Author's Comments: All characters in this story are at least 18 years old and this is a work of fiction. The future short submissions, form part of one mans journey in support of another and documented for your pleasure. There are a few twists and turns, and yes I do digress on occasion as it is in development and all errors are mine. Suggestions are invited and comments welcomed.
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Brains had just travelled with Paul to a brand new industrial estate, where Paul had taken control of all six of the 4000 square meter warehouses, each one leased by very different companies that Paul, in one way or another controlled. They were heading to a monthly catch up when the call had come through. The landlord, or rather the managing agents wanted to inspect 'Unit 4' as it was being marketed for sale. The problem was that the current stock and extensive collection of super cars would draw far too much attention.
The logistics team couldn't quite understand what the problem was, readying themselves to appear helpful, but in reality, standing by to organise a stock check of the warehouse.
The manager, Thomas couldn't really see why the inspection was a problem; but this consultant who had represented the client from day one, was always very particular. He was always informed of any unexpected visitors to his clients units. His people made it very clear, that privacy, security and confidentiality was absolute, with regular stock audits without notice and sometimes-daily security visits.
They all watched as the car pulled up and Paul stepped out of the rear door with Brains, who they assumed was an accountant or some sort of personal assistant. Both the men acknowledged the warehouse team, with Paul handing Thomas a £50 note, telling him to organise food and drinks for all the boys, from the nearby roadside café. Both wandered around the warehouse and Brains could not believe the size of the steel structure, with the high value computer stock and pallets of ink cartridges, stacked from floor to ceiling.
He understood why this visit was an unwelcome interruption, with far too many super cars and rare classic cars stored here that would catch anyone's interest. Many were held against loans, some were security against gambling debts from the private poker tables Paul owned, others were repossessed for and on behalf of leasing companies and banks.
Each was charged daily storage, insurance and daily interest on any outstanding balances. It probably wouldn't surprise you, just how many reported their car stolen and claimed on the insurance. In these instances, they would be encouraged to hand over the fruits of their fraudulent claim, allowing Paul to scrap the shell of the supercar, breaking up the remaining parts for sale or sending the car to Middle Eastern or Eastern European contacts for sale or lease.
It was a very lucrative business network and with encouragement from Brains, Paul had acquired a number of breakers yards and recycling facilities that were fast becoming big operations and highly profitable. He had also encouraged Paul to create a very high end and specialist supercar rental operation. Once again providing introductions to some new contacts and interesting individuals as the network continued to grow.
The real stroke of genius was the launch of a financial brokerage for leasing and funding cars, stock and high value assets. This had opened so many avenues of opportunity, and providing access to bank security alerts, company financial information and personal details about the directors; just as important, were the early alerts to missed monthly payments of businesses in distress and under financial pressure. Paul was always on hand to provide financial support, advice and guidance and most were very grateful for the help once the banks had withdrawn their support and were circling the remaining assets.
Paul had listened to Brains suggestions as they walked around the warehouse, Paul alert to open pallets or cuts in the protective, heavy-duty stretch wrapping. Brains suggested covering the cars, removal of the plates, or try to cancel or postpone the agent's visit but the consensus was always the same; anything that raised a red flag and possibly suspicion amongst the warehouse staff or managing agents was a serious issue. After all, they had five other units to consider, each with different staff and more importantly, most of the current stock would not survive close scrutiny. The boxes and sealed pallets were now filled with obsolete equipment from his recycling operations, and certainly not the very expensive computers, TV's and Screens that appeared on the outside of the boxes.
These had already been sold months ago for cash and this stock was simply recycled around the various companies across the UK and Europe, bought, sold and then sold again, creating a myriad of transactions, paperwork, funding opportunities and tax claims.
This was a highly complex and profitable operation, and Paul managed every sale, every transaction and every single piece of stock movement in his head. Nothing was ever written down. He knew his Net position, every minute of the day, which is why any possible disruptions or complications to the supply chain were potentially explosive.
