Awakening Book One of the Trust Series(64)
“I won’t deny it’s an honor to work with me, Declan,” he advised while winking at Caitlyn. “Did I mention I am modest too?”
She laughed lightly. They soon took off in the air, and Derrick and Declan began talking strategy for the arbitration. Caitlyn found it fascinating and had spent the last two weeks in her spare time reading books on the art of negotiation, but she knew she was out of her element. Declan had advised her that there would be three other people involved in the arbitration; a man named Monroe who was the arbitrator at most of these functions and then two unknown representatives for the Cine Tofa.
The two men threw around various names that she did not recognize as possible opponents, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of all. They also discussed what they were willing to give up to get the Cine Tofa to release their hostages as well as what the Cine Tofa would probably demand. It was a constant weighing of pros and cons between the two of them. Sometimes they both agreed, and other times, each of them were on opposite ends of the spectrum.
Declan had explained that the arbitration would take place in neutral grounds in Montana. Both sides had facilities there, for the sole use of negotiations and treaties. They had landed on time, and Caitlyn was led to the Trust hunting lodge. The exposed log walls and cedar interior made her feel more like at a retreat rather than a negotiation. Declan led her to the large bedroom that had been set aside especially for her, advising that she had some time to put away her things before meeting Declan and Derrick in the great room. The negotiations were set to start that afternoon at two pm as scheduled.
The three of them walked into the negotiation hall, quiet, as they were led to a large room. Declan whispered to her softly, “Monroe is here already.”
Sure enough, Monroe sat there, hands on the table, sorting through various papers. He looked past the seasoned negotiators at Caitlyn, a small smile playing on his lips.
“Derrick, Declan, Caitlyn. So glad you could make it. Henry and Sierra will be here shortly. Hopefully, we can make this short and sweet.”
Declan and Derrick glanced at each other at that information. Those were two of the names they had tossed out on the plane. Both had particular dislike for the each of them. Derrick shook his head in frustration. “I am afraid not this time, Monroe.”
Monroe tilted his head down and sighed. “I figured you would say that, Derrick. Caitlyn, are your rooms to your liking?”
Caitlyn could sense his sincerity. “Yes, they are more than adequate. I appreciate the opportunity you have allowed me to be involved in the proceedings.”
Monroe waved his hand as if it was nothing. “I have nothing to do with who handles the negotiations on the Trust end. You should purely thank Declan for this one. It is a rare opportunity to be able to observe such proceedings and very few have gotten the privilege. Both sides are very protective of who they let join in the negotiations.”
Caitlyn could not help but smile at Declan in thanks. He had warned her that this would end up being fairly intense, and there would be long hours over the next few days, not that long hours would intimidate her. Monroe made general chitchat with the two of them; it was obvious that the three of them had worked together often over the years, and Monroe and Derrick were sharing stories of their wives and children.
It was then that Sierra and Henry walked through the door. Sierra was tall, redheaded, and confidence exuded off her in waves. Caitlyn could not help but stare at her coolly; she could tell that the other female clearly had a chip on her shoulder. Henry was almost kind in contrast, his body grandfatherly and his demeanor soft. It was not until she took in his eyes that she saw the anger that was smoldering behind them. She realized that his demeanor was a front to put those in front of him at false ease; he was really a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Derrick quickly exchanged pleasantries with them before moving to one side of the large oak table. There was a cool respect in the room, with the tension lying just underneath, mounting as the minutes passed. Monroe cleared his throat. “I believe we have everyone here. Please. Let us all sit.”
Henry and Sierra exchanged glances with one another before taking their seats. The Trust sat on one side of the table, the opposition directly facing them, with Monroe sitting on the end. Monroe cleared his throat, his voice somber. “This arbitration session has been agreed to by both sides to discuss the release of particular individuals. As decided by the treaty of 1989, I’ll listen to both arguments and both requests. Upon proper deliberation and argument, I’ll come back with a decision that I deem to be amiable to both parties. Should one or both parties disagree with my decision, they will have the right to decline the decision or appeal for a new arbitrator. Is this agreeable to both parties?”