“Look, why don’t we be honest with each other? I have no problem promoting hookers.”
“Hookers? I can assure you the women I employ are not hookers. As I’m sure you’re aware, prostitution is illegal in Clark County.”
“Call them whatever youwant—escorts, companions—but the bottom line is there are subtle ways to get around the law with the proper wording in advertisement.”
“I don’t need or want to get around the law with any proper wording. I do not employ hookers, or prostitutes, or any other word you want to use for sex workers. While I have no prejudice against how a woman chooses to conduct her business, I can assure you the women who work for Selective Services are escorts. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Graham leans back in his chair.
I draw in another cleansing breath. “I must be assured you will be promoting our business with the dignity it deserves with no room for misunderstanding or misconception on your part.”
He folds his arms over his chest. “That was merely a test—and you passed. I had to be sure what you were saying was true because, as you said, prostitution is illegal in Clark County, and I can’t afford to get involved in anything unsavory.”
“I can vouch for everyone who works for us, and there is nothing unsavory going on. This business is strictly legitimate.”
“Although you do admit that when you first started, some of your girls, er . . . women, were less than reputable or respectable.”
“When we started this business, we did it to empower women and help them out of certain difficult situations. Since then, we try to help all women without prejudice, but, of course, we must ensure they understand our rules and policies before we hire them. As I mentioned, both our clients and our workers sign a contract before any business is conducted.”
“Very noble, and if my research is correct, you now run a very profitable business.”
“That’s correct, and I would like to see it grow to the next level.”
“I think I can make that happen for you.” Graham pushes out of his chair and extends his hand.
I stand and offer him the folder. “This contains all our business expenses and profits for the last year, plus the references I mentioned from the clubs we currently service.”
“I’ll look into this and send you a proposal next week.” We lock eyes, then he looks away. “I have to admit, you have a very interesting concept here.”
“Escort services are nothing new, Mr. Pierce.”
“Please, call me Graham.” He looks down at the folder and back up at me. “Businesses of this type that keep such accurate records are rare.”
I consider questioning what he means by “this type,” but decide it’s not worth it. Let him work the numbers, and if and when we do business together, I’ll make sure he treats Selective Services with the same respect he’d treat any other business.
“Perhaps when I work up my proposal, I can present it to you over dinner. Perhaps at a restaurant of your choice.”
“That’s very generous, but I’d prefer we meet here in my office.”
“Of course.” His eyes linger that extra second that makes it creepy.
I walk him to the door, and when it closes behind him, I turn to Izzy. “So? What did you think?”
“Pompous, arrogant, and annoying, but his reputation for promotion precedes him.”
I sit in the chair opposite the couch. “You can’t deny his portfolio of mega clubs or his connections.”
“True,” Izzy agrees. “We don’t have to like the guy to dobusiness with him.”
“Exactly.” I shuffle through the promotional material and references he left. “Did you sense anything off with him? Like a weird vibe.”
“I don’t know about weird, but something. Like maybe he’s too polished.”
“Or maybe we’re so used to working with guys from the Serpents MC and Nick and Samson that we’re skeptical of guys who are more . . .”
“Fake?”
Leave it to Izzy to hit the target. One thing about being in this business, whether legitimate or otherwise, it’s been a crash course in human behavior. Dealing with the public on any level is eye opening, but large amounts of money and the promise of sex are a combustible mix.
