At Shirley’s suggestion, the Cuban girl, whom everyone called, “Hoochie Mama,” changed her working name to Maria. Shirley made the same suggestion to others, recommending names like Alicia, Sandy, Renee and Sophia.
One woman, a tiny, fair-haired girl with bright blue eyes, who chose the name Andrea, had served four years in jail for attempted murder of her former boyfriend. Asked about what happened, she merely said, “I was young and he deserved it.”
Shirley leaned back in her chair and frowned across the desk. “So what would it take for a client to set off your temper?”
Andrea shook her head. ”Look, Miss Ray, I like what you’re doin’ and I know better now. And I’ve never gotten mad at a trick. Gimme a chance I won’t fuck up—”
Her hand quickly flew to her mouth. “Oh, excuse me, won’t mess up. I promise and you’re right about the client thing.
Taking her hand and smiling, Shirley answered, “Okay Andrea, I believe you, but I’m going to keep an eye on you. Don’t disappoint me.”
At the conclusion of every meeting, she gave each one a hug and a copy of the recent runaway best seller, “The Joy of Sex”, suggesting they read it thoroughly as soon as possible. The women reluctantly accepted the book, becoming interested only when Shirley told them it was a sex manual and pointed out the graphic illustrations. A few even blushed.
In the weeks that followed, at about nine pm. several nights a week, Shirley began sitting at different hotel lounges in Miami Beach, nursing a cabernet and making friends with the bartenders. When approached by men, she declined invitations to drink with them. It was important, she decided, that she present herself as a business woman and not someone looking for company. Through the bartenders, she got to know the bell captains and doormen. In a discreet manner, she let them all know that any referrals to SR Enterprises would be appreciated, parting with a handshake which included her card and a twenty dollar bill. During the day, she checked the business sections of the papers, researching which hotels were hosting business meetings and conventions and soon had a promising list of contacts for new sources of business.
At the beginning of the fourth week, Shirley had a second meeting with all the women in the redecorated lobby, which now boasted a fresh paint job, new drapes and several potted plants. A burgundy couch, three matching lounge chairs, a coffee table and side tables were arranged comfortably around the room. Next to the Reception Desk was a stand with copies of the Miami Herald and The Wall Street Journal.
This time, they greeted her with smiles and looked considerably different. Shirley complimented them on their appearance and presented her plan to have them start making outcalls to the better hotels. She also initiated a discussion on the “The Joy of Sex,” and was surprised at how many admitted that they were learning a lot from the book.
Sandy, a redhead sporting a light blue pantsuit and white sling-back heels, volunteered, “Miss Ray, I got a twenty-dollar tip two nights ago from a little ol’ man from Houston, doin’ exactly what they said in the book about givin’ head.”
“Language, Sandy,” she smiled, wagging her finger at the girl.
“Yeah me too, I got a good tip too, but I was, you know, goin’ aroun’ the world, Maria offered, giggling. Two others echoed their reports.
“How you doing with the new clothes and makeup,” Shirley wanted to know.
“And any trouble getting the higher fees? I know that you don’t like me setting up the dates and fees, but if you like the higher rates you’re going to have to trust me. You still get to keep your tips, but starting now, I’m warning you no more free-lancing. All dates come through this office or you’re outta here.
She heard a few groans and one woman started to say something.
“No exceptions ladies, we’re in business. If I can’t trust you I don’t want you.“
Hey, we love it, and the new decorating here too,” spoke up Sophia. Several women shouted approval as well.
Each girl was also asked to stand before the group and show off her new look, which received a critique from Shirley and comments from the others, The meeting ended when Shirley begged off because of another appointment, but not before the women insisted on another get-together in two weeks.
That afternoon Paul Freed, looking like a client in a slightly rumpled suit, dropped in at the motel. Shirley rushed past Maria, who had greeted him, and invited him into the office.
“Excuse the mess but we’re doing some decorating,” she said, removing her stylish leather jacket from a chair so he could sit. It was the first time she had seen him since their meeting at the restaurant and she was worried that Sal Farina was pushing him to check up on her.
“This place looks good, certainly a lot better than before. I see the girls look different, too.”
“Well, let’s just say I’ve been giving them some guidance, and they seem to like it.”
For twenty minutes, she told him the changes she had made and re-action of the women. Even the way they behaved and reflected a confidence that wasn’t there before, she reported. As they discussed the revenue she had generated since taking over, Freed asked about all the money she was spending. Shirley replied that she was plowing most of her profits back into the business and making an investment in the future. Freed was particularly impressed when she told him how she had worked out a payment plan with the decorator requiring no money down, only the promise of a free monthly date with one of the ladies and small payments over a three-year period.
“Well, Sally,” Freed responded as he stood up, “it sounds like you’re getting things done. I also heard you’ve been working the hotels and quietly spreading the word. How’s that going?”
