Mid-forties.
Artificial tan.
Slicked-back hair.
Tailored blazer.
A large silver watch.
He walked toward Aaron without a smile.
“So.”
Aaron stood.
“You’re asking about the G280?”
“Yes.”
Aaron extended his hand.
Craig looked at it.
Then slid both of his own hands into his pockets.
“We can talk here.”
Aaron lowered his hand.
“Fine.”
Craig remained standing.
He did not offer Aaron the nearby consultation office.
“What exactly is your situation?”
“I own an agricultural company.”
Craig’s expression changed immediately.
“Agricultural.”
“Yes.”
“So, farming.”
“Agricultural production, processing, storage, and distribution.”
Craig interrupted.
“Right. Farming.”
Aaron let it go.
“We operate in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas. I travel six to eight times most months. We’re evaluating private aircraft for business transport.”
Craig looked toward Aaron’s boots again.
“The G280 is around thirty million dollars depending on configuration.”
“I’m aware.”
“That’s serious money.”
“I’m aware.”
“This isn’t a tractor.”
Aaron looked at him.
“No.”
Craig smiled slightly.
“I just want to make sure expectations are realistic.”
“They are.”
“You finance equipment?”
“Sometimes.”
“Land?”
“Sometimes.”
“Aircraft is different.”
“I know.”
“Have you ever chartered?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe stick with that.”
Aaron’s expression remained neutral.
“Why?”
Craig shrugged.
“Better fit.”
“For whom?”
“For your situation.”
“What do you know about my situation?”
Craig paused.
Then smiled again.
“I’ve been doing this eighteen years.”
“That didn’t answer the question.”
Craig’s jaw tightened.
Aaron continued.
“I spent three months evaluating this aircraft. I know the approximate direct operating costs. I know the inspection intervals. I know the mission profile. I know the runway needs at the airports we use most. I know what crew and insurance will cost. I am not here for a brochure.”
Craig studied him.
Aaron said:
“I have financing arrangements available, though I may purchase directly. I’m prepared to move quickly if the aircraft and terms are right.”
Craig turned toward a side table.
“Let me show you something.”
He picked up a brochure.
King Air 360.
He held it toward Aaron.
“Much more practical.”
Aaron did not take it.
“Five-million-dollar range. Great regional aircraft. Farms, smaller airports, that sort of thing.”
“I came for the G280.”
Craig’s smile thinned.
“The King Air probably makes more sense.”
“I’m sure it does for some buyers.”
“For a guy like you, absolutely.”
Aaron looked directly at him.
“A guy like me.”
Craig realized he had said too much.
Instead of retreating, he pushed harder.
“I’m trying to save you embarrassment.”
“I have an appointment to see the G280.”
Craig laughed.
The sound was loud enough to make people look.
“Garrett.”
The salesman near the coffee station turned.
Craig raised the King Air brochure.
“Farmer Brown here wants to skip straight to the Gulfstream.”
Garrett laughed.