Success, Opulence and Power by Hebru Young (best novel books to read .TXT) 📗

indeed. Business has been a bit slow lately, but today I was able to complete a travel deal” the officer responded.

“A travel deal?” Guillermo asked.

It was obvious the officer had found another travelling customer for the cargo ship, and chances were, he had already collected his finder’s fee.

“Yes, a travel deal,” the officer responded. “Remember I spoke to you about the special cargo ship?” the officer said.

“Ah yes, but of course. It’s a good thing that you brought this up. I have a few questions about it, but not to worry, we will get into that after you’ve had your meal,” Guillermo insisted.

“Oh, so you have questions for me, eh?” the officer asked with a smirk on his face.

Guillermo had caught the officer’s attention. His mind was already clocking at full speed, trying to work out what Guillermo was thinking. He was hoping that this meant even more money in his pockets.

“So, like I was saying, I completed a deal today. I introduced a man and his wife to the ship’s crew. That ship left harbour this morning, and I made two hundred dollars from the deal,” exclaimed the officer.

Two hundred dollars wasn’t a great deal of money. However, when you took the exchange rate into account, it worked out as seven thousand Dominican pesos. This amount of money would go a long way in the Dominican Republic.

“Wow, you did really well today then,” Guillermo responded.

“Yes, I did. It’s not really a steady income, because most of the people that are trying to travel to America can’t afford it right away and generally have to save towards it. So, as you can imagine, it takes time for me to get the money. This then means that there will be times when business will be slow for me,” explained the officer.

“Well, here’s to a good day of business.” Guillermo lifted his bottle of El Toro Mexicano and they both clinked bottles. As they put their bottles back down, the officer insisted on paying for their drinks.

“It has been a successful day for me, Guillermo. You have to let me buy you a drink today,” said the officer.

“As I always say to you, your money is no good here,” Guillermo responded.

“Today I insist, it will make me happy if you allow me to do this,” insisted the officer.

The officer didn’t mind paying for the drinks. After all, there was a good chance that Guillermo was about to bring some business his way. So, to him paying for the drinks would be a small investment. The waiter made his way back with the officer’s meal on a tray.

“Wow, that was quick,” the officer said with surprise.

“My good friend, in this restaurant my guys know that we have to provide the best service. Especially for you,” said Guillermo.

The pottage was steaming hot, so the officer had to let it cool down while they continued talking. It was quite a hot day, hotter than usual. The two sat directly under an old-fashioned ceiling fan. Guillermo could see that the officer had been sweating through his uniform, so he stood up, reached for the fan switch, and cranked it up a notch.

“That’s much better, isn’t it?” Guillermo asked.

“That’s perfect. All the hustle and bustle under the hot Dominican sun really has me sweating today,” the officer responded.

“Yeah, I’ll be glad when the sun goes down and everything cools down a bit,” said Guillermo.

“So how are Anna and Isabel doing, all is well with them I suppose?” asked the officer.

“Anna is doing well. She is the glue that holds the family together; she is always in church praying for the family. Little Isabel is doing well, she has started play school now, and she is so bright,” Guillermo responded proudly.

“Like her father, eh?” the officer said.

The officer did not want to beat around the bush any longer.

“So Guillermo, what’s on your mind?” the officer asked.

“You haven’t even had your meal yet—it can wait,” Guillermo said.

“No, it’s fine, please carry on,” the officer insisted.

“Very well then. How much would it cost if someone was interested in travelling to America on the magic ship?” Guillermo asked.

“It costs $3,800, and I can make the necessary arrangements as soon as the person is ready,” the officer replied, trying not to sound too excited.

“Well, my friend, that person is me. You have inspired me with your plans to move to America, and I wouldn’t mind the opportunity of moving my family there as well. As you know, the opportunities here in Puerto Plata are limited, and like you, I am willing to do whatever is best for my family,” Guillermo said.

This news really had the officer’s mind racing. If Guillermo could come up with the money, it would mean a three-hundred-dollar commission. This would get the officer closer to achieving his own personal travel goals.

“Guillermo, you have no idea how happy this makes me. You and I share the same dream—this is big news. Waiter, more beers please!” the officer shouts.

The officer and Guillermo spent the rest of the evening discussing plans for the trip. They talked about the education, career, and business opportunities in America and how their families would benefit from them.

On any other Friday, Guillermo would not leave the restaurant until closing time, usually around 1 a.m. However, today was different. Shortly after his conversation with the officer, he left the restaurant. He jumped in his truck and headed home. He lived on the outskirts of Puerto Plata where some of the other business owners lived. It was not the most prestigious neighbourhood, but it was clean and safe enough for his family. When he got home, he found that his wife was still awake, watching TV in the living room.

“Oh, hello, Anna. I didn’t expect you to still be awake,” Guillermo says