Haut nodded, trying to work out where this meeting was going.

‘Well, he’s set to go in harder, more often, if you don’t stop your claims about oil and gas finds.’ Guy sat up straight, and leant forward on his elbows, the beer in his left hand. He pointed at Haut with his right hand.

‘You know they’re solid,’ Haut said, staying calm. ‘We’ve got what we claim. There’s a lot in it for this state.’

‘I don’t think so. The minister doesn’t think so.’

‘You’ve upset a lot of people, Al,’ Jonas said, ‘a lot of big people.’

‘And little fellas too,’ Guy said, ‘with your comments about finds bigger than this-and-that raghead oil state. We worry about your future. We worry that some time, some day, someone may be tempted to take action.’

‘That sounds like a threat,’ Haut said with a slow smile.

‘On the contrary, mate,’ Guy said, his expression more serious. ‘You’ve defrauded so many people with share issues in a company who have been given no returns.’

‘No, I have not! If they still have their shares that will change when I go into production.’

‘We don’t think so, mate.’

Haut waited. He didn’t touch his drink. Guy and Jonas guzzled theirs.

‘I want to look into a crystal ball,’ Guy said. ‘You know, like you do with your visions.’ He glanced at Jonas, who covered his mouth with his hand and smirked. ‘Here’s what I see will happen. Harry will step up his coverage of you, and it won’t be pretty. Politicians in parliament who feel the same way as us will hop into you often.’ Guy leant back in his chair again and loosened his tie. ‘Third, the SEC and ASIC …’ He paused, opened his arms and added, ‘maybe even the taxation department, will take a very close look at you and your operations. That’s my vision.’

‘I’m not stopping,’ Haut said, his expression tightening.

‘We know,’ Jonas said cynically, ‘it’s in your vision.’

‘I guess it’s our vision against yours,’ Guy said. ‘To avoid anything nasty happening we reckon you should stop your mining activity. All of it. For your own good.’

‘You could preach full-time,’ Jonas said, as if making a viable suggestion.

‘Or pursue your vision overseas,’ Guy added.

Haut stood and marched to the door.

‘You will be judged for this,’ he said, opening it.

‘What?’ Guy responded, standing. ‘By you? God?’

‘No, I ask God how long it will be before he passes judgement …’

*

‘I’ve been interviewing some knowledgeable Europeans in the oil industry,’ Cavalier told Haut on the phone a little while later. ‘There are more than strong rumours that Conquer has overstated its reserves.’

‘That’s why they went so hard after Shelf Energy.’

‘And why they have you in their sights.’