Half Truth

Untitled Part 5

CHAPTER 6

Roderik was unaware, as yet, that his loan application had been rejected by the bank. He had opened the new company by the name AB Enterprises. He had transferred his old family property consisting of two floors measuring 1970 sq. feet in the name of AB Enterprises. In fact he had transferred this property in the names of different companies earlier in the past for obtaining loan. Once the loan was sanctioned, he would complete the short business of the new founded company of import of drugs or banned item like furs etc. Pass on the imported goods to the underworld goons and make huge profiles. As soon as he would receive the money from the sale of his so called imported goods, he would wind up the company, pay off the loan and restore the family property to his old family name. The banks were no wiser as they had earned their interest and had got back their capital. He took the precaution of never going to the same bank again for the same purpose. By the time cops became aware of the arrival of new supply of drugs at pubs, private parties, his company would be nonexistent and cops could never reach him.

He was quite sure that this time also, his loan would get sanctioned. He was not aware of the fact that the description of the goods did not match with the weight of the goods as was mentioned by him in the loan application. He had no idea they the authorities in this particular Royal Bank were very alert and inquisitive.

Since morning Roderik had already made three attempts to talk to Thapa in Nepal but all in vain. On one occasion, there was no response, may be Thapa was still asleep. On other two occasions, there was a net work problem and the call did not go through. Such negative things always depressed him. Roderik did not feel bright at all. To add to his frustration, at the same time, he received a call from Linda informing him of rejection of his loan application. He felt like shouting. With great restraint he could overcome his anger but not his frustration.

Overcoming his anger he immediately pleaded, "Can anything be done? I am in dire need of the loan and in fact I need it very urgently. Please. Could you ask your bank to reconsider it?"

Linda could easily gauge Roderik's desperation from his tone. From her past experience she knew the prey was ready to be exploited. Time was opportune to make some money.

Grabbing the opportunity Linda replied, "Oh! Yes, but not from the bank. They will not alter their decision. But otherwise, I can be of some help to you, if you so desire."

"I shall be extremely grateful. I am prepared to pay the price, if that suits you," replied Roderik.

"Okay, then wait. I will make some arrangements for you. Somebody will contact you shortly. Till then, be patient and do not lose heart," said Linda and disconnected.

As per her experience, she had anticipated this situation and was therefore already in touch with Bery. She looked at her watch and to her comfort she had more than hour to get ready and be at Ritz in time to meet Bery.

Bery was waiting at Ritz for Linda to join him. In fact he had reached the reception lounge at quarter to seven. He was wearing a nice looking suit and a matching neck tie to make a nice impression on Linda. He had even gone to the extent of decorating the tie with a golden tie-pin studded with a diamond. Mentally he was fully alert to grasp what Linda had to tell him. Linda appeared at sharp seven. She was wearing a purple colored dress and was looking even smarter than usual.

Without wasting time on any formalities they straightway engaged themselves in serious business discussions. Bery learnt from Linda the intention of AB Enterprises to import goods from Nepal. He also learnt that Roderik was the only owner of this business enterprise and he would be importing the goods for the first time. He further learnt that the property that Roderik had offered as security was a genuine property. This aspect had been checked by the attorney of Royal Bank in his feedback report to the manager. What was amiss was the fact that AB Enterprises were importing goods under the name 'Earthen Cauldron'. As per the description of goods, the item was twelve feet high. It was roundish in shape and the diameter at the base was three feet. It was weighing about 1000 kg. The bank felt that for an earthen pot the indicated dimensions and the weight were mismatch. Any 'Earthen Cauldron' if it was twelve feet height then its diameter could not be less than six feet. Also cauldron being hollow could not weigh more than 50 kg. The bank became suspicious on the genuineness of the application.