“Great! We got fifteen referrals in the last few days and I’ve been busy at night getting money to the bartenders and bellhops. I keep good records and figure it’ll be easier once they get to know me better. Then I’ll probably just take care of all of them once a month.”
“You sure you haven’t done this before?” he laughed.
“Look, being around Howie and my father, I saw how they took care of things. It always worked for them and I really did the same kinds of things in real estate. So far, it seems to be working. You know, business is business.”
“Okay Sally, just be careful. I wouldn’t want you to screw this up.”
“Don’t worry, I watch everything and I’m always careful. Oh, by the way, three women came to me looking for jobs this week. I turned one of them down flat when I found out she was working for Sal.”
“Hmm, maybe Sal should begin to worry. But don’t you worry. If you want to hire a girl that’s working for someone else, just check with me and I’ll tell you what to do.”
Jack Brown laughed when Freed reported to him the next day.
“Somehow I can’t picture her working bars in those fancy hotels,” Freed said with a shake of his head, as he sat down across the desk from Jack. “That takes guts, but she’s smart. She certainly doesn’t look like a hooker or dress like one, so I guess she can get away with it,”
Jack laughed. “Some hotshot business gal, this Sally Ray,” He commented, still laughing. “No question about it.”
Later that night, Jack swung by her house. She greeted him with a tender kiss and he chuckled. “I had to see you tonight. I think you have a new fan; Paul Freed.”
Her lips spread into a wide grin. “Really?”
“Yeah, you should have heard him brag about you today.”
“Oh thank you for telling me that,” she said hugging him. “I wasn’t sure if he was just patronizing me because of you or if he really meant what he said when he came by.”
Within six weeks, SR Enterprises was thriving. The ladies, now numbering twenty-two, were gaining more steady clients and receiving better tips. Their new wardrobes and grooming regimens gave them a confidence that made them s
exy and appealing. And their efforts to trim the profanity from their conversations added to their newly high-class aura. Of course they still slipped when they talked or occasionally argued amongst themselves, but it didn’t happen often when Sally Ray was around. Shirley’s coaching and the example she set was getting results.
Chapter 29
David stormed into his mother’s living room at 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday. It had been six weeks since Howie’s arrest. He dropped his bag at the door. Shirley rushed from the kitchen to greet him. Seeing his bloodshot eyes and unshaven appearance she slowed, approaching him cautiously.
“Oh, honey,” she said, reaching to hug him. “Are you alright? You’ve been driving all night, haven’t you? You know I hate when you do that. It’s so dangerous with all those big trucks barreling down the highway in the dark. Why didn’t you take your time and drive during the day?”
“What really happened to Dad,” he said in an exasperated tone. And how come you didn’t call me right away?”
Stopped in her tracks, a hand flew to her mouth and she exhaled, taking her time before answering. “I didn’t want to worry you! I really thought he was going to be released in a few days,” she answered, kissing his cheek.
Barely acknowledging her gesture, he sighed. “But when you called, you said this happened over a month ago. I knew something was wrong when I didn’t hear from him for so long. All you did when I called was make excuses as if he was busy working every Sunday.”
“C’mon Honey, you must be hungry. Have something to eat,” she replied softly, motioning for him to follow her to the kitchen. “Leave the bag. I’ll tell you what I know but it’s not much.”
Not moving, David folded his arms across his chest. “Mom, please. I don’t want to eat. I want to know what’s going on. On the phone, you made it sound like it wasn’t serious, but I know better. If he’s been in jail all this time without bail, he’s in big trouble. Now tell me what’s up and don’t sugarcoat it. I’m tired of all the tap dancing around about his so-called investments. Just tell me straight out, what did he get himself into this time?”
Shirley hesitated, biting her lip. Cautiously, she touched his arm.
“It’s so hard to talk about, but I guess you’ll have to know.”
“Tell me already,” he answered, pulling away.
“The District Attorney claims your father was involved in the sale of a large quantity of cocaine.”
“Oh Jesus, I can’t believe it. Are you sure, what does Dad say? Do you think he was trying to make a big score to impress you?
“How can you say that, “she gasped, “I never….”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean it,” he whispered.
Shrugging off his remark, she let out an exasperated breath before continuing. “Of course he denies everything, claiming he doesn’t know a thing about what the District Attorney is talking about. It reminds me of how he acted when Paschey Cohen was killed. He clammed up that time too.”
“Where is he? I want to see him.”
“I don’t know if that’s possible. Besides, I’m not sure he wants to see you. He doesn’t even want me to see him; since I saw him right after he was arrested. He’s just too upset.”
David shook his head, slowly moving into the living room and slumping into a chair.
“All these years, the two of you always pretending that he wasn’t really involved with this crap and trying to hide what he did for a living. Somehow, I knew something like this was bound to happen,” he mumbled, looking down.
Shirley sat across from him on the couch. Elbows on her knees, she leaned forward, trying to see his face.
