Episode 5: Behind Closed doors.
Recap: The doctors don't know what is wrong with Steve Harper but discharged him regardless
Miss bani discuss business with Mr Rico Alfredo
Black Rose and Lander Spencer discussed business with Rico Alfredo.
"When is the next shipment of fabrics arriving?" Black Rose asked.
"Two weeks from now," Rico replied.
"And what about customs and the naval officers?"
"Already handled. As far as they're concerned, it's nothing more than fabric and silk. But I'll need an extra five hundred dollars in case anything unexpected happens."
Black Rose frowned. "What do you mean, unexpected? You just said everything was handled. They're going to see fabric and cotton, right?"
"Exactly," Rico said. "But there are always a few officers who can't be convinced or controlled. They might decide to seize the shipment, demand more money, or simply make things difficult for businessmen like me."
"Ugh..." Black Rose rolled her eyes and sighed.
Lander nodded thoughtfully. "You have a point. I almost forgot that was a possibility."
He paused before continuing.
"Fine. I'll pay three hundred dollars upfront. You'll receive the remaining two hundred once we've confirmed that the shipment has arrived safely."
Rico smiled. "Thank you. It's always a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Spencer."
"Send your account number to my assistant. She'll transfer the money and send you the receipt."
"Alright."
Lander stood up and adjusted his jacket.
"Well, let's go. I think we're done here."
Black Rose rose from her seat and followed him toward the door.
The two of them left the room, leaving Rico behind.
In the car
Lander, could you make a stop to an address? Black Rose said.
Which address is that? Lander Spencer asked.
No 5, sunflower estate. Black Rose said
Why do you want to go to this address? Lander Spencer
Do you know Steve Harper personally? Black Rose asked
No. Wait a minute is it's not the guy you drugged in the airport. Lander Spencer
Yes, but he is alive I want to visit him you know see if my candy worked. Black Rose said
You still haven't told me the function of that candy yet, And would he recognize you if you go in as your previous disguise. Lander Spencer asked
No, I am going as Tanya Richmond which is I brought this as she brings out a wig that looks striking to black and brown hair neatly crafted with glasses. Black Rose said
Tanya Richmond is only used for legitimate purposes. Besides what are you going to say when you meet him and why ? Lander Spencer said with a raised eyebrow
Steve Harper is the owner of sunset club right. Black Rose asked
Lander Spencer nodded.
Well that's where we scout our potential clients from. Black Rose said
Lander Spencer thought for a moment and then nodded I see your strategy there .
But you must know sunset club is where it's today because of it's strict rules and confidentiality especially when it comes with picking employees from escorts to cleaners. I hope you have a good strategy to convince Steve Harper why he should employ besides what position do you plan to do with him if he employ you. Lander Spencer said
A escort is it obvious? Black Rose said
Lander Spencer stared at her for a brief moment then break out in laughter so loud and deep it is like someone said a very funny joke to him.
You.....An escort Black Rose An escort and laughs again.🤣
Black Rose just stares at him.
Then a few seconds later, Lander Spencer stop laughing then asked do you really know what they do in sunset club especially to female escorts.
Well I do know what escort do and the informal ones done in the job besides this is the least job have done in my life.
Lander Spencer stared briefly then said
Okay I trust you could handle yourself if it becomes uncomfortable there in sunset club you have my assistant phone number you could call to pick you up .
Thanks . Black Rose said.
We are partners, it is nothing. Lander Spencer said
In the Vega mansion
Meanwhile after school hours.
The girls walked in with their school uniforms
Miss bani said Good afternoon Girls, how was school?
Miss bani school is fine, how's work and you don't come home early what changed today. Sam asked
There wasn't much client to attend to after the fashion campaign in New York City I think I saw quite a lot of clothes there so I am just awaiting the new set of fabrics I ordered from Mr. Rico Alfredo to begin working. Miss bani said
Oh, Who is Mr.Rico Alfredo? We have never heard of him what about your previous fabrics vendor. Sander Vega asked.
You haven't heard, customs new policy has declined some importers their goods because they don't have proper clearance papers. But inside the ISS there's a rumor that some is importing banned drinks into the city. Miss bani explained.
All of them were shocked from the news , then Sarah said speaking of the ISS why have we not been given mission yet or have they forgot they have teen agents on the field.
