“I understand change is difficult,” I say, clicking to the first slide of my presentation. “Especially when the current system has been profitable. But legitimate business offers advantages that your current operations can’t match.”
“Such as?” asks the thin man with glasses.
“For one, the FBI will stop kicking in your doors.”
A few snort with laughter, though most stay stony-faced.
“To be more expansive, legitimacy is stability,” I continue. “Legal protections. Sustainable growth that doesn’t depend on territory disputes or shifting alliances.”
The unremarkable man snorts. “Pretty words from someone who knows nothing of our world.”
But I place my hand on Vince’s arm, stopping him. “It’s alright. Anton is correct—I don’t know your world as intimately as you do. But I do know business.
