Chapter 68 Catching Up

At midnight, Poul arrived at the headquarters of their company. Workers on the night shift were busy in the factories, producing goods, while those on the morning shift were sound asleep in their homes. Poul stood in front of the door of the house which also served as their main office and knocked. He heard footsteps from inside and the door opened, revealing Jonathan.

Poul performed a casual salute and said, "What's up?"

Jonathan returned the gesture and opened the door widely, allowing him to enter. Poul stepped inside and looked around the plain living room.

"I've missed this place," Poul said. "Why are you still awake?"

"I'm waiting for you," Jonathan replied. "I figured you'd arrive at midnight because of your train and ferry schedule. So, are you going to share some stories you had in New York? We can talk about it all night if you want."

Poul nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we'll do that. But first, I need to address some issues and share a business proposal that I'm sure you'll be interested in."

Jonathan realized what Poul was referring to and spoke up, "A quarrel with Fiora Whitney, right? I read about it in the newspaper. Morgan called and he was furious, demanding that you issue a statement to the papers."

Poul sighed, "Yes, I figured he would call. Although she was in the wrong, Fiora is a prominent figure in high society. This would affect our business in the future should I ignore it. Still, I kind of hate it, you know, writing an apology to those kinds of people."

"Well, you have to let go of that feeling, bro, the reputation of our company is at stake. I will have Amelia write a formal statement for the papers. For now, we will talk about your trip to New York."

"Yeah sorry about that," Poul said apologetically.  "Oh wait...Amelia? Where is she? I was expecting that she would welcome me but it turns out I was wrong."

"She is sleeping in her bedroom. I finished building her one, this means we can sleep in our bedroom."

Poul chuckled at Jonathan's comment, "I see, and how is the new bedroom?"

"It's cozy and warm," Jonathan replied with a smile. "I'm sure Amelia will be happy with it. But let's talk about your trip now. How was New York?"

Poul sank into the couch, lost in thought, reflecting on his recent business trip. "It was a typical trip to New York, although this time it was a bit worse than our previous visits. I ended up being thrown out of the Astoria Hotel for confronting Fiora, but there were some promising developments during my stay. Take Caroline Dupont, for example. After my unfortunate run-in with Whitney, she extended an invitation for lunch, and we discussed business. Remember how we've been searching for a smokeless powder that's efficient? Well, Dupont agreed to assist us in exchange for something in return."

Jonathan's interest was piqued. "What did she want in return?" he asked.

"Investing fifteen million dollars into our enterprise," Poul revealed, a sly grin spreading across his face.

"Fifteen million dollars?!" Jonathan exclaimed, clearly taken aback by the staggering amount.

Poul nodded. "Yes, it's an incredible offer. It's probably the second-best deal we've ever received, after Vanderbilt's twenty-five million dollar contract."

"So, not only will we have access to a smokeless powder, but fifteen million dollars as well?"

"That is right," Poul confirmed. "So are you in or not?"

Jonathan's face broke into a wide grin. "Of course, I'm in! One hundred percent. We'd be fools not to take her up on that offer."

Poul reclined back on the couch. "I knew you would be on board, but we cannot ignore the implications of this deal. It is imperative that we consult Mr. Morgan. Caroline's investment will inevitably lead to the dilution of our shares, and we cannot make a decision without his approval," he explained to Jonathan.

"Indeed, your point is valid. It is crucial that we bring Mr. Morgan up to speed on this matter," Jonathan affirmed, his head nodding in agreement. "Now, what was the other offer that you received?"

"This particular offer was extended by James Russell, who is currently struggling with the payment of two dollars and fifty cents as royalties for each horsepower of electric motor sold. His intention is to decrease the amount paid. Nevertheless, he offered us an alternative, that is to purchase the patents of the direct current electric motor for a total of fifty thousand dollars. In addition, we will receive stocks of their company, which, in my opinion, is a favorable proposal."

"In exchange, however, we will be forfeiting our rights over the direct current electric motor. Are you willing to accept such conditions?" Jonathan inquired.

"Indeed, I am. It is only a direct current electric motor, and we still possess the technology of the induction motor. Once we decide to introduce it to the public, we will be the ones to manufacture it, which means the only ones profiting from it," Poul responded with confidence.

"If you are fine with it, then I'm fine with it. You may inform us that we have accepted his deal, but don't do it yet."

"Why's that?" Poul inquired.

"Because the current contract still stands, which means he's obliged to pay us royalties until the contract is terminated," Jonathan replied, a sly grin creeping up his face.

"You sly devil," Poul chuckled, shaking his head in amusement.

"He didn't set a deadline, did he?" Jonathan probed.

"No, he didn't," Poul confirmed.

"Then that's Russell's blunder," Jonathan chuckled.

"What occurred while I was away?" Poul inquired upon his return to their company headquarters.

"Things have remained the same, to be frank," Jonathan began. "There have not been any significant developments. However, if you are interested in learning about a new project, I am currently constructing a model for an M1 Garand."

"Interesting. How long will it take to create a working model?" Poul inquired.

"Another month and the M1 Garand will be ready for testing. However, I will require Caroline's smokeless powder formula," Jonathan replied.

"You shall have it," Poul assured. "Is there anything else?"

"Indeed, your assistant, Amelia, was dismayed when we asked her to leave before our discussion of the M1 Garand began. She believed that we should not keep secrets from her, as she is our secretary. I explained that we were not hiding anything from her and that we had accepted Mr. Sherman's deal to develop a weapon. That being said, I surmised that she was interested in the model. Although I am uncertain as to why," Jonathan relayed.

"She wanted to know about the model so that she could inform Caroline," Poul explained. "I have already provided her with the details, and to my surprise, she appeared enthusiastic about the project."

Jonathan arched an eyebrow at Poul. "She seemed excited, you say?" he inquired with a tinge of amusement in his voice.

"Indeed. She's probably aware of the lucrative opportunities of the arms industry in this era. I can already envision orders pouring in from military organizations around the world. In that regard, we should establish a subsidiary solely dedicated to the production of firearms," Poul proposed.

"I concur with your notion. Why don't we name it the Axelsen and Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company?" Jonathan suggested.

"I believe that's a suitable name," Poul responded, nodding in agreement. "I'm seeing a pattern here. Whenever we establish a subsidiary, the name Axelsen and Nielsen must be in it."

"But the question is, who will manage it?" Jonathan asked.

Poul pondered for a moment before answering. "You will manage it until we can find a suitable replacement."

Jonathan nodded thoughtfully, considering Poul's proposal. "I accept the responsibility, but I must say that it will require a great deal of time and effort to establish and manage a subsidiary company," he remarked.

"I understand," Poul responded. "That's why we need to take it step by step, and not rush things. Just like we did in Union Switch and Signal Company. We will have to put in the work and dedication to make it a success, but the rewards will be worth it."

"Agreed," Jonathan said firmly. "I will make sure that the subsidiary is established on a solid foundation and runs efficiently before my replacement takes over."

Poul expressed, "I could really use some beer right about now."

"Let me check if we still have a bottle," Jonathan replied as he rose from the sofa and proceeded to the kitchen. He searched through the icebox and obtained two beer bottles, feeling the frigidness run through his fingers.

Returning to the living room, Jonathan tossed a beer bottle to Poul, which he deftly opened.

The two clinked their bottles and savored the coldness of the drink, an invigorating treat after a long exhaustive day. As they sipped and relaxed, the duo conversed on various topics until the early hours of the morning.