how to negotiate. Clearly, he did! “I can assure you, our hospital is not as small as you might think,” Logan continued. “Our region has been hit by an influx of flue viruses that are drug resistant. We might not be large by your standards, but we still need the equipment for the health and safety of our community.” “And the payment?” James asked. “All upfront,” Logan confirmed. “I can write a check for your right now, today.” “Well, well,” James said. “Let me call my superiors and confirm the order.” Logan nodded. James stepped out of his office to make the call. Serena smiled and turned in her chair to face Logan. “That was really great,” she admitted. “I was concerned you wouldn’t know what

tucking his phone back into his pocket. “I spoke to the corporate office, and they are willing to go ahead with the order,” he said. “I do have a specialized form you’ll have to fill out that include a notarization and signature from the corporate office,” he explained. “We can do that now,” Logan said, motioning to Serena. James got the form from his desk and handed it to Serena. The way he looked at her confirmed her thoughts about men struggling to work with women. She took out a pen and began to fill out the

want to fill out the check too, I can submit payment and order at the same time,” James continued. Logan gave

order form and my check. I also want the number of your corporate office so I can follow up with them, should anything go amiss. If you have a business card, I want that as well.” James swallowed again. Serena kept her eyes on the form she was filling out, but she smiled to herself. Logan playing hardball was intimidating. She realized that when he had relented to her treating Moonshine pack members, he hadn’t really put up much of