by Alan Cooke
She prepared a file for each girl detailing her education, languages, specialist knowledge and interests. The files would be used to match the girl to the client and would present a professional image to the client who would hopefully come back for more and maybe recommend the company to others. The hourly rates for the girls were high, but the quality of the girls would enhance the evening and clients would be getting a service of the highest order. It could spell future success for the companies involved or enhancement for individuals. There would be no losers in this business.
Once the basic preparation was done, she would have to wait to interview each girl before obtaining all the information she needed. Now everything was ready, as far as it could be. The interview days and times had been sent to the girls she considered possible, all she needed was confirmation that they were available.
It had been a good week, everything was under control and now it was Friday and time for a pleasant drive back to her real home, collect the mail and give the rooms a once over with duster and vacuum cleaner. Picking up her case for the weekend, she locked the office door and headed for her car and the drive south. It would be good to check out that everything was safe and secure at the flat and that there was no evidence of a visit from Hugo. It wasn’t until she locked up the office that the memory of him had returned. With a slight shudder she tried to erase him from her mind and transferred her thoughts to the coming week and the challenges she would enjoy.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
The foreign contingent was safely settled in the rented house, the local probables and possibles had been interviewed and a final selection made. Carol now had a self employed team of sixteen very attractive and intelligent girls aged between twenty-two and thirty-seven. The induction training had gone extremely well with lots of laughter and high spirits. She had chosen them well, they had bonded very quickly and were keen to be allocated to the Company’s clients. Two or three were definitely husband hunting but this did not concern her, in fact it would be a good advert for the future if they were successful. A few had indicated that if the right man came along they might not want to fight him off, but it had all been said in fun.
It wasn’t long before the advertising paid off and the office telephone started to ring with enquiries about the service. As she expected, there were a number looking for sexual pleasures of diverse content and her response had been totally professional advising the ‘pervs’ as she called them that they had the wrong number. To add a little humiliation, she added that the service her Company offered was for intelligent upmarket clients more interested in the girls’ minds than their bodies. It did not take long before companies were soon requesting the P.R. service which was offered. Carol had contacted a number of newspapers with a well prepared press release hoping that at least one would give her some free publicity. It had worked and she was delighted to receive calls from two other national daily papers also wanting information. Advising Clive of her success, he had seemed concerned and questioned her on the level of information given out. She had been confident in her response that the Company guidelines on confidentiality were adhered to. Clive had accepted the answer but asked her to contact him should there be any more requests for information. The company would decide if or anything would be given out. It was a disappointed Carol who sat down after the conversation, she had hoped that there would have been some praise following her initiative. But Clive had left her with the impression that he was not at all pleased and this left her unsettled. The continuous telephone calls had soon taken her mind away from Clive’s apparent disapproval, and bookings were made for numerous business functions where those of her staff with linguistic skills would soon be busily employed. As each girl completed her job allocation, she would report to Carol so that lessons could be learned from the feedback. There were some incidents where clients had been overly familiar with the girls but they had managed the situation without having to call for help. Recognising potential problems before they occurred had been a key issue in Carol’s training package and it had paid off so far. She had told Clive about the demands made on some of the girls and was pleased when he asked her to tender his apologies to them and make a record of the individual client concerned. When the next booking was made by that client, she was to advise of the problems which the girls had experienced, and suggest they advise their employees of the professionalism of her P.R. Company.
All bookings were paid for in advance, the takings being lodged daily into the Company account. Cash was withdrawn from the account to pay the girls’ fees, and to maintain a cash float to cover sundry items. Her own income was paid directly into her account by the Company. It did not take her long to realise that the business was doing very well. Although it was someone else’s idea and initial capital, her efforts had made it succeed.
There had been a request accompanied by a blank cheque from a company who wanted a hostess for four hours. From the information received, the client was Mr. Steven Henderson, a 26 year old high flier, the booking was a reward for his progress with the client company. The female guest at his dinner table should be the same age or younger and have a good sense of humour. To help the Agency match the right girl to Steve Henderson, a few details were given including his Open University course.
It took Carol all of ten seconds to decide that Amanda should take this appointment. She was twenty-four, very lively with an excellent sense of humour. Being a single mother with a two year old daughter, she needed the money and fortunately her own mother was willing to babysit whenever Amanda had to work. The job paid extremely well, suited her personality and allowed her to be with her daughter during the day. The Lowry Hotel would not be new to her as she and three other girls had been at a large company function the previous week.
The telephone call was answered immediately and Carol heard Amanda’s cheery hello. ‘Hello Amanda, it’s Carol. Job for you on the 23rd. Is that alright for you?’ Whenever she spoke to Amanda, the voice with a slight Mancunian accent brought her personality to life and Carol always recognised that this was one of her star girls. Her language skills were nil, and she had dropped out of University when she became pregnant, but after the birth, had enrolled on an Open University course. She was well read and could converse intelligently with anyone, but her true worth was her personality.
‘You’ll be pleased to hear it’s at the Lowry again but this time on your own and you’ll never guess what.’ She heard the infectious laughter at the other end of the phone.
