"So to stop her from taking us over, you decided to withhold our money first?"
"What's the difference?"
Smith let out a cold laugh.
"Suspending redemptions is a death sentence for me."
"We need to see the money. Now."
Leo's fingers tightened slightly around the receiver.
He knew the crucial moment had arrived.
For an old fox like Smith, who had been wallowing in the muck of local politics for decades, empty promises were useless. He needed to see real chips on the table.
"Ron, I know the difficult position you're in."
Leo gripped the receiver tightly.
"That's why I've prepared a compensation plan."
"Effective immediately, all notes for which redemption has been suspended will retain their legal tender status. Furthermore, to thank our allies for their trust during this special period…"
"Any city account that holds these notes without cashing them in will receive an additional five percent holding bonus in six months."
