Ron drove Scott and Rachael into the city, heading back to the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Ron was still adamant about not wanting Charlene involved in Rachael’s escort service but Rachael wanted to continue operating the business. Scott was thinking about the business’s financial statements, which illustrated a very profitable venture even though it had been embezzled out of $180,000.
Charlene was sitting alone in the hotel suite when the three arrived. Crystal had left immediately after being fired.
Where’s Crystal?” Rachael asked. “I want to see her.”
“She’s gone. Probably at the bank right now making plans to transfer the money somewhere out of town.” Charlene responded.
“Just let her go.” Charlene added. “Write off the loss as bad business management.”
“Just write the whole damn business off.” Ron exclaimed. “That’s what you should do!”
“I felt the same way till Scott and I looked over the bank statements.” Charlene stated. “It’s not as profitable as the weekend poker parties but it does net more than half a million dollars a year.”
“It’s nothing but a high class call girl business!” Ron exclaimed. “Just a bunch of male and female whores!”
“Ron, why don’t we try and discuss this matter calmly?” Scott suggested. “Charlene’s developed alot of insight into the business.”
Reluctantly, Ron agreed to listen to what everyone had to say. Sitting around the small conference table, everyone spoke their piece. Except for Ron’s negative comments, everyone talked on a positive note.
“Since this is Rachael’s business, it should be her decision whether to continue or not.” Charlene said.
“I want to keep the business running.” Rachael quickly responded. “But, I don’t want to fall into another situation like this one.”
“I say NO and I’m not going to change my mind! Ron exclaimed. “I’m totally against it!”
Charlene suggested Ron leave so the three of them could discuss restructuring the escort service. Knowing his challenges weren’t going to get him anywhere, he left in a huff.
“First thing we need to talk about is clearing out that office and getting things secured better.” Charlene stated. “That’ll save you eighteen grand a year in lease payments.”
“Where would we run it from?” Rachael inquired.
“For eighteen grand a year, you could buy a house and run it from a private residence.” Charlene responded. “Whoever runs the business could live in the house as part of their pay package. That would be another expense savings.”
“I’ve been going through your personnel files.” Scott stated. “You need to look at your escorts, both the men and women. I suggest you run a background check on everyone.”
“Why do I need to do that?” Rachael asked. “I haven’t had any problems.”
“That’s good but that’s not to say you won’t down the road.” Scott replied. “Some of the files look suspicious to me. I’ve got a hunch some of these people aren’t what they represent themselves to be.”
“Ok, whatever you think is best.” Rachael responded, reluctantly.
“You should think about consolidating your business to just one limo service, not two.” Charlene stated. “It doesn’t matter which one, since they’re both competitive on cost and service. With one service, you can monitor the invoices much better.”
Rachael nodded her head in agreement. She hadn’t realized just how carelessly the business had been operating.
“Anything else?” She asked.
“I’d encourage your clientele to use plastic instead of cash.” Charlene responded. “Try and eliminate handling paper money as much as possible. The more business you can generate with credit cards, the better your service rate at the bank will be.”
“Ok. If this is how you want to run it, I don’t have any problems with it.” Rachael said.
“Well ……. I’m not planning on running the business.” Charlene replied. “We’ll have to find someone else.”
“I thought you’d run the business!” Rachael exclaimed. “We already agreed to it!”
“I know but I’ve had alot of second thoughts.” Charlene muttered. “I’m not going to move her afterall.”
“What! Why not?” Rachael asked. “Is it because of all that’s happened or ………..?”
“Not really.” Charlene replied. “I’ve got other commitments I need to keep.”
“What about my investment portfolio?” Rachael inquired. “What am I going to do now?”
“I’ll do what I can to work with you on that.” Charlene responded. “I work out something.”
Rachael was greatly disappointed that Charlene was backing out on their agreement.
“I was counting on you to help me.” Rachael stated. “I thought the investments we’ve made so far were just a beginning.”
“I know. I know.” Charlene replied. “I’m willing to help you but I’ve got another commitment I’ve got to fulfill. It‘s a promise I made to Michelle.”
Rachael realized she wasn’t going to win the argument with Charlene. If she wanted Charlene to work with her on investing her money, it would have to be on Charlene’s terms not hers. Rachael’s thoughts returned to the escort service.
“Who can we get to operate the escort service that we can trust?” Rachael said, breaking the silence.
“Scott, how about you? Would you be interested?” Charlene inquired.
“If the money’s right, I would.” Scott replied. “It’s going take some money on the table before I’d consider leaving Taos.”
“I paid Crystal $2000 a week.” Rachael stated. “I’m willing to pay you the same.”
“Toss in another $500 a week and the house to work from and we’ve got a deal.” Scott replied.
“Ok, I won’t argue with that.” Rachael said, smiling. “At least I feel I can trust you.”
“Great.” Scott responded. “I’ll start putting together a business plan. I’ll need to go back to Taos and take care of some things first.”
After chatting for a brief period, Scott suggested the three of them go out for dinner.
“You two go ahead.” Charlene said. “I need to find Ron and have a talk with him.”
After Scott and Rachael left, Charlene dialed Ron’s cell phone. Ron was at his office, going over inventory data.
“We need to talk before I go back to Phoenix.” Charlene said. “I’d rather we talk in person than over the phone.”
“Are you going to manage Rachael’s escort service for her?” He inquired, feeling the subject was more important.
