As they walked the stone courtyard to the last afternoon meeting place, the Tuscany sky radiated a paradisiacal portrait, a splash of celestial blue on a fantastic day. Moments like these reminded Harry full well why he had chosen this career. Meetings were smooth wins, all anticipated flack on Canadian energy policy successfully deflected. They played the game of soft touch politics, always underlain by fierce competition—the part he most loved. Canada, negotiating around Alberta’s influence on much needed global energy supply, held sway in close to all offensive plays on Ottawa priorities.
He loved any kind of win; when you had home ice advantage, you took it to the fullest. The Senators would be on screen playing the Bruins back in his room that evening, well, the game finished hours ago but he’d catch the action delayed-live on NHL.net. A relaxing finish to a sensational day.
He’d been practicing his persuasive tone, inviting André to come watch just one Senators game.
“Didn’t you play junior hockey for Ottawa?”
“Oui, also for Quebec City.”
“One game, then.” Harry added smooth appeal to his enthusiastic undertone. “C’mon, you don’t wanna miss out on great hockey.”
The innuendo on André’s face made it clear he’d be sticking with his Montréal hockey and their Philadelphia game. Harry squinted and winked. A new angle, a negotiator always kept a back pocket strategy when it came to convincing others. When their teams faced common foes, yes, then. In the next Leafs series both the Sens and the Habs had it in for Toronto.
As he grabbed the hardwood handle to the meeting room door, Harry felt his pocket buzz. He stepped aside, and pulled his Jeenyus. His eyebrows rose at call display. Minister Kendall? Wasn’t he meeting Asian reps? He waved André in, and stepped over under a portico arch.
“Yes Minister?” He touched up volume.
“Harry. Are you familiar with a deputy minister’s role?”
“Yes sir.”
“We have a situation and I need your negotiating skills. The HICCC has invited my office to a meeting in Africa.”
“Africa, Minister?” True surprise mixed into Harry’s questioning tone. “The HICCC?” In the drone zone! Jesus!
“Take the Challenger to the city of Niamey. Bring your assistant,” Minister Kendall directed. “We have PMO clearance on the jet.”
“Of course, Minister. But can I ask—these countries invited your office?” As senior contract negotiator, Harry knew he had a tiny wiggle room, even with the Honorable Minister. “Does the Prime Minister’s Office even recognize this HICCC consortium?”
“My office will be counting on your consulting firm. I personally chose Harold Heine services for my office negotiations.”
“Yes Minister. We are fully aware of your priorities.” He paused. “If I could voice one minor concern, Minister.” This was the last play of the game. Time to strategize. “How specifically will we speak to your absence, sir? You, having been personally invited, and not attending?”
“The situation doesn’t warrant my direct attention. Look, Harry, I’ll send my executive assistant Paul Dion along. That will cover all bases for my office. Have Paul contact me directly on any significant issue.”
“Yes Minister.” He squeezed his lips. His questioning tone insinuating team needs had come off just right, given the situation. Paul was an extra player advantage. “Thank you sir.” His mind switched gears as the Italian dial tone started beeping, and he slowly returned the Jeenyus to his pocket. So much for that relaxing evening watching the Sens play on NHL net. Or was there a way, to see the game at least? He fought to keep the day’s fading glow, imagining the crowds on their feet for home team, cheering the winning goal.
Niamey. He rolled the name off his tongue. In English, then French. Lewis, that’s where Lewis had been, on that goofball HICCC tour, yes, that same city. In Niger, yes, French. God. Maybe he could swing an overnight stay. To enhance clear minds anticipating next COP days he could say. He’ll have to check with Sophie. Right, grab an overnight bag and get to the Peretola airport. And actually, all games should be there to watch on the Prime Minister’s plane with its snazzy All-Round-U holograms.
He opened the meeting door, waving André back out.