“And how did you respond to that?”

“I told them that if that were so, I’d start my own distribution business. Then they got mad, and Gino said I’d never get a license, that he would see to that, too. At that point I told them good day and got out of there.”

A secretary came out and led them to the partners’ office.

“We’ll talk more about Brubeck and Parisi later,” Stone said.

The Kelly brothers worked in a roomy office at a large, old-fashioned partners desk. Introductions were made, then two other people came in and were introduced as Sam Diehl and Caroline Woodhouse, a writer–art director creative team. Stone found Ms. Woodhouse very interesting, and he noted the absence of a ring on her left hand.

The conversation was immediately relaxed and casual: Pepe thanked them for their introduction to Marty Winkle, and the brothers gave him information about the birth and growth of their agency, then showed him some print ads and a dozen of their recent television commercials for various clients.

“I’ve seen some of this work before,” Pepe said, “in magazines and on TV. You fellows are very good at what you do.”

They talked more about marketing and media buying and about the possibility of opening a small office in San Antonio to handle their regional work, as well as Pepe’s account.

“We know you’ll want to talk to some other agencies,” Stan Kelly said, “but I want you to know that we’re very interested in working for you. After you’ve had some time to make a decision, please call us.”

“I don’t need to talk with anyone else,” Pepe said, “and I’ve never had any trouble making decisions. If I can put together this company in New York, I’d like you to represent us. I looked at Marty Winkle’s operation, and it looks like we’re going to make a deal, after we’ve done due diligence, and Stone has written us a contract. The minute we get that done, I’ll want you to go to work on an introductory campaign.”

The brothers were delighted. They talked about the sort of budget they thought would be needed, and Pepe was agreeable to that. “By the way, Brad,” he said, “I understand your brother-in-law was responsible for the introduction to Marty Winkle. When the deal goes through, I’ll see that he gets a finder’s fee.”

“That would thrill him, Pepe,” Brad replied. “He’s getting married soon, and he could use it.”

They broke up the meeting and said their goodbyes. Stone made a point of shaking Caroline Woodhouse’s hand. “I hope I’ll see you again,” he said.

She looked him in the eye. “I hope so, too,” she replied, handing both Stone and Pepe her card.

Stone and Pepe took the elevator downstairs and chatted for a moment in the lobby.