Chicken A La King Page Seven

David took the podium.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here. We want to welcome you to the world of Mmm! Foods, where our customers are our best friends”...
David took a sip of coffee from a company mug.
“The world of Mmm... Foods make a world of difference when it comes to delivering consistent growth. I’m pleased to report that this year was once again another year that demonstrated the underlying power of our global portfolio of leading restaurant brands.”
A big screen popped up in the ceiling and an image of an Mmm! Foods restaurant flashed on the screen. There was signage in Chinese on it.
“We are pioneers in China and we fully intend to capitalize on the total opportunity. We have bold goals to build dominant restaurants brands in every category. So in addition to casual dining we have begun to expand delivery service. We will soon have more restaurants in China than we do in the US.”
And today we have a special guest here, Sam Fullbein of Uncle Sam’s Chicken. We are on the threshold of having Uncle Sam become part of our family of restaurant chains. Sam, we’d like to hear a few words from you now. Everyone welcome Uncle Sam!”
David whispered in his ear.
“Seventy-five million for your chain consider it Sam”.
Sam nodded and took the podium.
“It certainly is an honor to be here in Arkansas today. I have enjoyed tremendous success as an independent retailer of chicken. My chain has fifty stores strong across the US, and I am proud to be known as The King of Wings. I know all of you youngsters out there have newfangled ideas about business and this global marketplace, but I am happy just to be doing business here in the USA where Uncle Sam’s was born. I intend to oversee operations at my stores myself and with a team of close associates. I thank you for inviting me to join Mmm! Foods! But for right now business will run as usual. Thank you.”
David approached the podium.
“Any questions for Sam?”
A young woman stood up.
“What about the secret recipe? Will you ever reveal it?” Sam smiled.
“I do have a secret recipe that has been in the family for thirty years. It is locked in a vault and no one has the list of ingredients. I will never reveal it to anyone.”
A man raised his hand.
“What’s next for your chain of restaurants?”
“I’m planning on expansion, building more stores in more cities and promoting those stores with a very aggressive ad campaign.”
A young woman stood up with a sign that reads chicken wings = murder.
慦hat about the cruelty charges and what do you plan on doing to stop it?”
Sam’s face got redder and he stammered.
“Well, uh...we do not see the processing of chicken as cruel or do we consider it murder. It is necessary to feed the public and we are not going to stop production of chicken wings. I am very sorry miss, I do not see your point”.
She waved her sign at him.
“Its slaughter.”
“Please get her out of here”, Sam said into the microphone.
Two burly men came and escorted her out of the convention center. David took over the podium.
“Thank you Sam, for being with us today. I am sure we will be doing business soon.”
David whispered in his ear. ”We’re willing to offer you one hundred million for your chain Sam, think about it.”
His mothers voice echoed in his ear. “Never tell anyone the secret recipe Sam, promise me Son”.
He vowed he would make good on his promise. They shook hands and Sam exited the building to his waiting limousine. The driver held the door open for him. Sam sat back in the plush seat. One hundred million dollars, it was staggering. He took a deep breath and lit up a cigar. He inhaled deeply, taking in the aroma of the pungent leaves. He stared out the window and wondered if not selling was a wise move. His cell phone rang. It was Mindy.
“Hi honey, how did it go?”
“Not bad.”
“What happened?”
“They made me an offer. I didn’t take it, I decided to stay.”
“How much?”
“One hundred million.”
“One hundred million? Sam? Are you sure? Why don’t you sell out honey?”
“Because it is not the time to sell. I have a lot of plans.”
“No, what you have honey, is a lot of headaches...We could retire!”
You are retired, he thought. He was the one who busted his ass, every day out there fighting the fight in the world of chickens while she spent his money and fooled around with gigolos.
“Let’ s discuss this at home.” he said.
“Well, that what I’m calling about...I’m on my way to the airport.”
”The airport? Why?”
“I’m flying with Cynthia for a week at St. Tropez. She rented a villa there darling...just a teensy-weensy week and then a tiny stopover in Sardinia.” Her voice had that tone to it, that tone that said she was going to get her way, as usual.
He was quiet.
“Do what you want” he said roughly.
“Sam? You’re not mad at me are you? If you are I won’t go, I’ll just stay home and be bored” she pouted.
“Go honey, have a good time...”
“Thanks sweetheart.”
“When are you getting back?”
“Sunday”
“Alright, see you then.”
Click. Sam was angry with himself for being manipulated once again by his wife. Any more of her hijacks and she was out. She had signed a prenuptial that entitled her to two million dollars if the marriage lasted five years, six million if it went to ten. He doubted they would make the five years. Even that was too damn much money.
“Mr. Fullbein?”
“Yes?”
”We’re here, sir”

“Oh yes.”