‘Not Prince William is it? I’m not well up on polo. Apart from the white ones with a hole in the middle.’
‘Wrong this time Amanda, but you never know what’s around the corner. This time it’s a young exec getting a boost from his company for being a good boy. Right up your street, he’s doing an O.U. course so while you’re enjoying a good meal you can trade academic knowledge. I’m not sure of the subjects he’s doing but he is supposed to be bright so it should be a pleasant evening for you. You’re booked for four hours from seven thirty p.m. Is your mum O.K. for that?’
‘That’s fine Carol. He sounds interesting and I will certainly enjoy the meal. Thank goodness I don’t put on weight, makes the job so much more satisfying.’
‘Good. Now his name is Steven Henderson. Just ask for him at reception. This is your first time on a one to one isn’t it? Well just a reminder as we haven’t dealt with this company before, I’ll play mum and give you the ground rules again. Don’t leave the hotel with anyone other than the taxi driver taking you home and don’t accept invitations to a nightcap in his room. I know that you are aware of these things but I want to look after all of you girls and make sure you’re never at risk, ever. I’m sure you will have a very nice time and that Mr. Henderson is a perfect gentleman, but we’ve both met the other type haven’t we?’ It didn’t make Carol feel uncomfortable giving her little speech, she considered it sensible to issue reminders from time to time. The last thing she wanted was one of the girls getting into an
undesirable situation.
‘O.K. mum, I remember your instructions from the induction course and promise to obey. When I’m tucked up in bed it will be on my own. I promise to behave like a well brought up young lady and enjoy Mr. Henderson’s company for all the right reasons. And he’d better enjoy my company too, or I’ll have something to say.’ Once again her laughter was infectious for Carol.
‘Thanks Amanda, now tell me the date, time and hotel and the client’s name so that I know you will go to the right place on the right day.’ It was said in fun, but Carol had to be certain that the appointment would be kept as requested. The answers came quickly and correctly.
The diary was getting filled up rapidly and if she didn’t recruit more girls soon business would be lost and she couldn’t let that happen. The lack of direct visual contact with anyone from the Company, just the telephone conversations with Clive, left her total control over the business and she liked it. While she could make decisions it would go from strength to strength. Confidence in her ability to deal with the top echelons of corporate clients had brought repeat requests for the Company’s services. The linguists had been in demand as more conferences with overseas organisations were drawn to the city. The girls had been called to client briefings days prior to conferences taking place, and when the big day arrived, the work was usually from nine a.m. until late evening. This meant that they were now earning serious money. The foreign girls were especially delighted as they were able to send money home to their families and save for their own future too.
So far not one girl had let her down and the intelligent feedback she received had given enough information to prepare an updated training course for the girls. A day had been left free in the diary so that everyone could attend the training session to be held in the Lowry. With Carol being involved with so many clients using the hotel, she had been able to negotiate a good rate for hiring the appropriate room for the morning. As she had hoped, all the girls arrived and on time.
When Amanda arrived, she announced that the Lowry was becoming more like home as she would be back again the following evening. There had been requests for the service from varying organisations for the next day and regretfully Carol had to turn business away.
‘I’m pleased you have remembered where you should be tomorrow Amanda.’ Carol’s eyes twinkled as she spoke to the girl who was becoming a favourite.
Information flowed between Carol and the girls, with high spirits making the meeting a pleasure as well as a learning experience. The meeting was interrupted when Amanda’s mobile rang, this invited some humorous comments from some of the girls.
‘Oh no! How did it happen? Where is she now? Oh! Mum.’ Amanda dissolved into tears, her shoulders heaving with her sobs. ‘I’ll be there as soon as I can.’
‘Sorry Carol,’ she sobbed, ‘Heather has pulled a pan of boiling water over herself and has been rushed to hospital.’ Grabbing her bag, she dashed out of the conference room, longing to be with her daughter.
Carol rushed out after her to make sure Amanda could get to the hospital in the quickest possible time. Catching up with her by the hotel entrance, she stopped a man getting into a taxi, quickly pushing Amanda into the back seat. ‘Quick, to the hospital,’ she shouted to the driver. Afterwards she reflected that she didn’t know which hospital, but no doubt Amanda would give clearer directions.
Turning to the bewildered man, Carol apologised and explained the situation which was accepted with grace.
Returning to the conference room, the girls were eager for Carol to give them information. ‘Sorry girls you know as much as I do, Amanda has gone off to the hospital in a taxi. As soon as I hear anything, I’ll let you know. I just hope little Heather is going to be alright.’ Amanda was popular with all the girls and they had often listened with amusement at Amanda’s description of her daughter’s latest prank.
Once the conversation subsided, Carol decided to end the course as she had done what she had set out to do. The rest of the morning was to be a social affair with some female bonding, but the atmosphere had become tense following Amanda’s departure with small groups in hushed conversation each one concerned about the child’s welfare.
