213 - sound investments
- This is the worst business proposal I have ever heard of! said Robert Miller.
- He made it sound plausible, said Duff. - He says his current bar is going so well he will double his original investment in only 18 months.
- I hope you are not even considering it, said Robert. - Dietmar is a crook. He wants to sell you half a bar? That’s the oldest scam in Pattaya.
- Actually the new bar will be in Bangkok, said Duff.
- What will it be called?
- Boyorama.
- Boyorama?
- Yes. Boyorama. Catchy name, isn’t it?
- “Tacky” might cover it.
Larson entered the discussion.
- Don’t be so quick, said Larson. - Any business idea is worthy of consideration.
- What? said Duff. - You hate Dietmar. You of all people should tell me to stay away from him.
- Dietmar and I have our differences, said Larson. - But that belongs in the private life. Business is business. Any investment should be judged by its own merit. Keep personal feelings out of it.
- I don’t believe it! said Robert. - It is only days since you said you wished Dietmar six feet under!
- I may have said something like that in the heat of the moment, said Larson. - But I still think Duffy should not dismiss Dietmar’s proposal out of hand. Think about it. See how realistic it is. Study the risks and the potential for profit. Dietmar is right that keeping the money in the bank doesn’t lead anywhere.
The farangs were back in Bangkok and had gathered in Robert Miller’s hotel for lunch. Duff had broght Noi with him from Pattaya, Peter had brought Bia and Larson had reason to believe that Lek would soon quit working for Dietmar’s Tropical Paradise and return to Bangkok too.
- I would not trust Dietmar for a second, said Peter.
- It isn’t a matter of trust, said Larson. - There are contracts and guarantees. There are official documents and audits. If Duff does it right his money can be safe and he can still have potential to do well.
- I thought you were a teacher, said Peter. - Since when did you become a business consultant?
- I apply common sense, said Larson.
- Dietmar was extra nice and buddy buddy with me, said Duff. - How fake!
- More irrational factors, said Larson. - Think about the money. Only the money.
- You are right to trust your gut reaction, said Robert. -
- Guts are not for thinking. Be rational! When I come back you might be a bar owner, said Larson.
- Where are you going? asked Duff.
- Home.
- Isn’t that a bit early? asked Peter.
- I have exams. My study leave is over.
- If I were you I would stay away from Sweden, said Robert. - It is too early. People will remember what was in the media.
- I rise above what the trash press wrote about me, said Larson. - Anyone who knows me will understand that it wasn’t true.
- Don’t be so sure, said Robert. - You are a gay man and you have spent months in Thailand. That’s as good as guilty.
- Nonsense, said Larson. - It is Sweden we are talking about. Not your hysterical America. We have rights in Sweden. We have laws. The authorities are sensible. Nobody can touch me.
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