“David, your father loves you. He doesn’t want you to see him like this. I’m shocked, too. I knew he had a few questionable deals going but I didn’t think he would do something as stupid as getting involved with drugs. Even when he got arrested, I kept thinking that it couldn’t be true and the people he worked with would find a way to get him off the hook, but that doesn’t seem to be working out,” she said exhaling slowly, waiting to get some re-action from him before continuing. He didn’t move.
“I think the District Attorney’s, looking for publicity for the upcoming election. He is constantly talking to TV newsmen and reporters about the case. It’s as if he’s trying to railroad your father into a long prison term as an example of how tough he is.”
David looked down and shook his head, “Mom, don’t make excuses for him. The two of you act like I’m an idiot. Since I’ve been a little kid, I’ve seen the people he hangs out with and I remember how things were when we had to leave Chicago. You, always protect him and think you’re fooling me. For once damn it, why don’t you just tell me the truth?”
Shirley could hear the disgust in his voice. Straightening up she saw how distraught he was, his head down as he spoke.
Slowly she replied. “We were just trying to make a good home for you.”
“For cryin’ out loud,” he shot back, “you’re still making excuses and acting like the sweet loving wife, stop pretending that we have a normal life. Don’t you think I can’t see how we live and what a terrible marriage you two have?”
“And sending me away to school hasn’t changed things. The two of you just didn’t want me around so I wouldn’t see what was going on. You’re as bad as he is.”
Shirley jumped up, startling him as his eyes followed her angry move.
“Don’t talk to me that way,” she shouted.
“But why do you keep up this charade, even with me? Especially with me?”
Hands at her chin and fingers covering her mouth, she answered, “We love you.”
He grunted and looked away. “I know you do and I love the two of you. It’s just so hard when I see how you’ve lied to me.”
Shirley leaned over to hug him, but he pushed her away.
“Not now, just leave me alone.”
For the next three days, David attempted to see Howie, but had no luck. Sam Petrillo did meet with him; but was evasive about the details of the case against Howie and unable, or unwilling, to arrange for a visit. In frustration, David returned to Atlanta without saying goodbye to his mother.
The following evening, Jack Brown showed up at the house with a bag of Chinese appetizers and a bottle of wine. She picked at the food as he tried to console her at the kitchen table.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. Your son’s upset because he doesn’t understand what’s going on.”
Standing, she tightened the sash on her robe and refilled their wine glasses. Sitting back down she sipped at the wine and said softly, “I feel that we’ve lost him. He blames us for sending him away and deceiving him.”
“Shirley, he’s a man and from what you’ve told me, a damn smart one. He’s disappointed because he wants to help and doesn’t know what to do. My advice is leave him alone for awhile. He’ll come around.”
“You just don’t understand.”
“How much does he know about what is really going on? Sam Petrillo tells me your husband is not going to beat this rap and will go away for at least a few years. And does he know about Sally Ray? Maybe you should level with him.”
“Jacob, I can’t tell him. He thinks I’m in the real estate business. I’ve dreaded something like this and now it’s happened. I can’t bear the thought that David will turn his back on me, or his father, for that matter.”
“Aren’t you worried that he’ll do something foolish and cause trouble?”
“Jacob, I know my son, he is upset, but he understands what we have done. In the meantime he is going to be a doctor and will do nothing to upset his dream. You needn’t worry. He’s angry but not stupid. He lives in Atlanta and no one there knows about Howie and me. David is not about to change that, either in Atlanta or here.”
Holding the wine glass in two hands, Shirley
closed her eyes.
Reaching for her hand Jack said quietly, “okay, I hear you, but be careful. The best thing is if everything about this case is handled as quietly as possible. That way your husband will go to trial quickly and be back in a few years. As far as the boy is concerned, he’ll be alright, be patient.
Lifting her from the chair he put his arms around her and held her, kissing the top of her head.
“Jacob, I know you have powerful friends. Can’t you do something?” she whispered. Without looking up, she felt his muscles tense.
“I tried and all I got was a stone wall. The DA is determined to play the trial out and keep this case in the public eye. Nobody is willing to interfere.”
She pulled away. “Please help me,” she shouted. “If he goes to prison, David will never forgive me. He thinks that Howie takes risks so he can make a lot of money to please me.”
He touched her arm but she shook him off, standing up and then burst into tears. “Don’t touch me. Go away. My family is being torn apart and no one cares.”
He backed away and waited as she stood sobbing softly. “I’m sorry, Shirley. I’ll make a few calls in the morning, but don’t get your hopes up. I’m gonna go now. Call me if you need me.”
Hearing the door close, she slipped into a chair, put her head in her hands and wondered how much Jack Brown cared about her and how much he was trying to soothe her to save his own skin.
By the time she went to bed, she’d decided that she didn’t have to trust him personally, but if she wanted to survive, she did have to trust him to keep her business going and pay Howie’s debt. At noon the following day, she returned to work.
Chapter 30
Albany Park Page 37