Returning to the office, Carol had to check the diary to rearrange job allocations. There were three jobs allocated to Amanda, one for the following evening and two later in the week. The latter two she could cover but the 23rd was a problem, the team was fully booked and she had banked the client’s cheque which had been honoured.
‘Only one thing for it my girl,’ Carol said to herself. ‘You’re one short, there is a solution, and you’re it.’ To take on the P.R. role had never entered her mind, now she thought it might be a good idea. The first hand experience would give insight to the problems the girls coped with on a day to day basis. Having committed herself, she intended the job to be as professional if not more so than her team might deliver.
A small doubt fleetingly crossed her mind. Clive had told her to keep a low profile after her involvement with the press. Did he mean low profile in all things? She quickly convinced herself that this was not a time to worry about it, and the decision made was correct. No business could afford to ignore clients, particularly when they were up front with the money. To avoid any further upset, she would not mention it next time she spoke to him.
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
He would stay in the lay-by before continuing the journey to Manchester and conduct a survey of the Company assets. To check and double check the operational plans was a must but the human elements were equally important.
The first one would be the delightful Corinne Blandford at Oak Tree House. It was always a pleasure to stay there which he often did under his Mr. Crichton pseudonym. Forging a pleasing friendship with her always made his trip totally satisfying. On his first visit, Mr. Blandford had been in hospital, and on that occasion Corinne’s car had broken down as she was about to leave for an evening visit. Feigning concern, he had offered to take her in his car and this she had gratefully accepted. He asked her how long she was able to stay at the hospital and with his usual charm had offered to pick her up when visiting time ended. At first she had declined the offer but he worked a little bit harder and she accepted. The fact that he was a charming good looking man had not been lost on her.
When they arrived back at the hotel, he had invited her to his room. She had ignored this and thanked him for his kindness taking her to the hospital. An hour later there had been a knock his bedroom door, opening it he had not been surprised to see Corrine Blandford. She had let her hair down from its usual French pleat and looked stunning. Leaning against the doorframe, she smiled at him, ‘Aren’t you going to invite me in?’ She stayed for two hours, first talking and then making love. It was to be the first of several such nights.
He might one day meet Mr. Blandford and knew he would like him, and on that day his sexual association with Corinne would end. Mr. Crichton would no longer book a room at Oak Tree House. But tonight he would enjoy her before starting his visual audit on the other assets. Corinne would never know he would be moving half a mile away to the Lowry. That was in another compartment of his life.
The following day, he checked out just before lunch, thanking Mrs. Blandford and her staff for a pleasant stay. Their discretion was absolute and no-one would ever know of her visits to his room.
It was a short drive to the Lowry and he arrived soon after mid-day. His room was ready and after checking in he deposited his case before getting his bearings on the hotel layout. Paying particular attention to the Reception area, dining room and toilets he was able to form a plan to observe Henderson and the Agency girl when they met first, and later in the dining room.
He did not think Henderson would possibly recognise him, gone were the horn rimmed glasses and soulless grey suit with its bland tie he had worn at the interview months earlier. Once the girl had introduced herself, he would expect Henderson to take her into the bar for a drink before dinner. He would wait
until they were seated in the dining room and looking at the menu before asking the head waiter for a suitable observation point.
Tomorrow he was putting pressure on Henderson and with a call to Mr. P. the first consignment would be delivered and allocated to the team of runners, and money would start to flow in. To begin with, his instructions to Steve Henderson were to deposit the takings into the local bank using the deposit box. Once takings increased, only a small part would be banked, the remainder sent to the Company at Arif Rahman’s Agency address. When ultimately delivered to the Wimbledon flat, it would be distributed around various accounts using the deposit box method to avoid recognition and to stop the banks worrying about money laundering. The last thing the Organisation wanted was an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office. With the agency he didn’t have to worry, most payments for its services were by credit card or cheque. It was a legitimate business at the moment. Once there was an increase in the services it offered, then he could expect some clients to pay cash. This would protect their anonymity and increase the Company profitability.
Once his check on the dinner date was completed, he was going to bed relatively early. The booking was from seven thirty until eleven thirty p.m. He would watch the girl’s departure and then call it a night. Corinne had been particularly demanding during their love making and tonight was recovery time. Before contacting Henderson the next day he wanted to check out the area where he lived just in case there might be some sort of surveillance on it by rival businesses. It would not take the competition long to see Grimshaw’s outfit resurrected, and they would want a share of, if not all of the action. Henderson had been briefed but so far had not reported any unusual activity, but a personal check might bring something out from under a stone. By the time he completed his planning, had a shower and changed, it was seven fifteen and time to head for the reception area and part one of his survey. The girl arrived at seven twenty-five, going to the Reception desk. He couldn’t quite hear the conversation as the receptionist checked the room number and made a telephone call. She smiled, ‘If you would like to take a seat, Mr. Henderson will be right down.’ This girl was too polished to be the type who normally called asking for a guest, they usually wanted the room number and would leave after half an hour, sometimes returning later asking for another guest. She was almost on first name terms with some of the girls, they usually looked the part but there was certain hardness in their eyes which gave away their chosen profession.
