“Vanessa has been with the Hunks for a while now, which is impressive. Her lifestyle is unique, and many women would be envious of her arrangement. I’ve reached out to Gliver, one of the edgiest fashion houses around, and I’ve secured a new wardrobe for her. I’ve yet to hear back from Quantum Decay, but I believe they’ll be ecstatic to have her modeling their makeup.”
“Are you looking to turn Vanessa into a model? Because she’s my right-hand man, or woman. Goddamn feminism.”
“Sorry you can’t label us all as men, Carl,” I say with a lighthearted chuckle. “And no, I’m not looking to turn her into a model. I’m looking to turn her into an influencer. One that will have women flocking to the Hunks.”
“Explain?”
“She’ll record her time aboard the bus, showcasing her life, her room, how she lives, and her relationship with the Hunks. Her living situation is so unique, men and women alike will become addicted to her content.”
He sits back in the booth, his head tilting to the side. “It’s…it’s too dangerous.”
“Vanessa has ten to twelve big, burly men that would rip the face off anyone that tried to mess with her.”
“Yeah, but I can’t exploit her. She came to me when she was down on her luck, and this has me feeling greedy.”
“How about this: sit her down with me in your office, and I’ll go over the details with her. See how she reacts.”
After a long moment, he nods. “Fine, but I swear to God, if you try to convince her to do anything, I’ll throw your ass off my bus. She has to want to do it.”
“Of course.”
Frowning, Carl leans forward. “I have another situation I was hoping you could help me with.”
“I’m listening.”
“There’s a former Hunk that has expressed…grievances with how he was treated when he left.”
“I need to know the truth on the matter, so spill it.”
“I beat the shit out of him and now he’s trying to extort me.”
“Holy Droids, Carl—why the hell’d you do that?”
“He was about to commit sexual assault.”
My brow lifts. “I guess not all heroes wear capes. Some strut around in g-strings.”
“What do I do?”
“Is there proof of his allegations or the assault?”
“Eyewitness testimony and his bruised and battered body.”
“Your show has a great reputation, so I wouldn’t worry unless more allegations come out, made by other people.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem.” Carl looks off to the side and he smirks as Toxic walks past. “I was just telling your girl what good work she’s doing.”
Toxic moves to the coffee maker, grabs a pod, and puts it in to make a fresh cup of coffee. My stomach throws a small fit at the prospect of a caffeine rush, yet I manage to stave off my desire for coffee with the promise of something better.
Revenge.
Jacek crawls out from his bunk and goes into the bathroom.
“My office when you’re done,” Carl calls to him as he slides out of the booth and heads downstairs, winking at me before he leaves.
Toxic brings over two coffee pods and holds them out to me. I see one is half-caff, and the other is decaf.
“Would you care to try one?”
