"All right." Another pause. Then Jennifer's voice came back and the tone was completely different now. Respectful, almost deferential.
"Mr. Webb, I apologize for the delay. Your application has been fully verified. Your credit is excellent. Your business accounts are in perfect standing. We're prepared to move forward with the purchase of 12 8R 340 John Deere tractors as requested."
The showroom had gone completely silent now. Even the salesmen by the espresso machine had stopped talking. Ryan's mouth opened slightly. He stared at the phone like it had betrayed him.
Jennifer continued, "The total purchase price, including taxes and dealer fees, comes to $3,742,000. We show sufficient funds available for immediate payment. Would you like to proceed with full payment today or would you prefer to structure this differently?"
"Full payment," Marcus said. "Today."
"Understood. I'll have the contracts prepared within the hour. Mr. Kellerman will coordinate delivery details with you directly."
Ryan was staring at Marcus now, color returning to his face in red splotches.
"One more thing," Jennifer said, and her voice carried a note of something that might have been embarrassment. "I have a note here that you requested same day delivery. If possible."
"Marcus said."
"We'll make it possible. I'm flagging this as priority. Your machines will be delivered to your property by end of business today."
"Thank you," Marcus said.
The call ended. Ryan slowly lowered his phone. Around them, the showroom remained silent. The couple who had been smirking earlier weren't smirking anymore. The salesman by the espresso machine looked stunned. The young black employee had stopped pretending to work and was watching with something that looked like pride.
Marcus looked at Ryan directly. "I don't negotiate respect."
Ryan opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again. "Mr. Webb, I... I apologize if there was any confusion. I was just following standard protocol."
"Was it standard protocol when that gentleman bought his mower?" Marcus gestured toward the man who'd paid with a credit card. "No forms, no questions."
"That was a different situation."
"Was it standard protocol when you decided I was wasting your time before you even spoke to me?"
Ryan's jaw tightened. He knew he'd been caught. Everyone in the showroom knew it.
The general manager, a man in his 50s with graying hair, emerged from the back office. He'd clearly been briefed on what was happening because he approached Marcus with an extended hand and a smile that looked genuine, but was probably just good crisis management.
"Mr. Webb, I'm David Patterson. I'm the general manager here at Kellerman's. I want to personally apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced today."
Marcus shook his hand but didn't return the smile. "Inconvenience is an interesting word for it."
David's smile faltered. "Yes, well, we take all of our customers seriously and I want to make sure you receive the white glove service you deserve. Ryan here will help you finalize the paperwork and I'm going to personally oversee your delivery to make sure everything goes smoothly."
"That won't be necessary," Marcus said. He turned and looked at the young black employee. "What's your name?"
The young man straightened up, surprised. "Jerome. Jerome Patterson."
"Any relation?" Marcus glanced at David.
"My son," David said carefully.
Marcus looked at Jerome. "You work in sales?"
"No, sir. I'm in logistics. I coordinate deliveries and inventory."
"Good," Marcus said. "I want Jerome to oversee my delivery. All 12 machines. I want him personally responsible for making sure they arrive on schedule and in perfect condition."
David opened his mouth to object then seemed to think better of it. "Of course. Jerome can handle that."
Jerome looked like he wasn't sure if this was a promotion or a test, but he nodded. "Yes, sir. I'll make sure everything's perfect."