This is an authorized translation in English of a post in French by Vincent Le Roy (@vincentleroy): LE DOSSIER VALMY (Thriller) : Chapitre 21

^{As my primary language is not English, there are probably some mistakes in my translation.}

Remember that the person who speaks here is NOT me, Vincent Celier (@vcelier), but Vincent Le Roy (@vincentleroy), a French guy.

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Chapter 21: Christmas gifts

Fall 2006 has been exhausting. Between the obligations of the German contract and the answers to be prepared in the various lawsuits, I did not waste a minute. I always get up at 5:00 AM and always come back late. As soon as I arrive, I put some glasses of wine to decompress and I collapse on the couch. Julie has a habit of sleeping alone.

Paradoxically, it is also the first time that I pay myself a decent salary. Then, with the consciousness of the accomplished duty, I will take refuge behind this material aspect. And besides, she does not say anything. She continues to manage perfectly our little family. She even makes sure that I always have something to drink.

Procedurally, everything seems to work. The Commercial Court has proved us right. Our opponents appealed but that does not worry us. The Montreal lawyer finalized our response for the Canadian part. And we are waiting for December 23^rd to pass it on to our opponents. They spoiled me the summer holidays, me it will be Christmas that I will rot them. Convinced that my arguments are such that they will let go and negotiate. Denis is also convinced.

In December, we organized a general assembly in Luxembourg to purge Kojak's mail. He is a shareholder and therefore summoned. Jeannot is in the game. My Luxembourg lawyer who always follows me too. We have all the proxies in hand. Kojak arrives with a crutch. The poor man got hurt. Behind him, his lawyer. A young trainee not seasoned. I learned that he was fired from his firm recently with loss and crash. He has lost his arrogance. This meeting has no interest except psychological. The goal is to make their eyes full and we will give them to our heart's content.

From the outset, you must appoint a secretary. His young lawyer proposes himself to be certain that the report will be honest. He will write so much that day, under my dictation, under the pressure of the murderous remarks of my lawyer that he will not have time to defend his client. He will suffer a big humiliation. A good lesson that I hope will serve him all his life.

As a manager, I start with an operational report. I emphasize the sustainability of the company and our ability to manage ongoing conflicts. My lawyer who officially represents the other shareholders makes it clear that he is delighted for his clients with these good news. We give it to our heart's content. His colleague does not have time to answer, he must take notes. He sweats. Kojak does not say anything. He looks like an acorn. He hears all my statements and is obliged to admit that he is happy with this good news. We savor this admission which has necessarily cost him.

This "massacre" meeting continues for hours and suddenly my lawyer launches the first missile by addressing Kojak who will fall into the trap that closes on him:

• Dear Sir, you wrote to the auditor that there would be a VAT scam ... My clients (Julie and Denis) are very worried and have given me a mandate to shed light on this point. You understand that it is very serious.

• Yes yes I understand. In fact, as soon as I have the balance sheets, I will prove it ...

The lawyer savor this umpteenth stupidity of Kojak. And push it a little more:

• The balance sheets are published and my customers have not seen anything to complain about. What are the concrete elements you have to make such comments that are extremely serious?

Kojak is sounded. His lawyer is late in the steno. He stutters:

• But, but, I assure you that it is true and that as soon as I have the balance sheets, I will prove it.

We are jubilant. The Luxembourg lawyer gives him a good one before the coup de grace:

• I want to know exactly what you hold. Because let's be clear, my clients have given me a mandate to act. If Mr. Le Roy has shuffled, I immediately bring the prosecution against him, and on the other hand, if you make a fable, I will apply the same against you. So?

Kojak does not understand anything anymore. He is overwhelmed by the situation. His lawyer is completely obsessed with the entry of notes and requires a repetition of comments instead of intervening. The accountant arrives. He knows the situation well. He confirms that everything is fine and that the company is well managed. He renews his confidence. My lawyer takes advantage of the situation to complete Kojak:

• Dear Sir, I feel that your allegations are fanciful. To say the least. I warned you, I received a very specific mandate. And I want to register a resolution.

Kojak's lawyer felt the missile arrive. Although he may have difficulties to follow, there he raises his head and intervenes:

• We cannot change the agenda.

My lawyer looks at him with an unparalleled meanness:

• Dear colleague, we can change the agenda if 75% of the shareholders agree. We will therefore study this point.

Jeannot and I dive into our bags in search of our actions. We take our time. My lawyer already has the titles of Julie and Denis on the table.

In total, 89%. Kojak's lawyer is obliged to admit that he has it in the ass and start again to take notes. The humiliation is total and they have not finished tasting. My lawyer continues:

• I would like to put the following resolution to the vote: authorize the company to assign your client for false and slanderous comments while he was a director and to ask Justice for the corresponding damages.

Kojak takes a hit. Jeannot says:

• I think I will vote yes ...

My lawyer continues to complete it:

• Colleague, your client votes what?

• My client is voting against of course.

• So please note that by a two-thirds qualified majority the shareholders have decided to sue your client in court.

Kojak had his little Christmas present like the others. It is 7:00 PM and I have an appointment with Archibald for a hunting party. I decide to adjourn the meeting. I ask for it by motivating it. My lawyer goes on:

• But of course Mr Le Roy, and thank you for your report. I will be able to reassure my clients.

In his corner Kojak does not muffle anymore. His lawyer intervenes with one last hope to take back the hand:

• And if we do not agree?

He sees my shares on the table. Those of Jeannot. He understood. He will still take one. And I get up giving all power to Jeannot to sign the minutes, I greet everyone except Kojak. And I went to Germany.

With in the background, renegotiation of the contract. Me too, I have the right to my little Christmas present.

Continue to Chapter 22

Introduction
Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6
Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12
Chapter 13 - Chapter 14 - Chapter 15 - Chapter 16 - Chapter 17 - Chapter 18
Chapter 19 - Chapter 20