Free To Save a Son by Brian Freemantle Page A

another. They’re prepared to consider a gambling situation on the same level as the existing hotels.”
    â€œIs there sufficient profit in something on the same level to make the whole thing worthwhile?” asked Pascara.
    â€œThe concept has worked in the hotels,” reminded Franks.
    â€œBut will it work with casinos?” persisted Pascara.
    Dukes intruded before Franks could reply. He said, “The Bahamas have worked brilliantly because of the efforts and the expertise of our chairman. But that success forecasts, in the next two years, a profitability upon the three complexes of only two million dollars each.” The Texan hesitated. “Consider the figures from Las Vegas. If we were able to establish some sort of gambling situation in the Bahamas and keep it properly exclusive we could jack up that profitability to eight million dollars, over the course of a year.…” Dukes waved his sheet of figures. “And that’s a minimal expectation.”
    â€œEach would destroy the other,” echoed Flamini.
    Everyone looked at him, and Nicky entered the discussion for the first time. “What does that mean?” he said.
    â€œThat was Eddie’s remark,” reminded Flamini. “I know he was talking about trying to link the Las Vegas concept with what we’ve already established. And that we’re going beyond the Las Vegas concept. But I think there’s an underlying point that applies. I don’t think we should risk uniting the present corporation with any gambling enterprise, even if we decide to proceed. I think there should be a separate company. Same stockholders, if everyone here feels like coming in. But I think the hotel company should be in a position to shed the casinos if they don’t work. And, I suppose, the casino group ought to be able to distance itself from the hotels, if the need or wish arose.”
    That was sensible company structuring, Franks recognized. If separate holdings were established it would mean the operations in both islands would remain safe.
    â€œIf one—or any of us—didn’t feel like continuing then I’m pretty sure Harry Greenberg would want in,” said Dukes.
    â€œIf he thinks it’s a good investment, he obviously thinks it would work,” said Pascara.
    â€œOn Las Vegas terms,” came in Franks at once, “which are cheap, nasty, and nothing whatsoever to do with the sort of hotels we’ve established …” He paused to emphasize the objection, which would nullify the sort of operation that Greenberg would install. “And which we already know the Bahamian government won’t allow.”
    â€œWhat about a specialized, exclusive casino operation?” demanded Flamini.
    Franks paused momentarily. Then he said, “I am in favor, on the condition the gambling operation is under a separate company. I’d like ease of severance, if it became necessary.”
    â€œI’m prepared to proceed, on the same understanding,” said Pascara. “It’s a good proposal but I don’t think we should consider it if it risks putting in danger something that is already proving successful. I want separate companies; if that’s not the majority feeling, then I’m not interested in continuing any further.”
    Franks was surprised at the forcefulness. Pleased, as well. He had control, so independent support was unnecessary, but he still welcomed the backing of the other man.
    â€œIf it’s a separate company it’s going to mean separate development costs,” pointed out Flamini, always concerned with finance. “Have we got any costing for a casino?”
    â€œNone,” said Franks. “It hasn’t got to that stage yet.”
    Flamini nodded, a man in private agreement with himself. He said, “I’ll want figures, before a positive commitment. I’d expect all of us will. But in principle, I’m happy to