A slight tilt of his massive head was all it took to ask the question�who had made the unusual request?
The manager subtly pointed toward Lindani. Adedeji turned, fixing him with a faint businesslike smile.
�How are you, sir?� His voice was deep, husky�surprisingly quiet, like a whisper carried on gravel. He extended one enormous hand across the counter.
Lindani accepted the greeting, his own hand vanishing into Adedeji�s grip as if swallowed whole. Everything about this man was intimidating�his size, his presence, and the way his calmness seemed to leave no room for uncertainty. And yet, there was warmth in his manner, the polished cordiality of a seasoned businessman.
�Emma,� he said simply.
�Brutus,� Lindani replied, inventing the name without a flicker of hesitation.
�I hear you wanted to see me,� Adedeji went on.
�Yes, sir, I have an odd request I was hoping you might consider.�
�And that is?� he asked, as though the bartender hadn�t already told him.
�My girlfriend here is quitting alcohol,� Lindani explained, his tone casual but earnest. �She still enjoys the taste of beer, so I ordered Heineken Zero� but I�m told you don�t stock it. I really like this place�it�s close to our hotel�and I�d like to come here often while we�re in town. Is there any chance we could stock it so we can enjoy it here?�
Adedeji paused, weighing the idea. �What�s in it for me?�
�You tell me the mark-up, and I�ll pay it,� Lindani said smoothly. It wasn�t part of Themba�s original plan, but he knew some ground had to be given to get the deal.
Adedeji�s mouth curved into a faint smile. �Alright, I�ll stock it�see how it goes. Maybe you�re not the only one, but not tonight.�
�Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. I�m sure others will follow�seems to be a growing trend,� Lindani said, letting his gratitude show.