It would have been easy for Max to arrive at Brander’s home or Head Office and make a fuss to see him, but that would be on Brander’s turf, his rules, and in his control. No, this could only work if Brander was on his own, vulnerable, and by Max’s rules.
Max wrote to Brander and posted the letter by recorded delivery, to his home.
Dear Mr. Brander,
I am keen to advance my plans and they concern you. When we meet, I will explain everything and then you will fully appreciate the great deal I have for you.
I also wish to return most of the money I have taken from you. Some substantial expenditure has occurred to date for setting things up, but this is small change compared to the overall amount.
I have booked lunch for the two of us for Sunday 23rd June 2013 at the Mercure Windsor Castle Hotel for 1:00pm, my treat.
Regards
D.I. Marsh
Max and Star enjoyed lunch at the Mercure Windsor Castle Hotel later that day and familiarized themselves with the building. They planned escape routes and anticipated how Brander might trap them or thwart their scheme.
When Michael Brander opened the letter next morning, his heart fell, he knew it was not really for him, but for Yaakov Malenkov. He took the letter to Malenkov and waited anxiously for his response.
“Obviously, using Brander as the front man is working,” thought Malenkov. Apparently Marsh did not know the real setup. Malenkov had carefully chosen Brander’s empire to launder the drug money and be the power behind Brander’s throne.
What was Marsh’s angle? He had stolen about a £million so far and wanted to return it. Most odd. So what sort of deal was Marsh able to offer?
The reason for meeting at a populated place was obvious: no real risk of one killing or kidnapping the other. The choice of venue was well-considered: a top class restaurant where Brander had probably eaten previously, which was also close to his home. How very considerate. It showed Marsh was a schemer and also that an amicable meeting was essential to the proposal. It implied there was a risk that the deal might not be accepted, so like any negotiation, good presentation might swing the deal.
“Michael, I want you to go to the meeting, find out what this man wants, get my money back and report to me straight after.”
Brander turned and left.