A week later, the industrialist duo stepped off the train and onto the bustling platform of Columbus, Ohio. The city was alive with activity, the hum of machinery, and the sound of voices filling the air. Poul took a deep breath and closed his eyes, savoring the familiar scent of industry and progress that permeated the city.
"It's been four years since we last visited this place," Jonathan remarked, still feeling a sense of nostalgia.
Poul nodded in agreement, looking around at the bustling streets and the towering factory buildings with smokestacks billowing black smoke.
"Yes, it's been four years," he said, his mind drifting back to their last visit. At that time, they were just starting out, full of hope and ambition, eager to make their mark on the world. But now, they were seasoned veterans of the industry, with a string of successful projects behind them and many more to come.
"Let's go then, Poul. We have an important person to meet," Jonathan said, and they began to walk through the crowds.As Poul and Jonathan navigated through the streets, they were struck by the remarkable transformation that had taken place in Columbus in just four years. The roads were now wider, the buildings taller, and the machinery more advanced. It was a clear indication that Columbus was experiencing rapid growth and development, especially on the side of oil refining, as they saw many refineries dotting the city.
After a minute of walking, Poul hailed a horse-drawn carriage. The carriage pulled up beside them, and the driver tipped his hat respectfully as he spoke.
"Where to, gentleman?" he asked politely.
Poul was somehow taken aback at the politeness of the coachman. Normally, he would receive scornful stares from them due to their prejudices towards Albian, but seeing that it wasn't the case, he felt glad.
"Do you know where the Sumpter's Cafe Shop is?"
The driver nodded and gestured for them to climb aboard. "Yes, sir. I know the place. It's just a few blocks down the road."
Poul and Jonathan climbed into the carriage, settling onto the plush seats. The horse began to trot down the street, and they watched as the buildings passed by in a blur. Poul couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within him as they neared their destination.Sumpter's Cafe Shop was a popular gathering spot for the city's elite. It was known for its excellent coffee and pastries, as well as for being a hub for business discussions and deal-making. It was owned by Felix Sumpter, a district councilor, the man who helped them in their time of need.
Poul and Jonathan stepped out of the carriage and made their way to the entrance of the cafe. The cafe was situated in a two-story brick building with large windows that allowed natural light to flood in. The signboard on the front read "Sumpter's Cafe Shop" in bold letters, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wafted out, enticing them inside.
As they stepped into the cafe, they were greeted by the sight of a bustling establishment. The ground floor had several small tables arranged in rows, each one occupied by a person engrossed in conversation or lost in thought while sipping on coffee. The walls were adorned with paintings of local landmarks and a large clock hung over the counter. The aroma of roasted coffee beans and freshly baked croissants filled the air, making them feel warm and welcome.
They spotted Felix sitting at a corner table, talking to one of his crews. It didn't take long for Felix to notice that the industrialist duo already entered his establishment.
He quickly stood up and made his way over to them, a wide smile on his face. "Gentlemen! It's good to see you both again," he said, shaking their hands warmly.
"Pleasure to see you too, Felix," Jonathan replied, his own smile mirroring Felix's.
Felix motioned for them to follow him to a private room at the back of the cafe. The room was cozy, with comfortable chairs and a small table, perfect for private discussions.
As they settled in, Felix poured them each a cup of coffee and offered them a tray of pastries. Poul and Jonathan accepted gratefully, and for a few moments, they sipped their coffee in silence, enjoying the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the cafe.
"So gentleman, how was the trip?" Felix asked.
"Well, Mr. Sumpter…"
"Please, let's drop the formalities and just call me Felix," Felix interrupted
Poul smiled at Felix's words. "Alright, Felix. The trip was smooth and uneventful, thank you for asking. Columbus has certainly changed a lot since our last visit, the growth is remarkable."
Felix nodded in agreement. "Yes, the city is expanding rapidly, especially in the oil refining sector. It's a great time for industrialists like you two to be here. Speaking of which, I assume you have the documents that I need to sign?"
"Yes, you just have to sign this paper," Jonathan lifted his briefcase and pulled out a file. He handed it to Felix who perused it.
"That's the contract for the deal, we will build the state of Ohio the power plant that will power its major cities. Columbus, Zanesville, Cleveland, Toledo, you name it," Poul said, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Are you sure you have the authority to sign that paper? Don't you have to call your fellow councilor for this signing?" Jonathan asked, concern flashing across his face.
Felix chuckled. "Relax, Jonathan. I have the authority to sign this contract on behalf of the council. Besides, I'm the one who proposed that we electrify the state similar to how Mr. Russell electrified New York."
After saying that, Felix signed the contract, sealing the deal. Jonathan grabbed the document that he just signed and stowed it in his briefcase.
"I think that settles it," Jonathan said. "Expect the state of Ohio to be transformed in the coming years, Felix."
"I'll be expecting that," Felix said and continued. "If nothing changed after your power plant, we might demand a refund."
"Of course, that won't be possible," Poul chuckled, knowing that Felix was simply joking. "So, I have been meaning to ask, how did you become a councilor?"
Felix leaned back in his chair and took a sip of his coffee before answering.
"Well, it's a long story. I came to Ohio from New York City about nine years ago to start a business. I started out with a small cafe and slowly expanded it to include a printing shop. As the business grew, I became more involved in the community, and eventually, I was elected to the city council."
Poul and Jonathan listened intently as Felix continued.
"I was initially reluctant to get involved in politics, but I realized that if I wanted to make a real difference in the community, I needed to be a part of the decision-making process. So, I ran for council, and to my surprise, I won."
Felix paused for a moment and looked at his guests.
"It's been a challenging but rewarding experience. I've been able to make a difference in the lives of the people in this city, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished so far."
"That's great," Jonathan commented. "Another question, how did you and Caroline meet? She was the one who referred you to us right?"
"I met her in New York," Felix began, his eyes distant as he recalled the memory. "I was immediately drawn to her products, especially her personal care line. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before."
Jonathan leaned forward, intrigued. "And then?"
"Over time, we discussed business," Felix continued. "She saw potential in my cafe and offered me an investment. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, so we became partners
"Ah…is that so?" Jonathan hummed.
"What about you two?" Felix asked.
"Well, we started our air brake company right with the money we got from Mr. Morgan, who is now our investor to, if not some, most of our enterprises. We relocated to Pittsburgh because Columbus was overcrowded and then things started to move favorably for us since that," Poul recounted. "We received a lot of contracts from railway companies, we started a signaling company, an arms company, and electricity. We are thinking of hopping on to another industry like steel and oil production."
"I see," Felix couldn't help but feel proud of their achievement. "You two are quite ambitious individuals."
"Not only that, we received a contract from the New York Board of Transportation to build a metro station along Manhattan," Jonathan added. "So we are big dogs now."
Felix laughed. "Yeah, it seems like it. Well, gentleman, enjoy your stay in Columbus, and don't be shy about eating all the pastries, it's all in the house."
"Thank you, Felix."
