Since he got to OBX, he’d been hit with all sorts of challenges, but he had more hope for the future than he had in a long, long time.
Chapter Fifteen
Kane walked into the meeting prepared with a hot list of properties ready to be flipped.
It had been a challenge. This wasn’t a big city where deals lurked around every busy corner. No, with the beach as the main draw, prime real estate was gathered close to the water or in the heart of shopping towns lining Main Street. Sometimes, it was a game to dig deep enough to find the real owners to buy from. He’d seen a ton of shade in NYC but hadn’t really found too many red flags in OBX.
Kane was focused on moving fast and keeping things clean. His past experiences had pushed him into grayer areas to walk the legal lines, and though he did it for the goal, the twist in his gut confirmed he wanted a clean slate. Looking back with a safe amount of distance, he clearly saw how greed played into too many deals. Hell, his mentor had been his greatest teacher. Each lesson was primed to show Kane the end justified the means, and if you weren’t first, you were last. Last meant ruin. Last equaled failure. He’d learned to dull his emotions and sharpen his instincts for winning.
Until he landed in jail. Lost everything. And finally realized the truth about the fake world he’d once believed in.
But this time was different. Kane learned he couldn’t trust anyone but himself, and doing this deal with Stealth was his way to get back in the game. This time, on his terms.
He studied the two men at the conference table with an expert ease. One was in power, and the other was here to make Kane feel more valued. Todd Fletcher—CEO of Stealth—was well-known in the South and was slowly making a name for his company as a major player. He dressed in designer lapels but his conservative black suit wasn’t custom tailored, and fit him poorly. The shoes were a knock-off of a famous Italian designer, and he smiled a bit too broadly at Kane, making him seem nervous. He peered from behind thick-framed glasses that gave off a cover model vibe rather than power.
The guy to his right, Jack, knew his place. The simple white shirt and red tie were classic. His features held no strong emotion, and his brown eyes stared back with a simple clarity that told Kane he probably knew more about the nuts and bolts of Stealth than Todd. Kane had been trained early on to court the approval of the quietest guy in the room, not the loudest.
Jack would be in Todd’s ear and Kane needed to make a quick, solid impression.
“I was happy you could meet with us,” Todd said. “We’re looking to grow our team and your past experiences in New York are impressive. Unless you intend to return home?”
Kane smiled, easing back into his chair. He shot his cuffs, and his last good set of links caught the light. Once, he’d had a drool-worthy collection but it had all been left behind. “New York served its purpose, and I was honored to get my experience with Global. But it was time for a change. A close friend of mine lives in Corolla, and after a much-needed vacation, I decided to make the move permanent.”
Todd boomed out a laugh. “Nice to know we can still run with the big dogs. We’re looking forward to seeing what you came up with. I’m sure it was a challenge not knowing the area.”
“I thrive on challenge. And you were smart enough to hire me for my outside opinion. A fresh perspective is needed with these beach towns, especially when rents are increasing and available property is shrinking.”
Kane felt Jack’s gaze on him, but the man remained silent, absorbing the conversation. “Exactly,” Todd said, jabbing his index finger in the air. “Jack and I need someone fresh to round out the team—one with less connections to the community. There can be a certain sense of…upheaval we hope to avoid with a new face.”
A strange unease settled over him as he felt the energy shift. Was this a test? Sometimes, companies threw out bait projects to see how things were handled before giving out the real prize. Not that he was worried. He’d been playing these games for years, and he never minded sharpening his claws. “Understood. I think you’ll appreciate these properties to house an exclusive resort.”
Kane spent the next hour sifting through his top choices, going into a detailed prospectus for each. He leaned into his innate confidence and used his past experience to show he’d handle whatever came at him.
They pulled his proposals apart with hard questions Kane appreciated. And when all was said, he waited with patience until they spoke first.
Jack and Todd shared a knowing glance. Slowly, Jack nodded.
A pleased smile curved Todd’s lip. “Kane, thanks for the presentation. You hit all the marks we were hoping, and we’d love to hire you for this deal.”
His blood sung with adrenaline. He’d figured they’d play harder and let him sweat so they’d have better negotiation power. But this looked like a straight win. “I appreciate your confidence,” he said with a tip of his chin. “Which property do you want me to move on?”
“None of them,” Jack said.
He cocked his head, a question in his gaze.
Todd cleared his throat. “We had a property that came up for our consideration but it’s a bit delicate. It houses some local businesses which can become a bit of a challenge, so we wanted to see how you’d handle this type of deal. And you impressed us, Kane. You’re the one we want.”
“But not for these properties I worked on? You need me to close on something else?”
Jack slid over a stack of folders. “Correct. I’ll send you all the stats, but that’s some old paperwork you may find useful. The new landlord has gotten himself into some trouble, and we can buy out the lease, then flip the building. He just needs some convincing. The specs and price are better than the others.”
Kane nodded, still finding it strange they didn’t just be straight with him. But who cared if he got the job? He was a master at negotiation and maneuvering and would get it done. “Then I’ll handle it.”
Satisfaction carved out Todd’s face. Jack kept his expression neutral, but his gaze probed as if checking to see if Kane was the real thing or a bullshit artist. “Reach out with any questions. We’re counting on you.”
Kane grinned. “I won’t let you down. But I haven’t seen your offer yet. I’ve been happy where I am.”
Todd practically rubbed his hands together in glee, giving too much away. “Not getting bored over there closing medical office deals? You could do that in your sleep.”
