Free The Paper Factory (Michael Berg Book 1) by Norrie Sinclair

sandwiches.”
      “ Is it likely that I’ll be meeting President Gilmore while I’m here?”
      Augustus smiled, understanding her concern. “When the Group was founded, it was agreed that no serving US president would attend a Bilderberg conference. It would simply have been seen as another lever used by the Americans to pursue their own interests.”
      He decided it was time to move on.
      “ May I ask,” said Augustus, “what precisely will be the theme of your speech?”
      “ Well,” answered Elisabeth, “I don’t want to spoil my own thunder. Let’s just say I have for some time now held a strong view that the global financial industry is out of control. No one knows how much exposure the largest financial institutions have to a global derivatives market that’s wound tighter than a spring. Not even the lunatics who are running the asylum.” Augustus winced, tongue protruding, wetting thick lips.
      “ The evidence points to a complete market collapse with implications we can’t begin to contemplate. The nearest comparison is America in the thirties. That was America. Now we’re talking the whole world.”
      Augustus sighed. “ I agree that the markets have been tough on the banks recently, but I hardly think ‘we lunatics’ are quite as incapable as you seem to think,” said Augustus, a shrill quality entering his voice.
      “This is my opinion. I didn’t come here to tiptoe softly over people’s egos. No matter who they are. You’ve invited me to speak. I have to assume that the audience is of a caliber that will want to hear what I think, not some sanitized claptrap.”
    Augustus reminded himself that he had an additional objective to be achieved duri ng this meeting.
    “Of course, you’re absolutely right. You may find, though, that your audience is more receptive to your message if you rethink referring to them as lunatics.”
      “ You can be rest assured that I won’t upset any of the members of your audience more than they deserve to be.”
    It occurred to Augustus that the Group’s invitation to Elisabeth Kennedy may have been a little premature.
      “I’m sure you will, Elisabeth. I mean, I’m sure you won’t.” He felt his cheeks flush. He needed to move on. Move on before completely missing the opportunity. It hadn’t been his intention to alienate her. Quite the opposite, in fact.
      “I t’s important that you say exactly what you think. Your audience will expect nothing less.”
      “ Thank you. I’ll do my best not to disappoint.”
      “ One last thing, a personal favor to an old friend of mine. Please feel under no obligation, you are perfectly entitled to refuse.”
      “ I can’t make that decision until you tell me what’s on your mind.” Elisabeth smiled, warmth again returning to her voice.
      “ Stephen Riblaw, an old friend, we studied at Oxford together. An admirer of yours for some time. Built quite a formidable reputation for himself as a Keynesian scholar. Spent most of his career at Balliol. He’ll be in Washington on the seventh and eighth of July. Would love to meet you.”
      “ Why, I don’t think that’s too much to ask, I’m sure I’d find your friend stimulating company. Ask him to call me as soon as the conference is over. We’ll fix something up.”
      “ That would be exceptionally good of you. I’ll let him know immediately. He will be as delighted as I am grateful,” said Augustus, genuine appreciation in his voice.
      “ Now I mustn’t keep you. You’ve travelled a long way today. I’m sorry about the sandwiches; one would expect that in a hotel such as this the service would be a little sharper. I’ll have a word with someone.”
      Augustus stood up, smiled and waited for Elisabeth to do the same. He showed her to the door. ”I look forward to seeing you in the morning. We should meet at eight thirty.”
      “ Thank you for the warm welcome. Until tomorrow.”
    Augustus held open the