Miss bani smiled and said no they have not forgotten, but there's no authorization from the ISS despite after last previous months that happened in the ISS basement and all, there have been serious internal reviews
and reassigning of agents also there have been rumors that Dan Schinder the president of ISS may be impreached if there was ever a serious incident like that again.
So it is mostly administrative work and don't worry once there's a mission you would all be informed.
Miss bani said so what did you girls do in school?
Sarah said well we have been advised by the principal to take part in extracurricular activities due to our special schedule to have extra credits to graduate from school.
That's actually very good and love the idea so have all decided what to do. Miss bani said
What have all choose for your extra curricular activities
Sarah said I choose financial literacy club although I don't know anything on money I am willing to learn.
Good choice Sarah. Miss bani excited.
What about Sander? Miss bani asked
Coding and chess matches( indoor sports )where I am most confident in. Sander answered drinking water and eating snacks.
Sam what about you? Miss bani asked.
Sam check her phone from notification? She looked up and said I haven't decided yet and I am still thinking.
Sam said.
You could join the environmental club, sports clubor the art club. Sarah mentioned
There are only 6 clubs coding club, financial literacy club, environmental club,art club and sports club, music club.Sander mentioned.
Any club you choose I am in full support. Miss bani said.
Sam still texting someone said okay.
Sarah who has been watching Sam said, Sam who are you texting or is it Jace?
Sam said hmm, it is Jace
Meanwhile on her phone.
She was texting her mission portal waiting for notification that she has been active.
Meanwhile lander Spencer dropped Black Rose at the address she mentioned.
In sunset club.
The music from the main floor was barely audible by the time Tanya stepped into the reception area of Sunset Club.
She adjusted her glasses and took a slow breath.
"Excuse me."
The receptionist looked up.
"Yes?"
"I'm here to see Mr. Harper."
"Do you have an appointment?"
Tanya hesitated.
"No."
"Then I'm afraid you'll have to make one."
"Please."
The desperation in Tanya's voice made the receptionist pause.
"It's important."
"Everyone says that."
Tanya gave a small, embarrassed smile.
"I know. I'm sorry. I just... I really need to speak with him."
The receptionist studied her.
"What is it about?"
Tanya lowered her voice.
"A job."
That seemed to change something.
"You want to work here?"
Tanya nodded.
"I've heard Sunset Club is looking for people."
"We're very selective."
"I know."
She glanced around the luxurious club.
"That's actually why I'm here."
The receptionist picked up the phone.
"Let me ask if he's available."
Tanya stepped back and waited.
A few moments later, the receptionist hung up.
"Mr. Harper will see you."
Tanya smiled.
"Thank you."
"His office is upstairs. Someone will take you."
Tanya nodded and followed the employee toward the staircase.
As she climbed, the nervous expression on her face slowly disappeared.
Her shoulders straightened.
Her eyes became colder.
For half a second, Tanya Richmond disappeared.
Black Rose had returned.
Then she reached the office door.
Meanwhile in Steve Harper pov
Steve Harper had been discharged from the hospital earlier that morning.
He still felt weak.
The doctor had advised him to rest for a few more days, but staying at home had become unbearable. There was too much going through his mind.
He entered his private office at Sunset Club and dropped his keys onto the desk.
The room was exactly as he had left it.
He sank into his chair and rubbed his forehead.
He remembered the airport.
Then...
Nothing.
A woman's voice.
Soft.
Almost hypnotic.
A flash of red hair.
Steve opened his eyes.
He could almost hear her again.
"You'll be fine."
He frowned.
"Who were you?"
He tried to remember her face, but everything became blurred.
The more he forced himself to remember, the worse the headache became.
Steve reached for the glass of water on his desk.
Then there was a knock.
He looked toward the door.
"Come in."
The door opened.
A young woman stepped inside.
Steve looked at her.
And for the briefest second, something inside him stirred.
Not recognition.
Something closer to déjà vu.
She took another breath, adjusted her glasses, softened her expression and knocked.
"Come in."
Tanya opened the door.
Steve Harper sat behind a large desk, looking through some documents.
He glanced up.
And stopped.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Tanya gave him a small, nervous smile.
"Mr. Harper?"
Steve leaned back in his chair.
"That's me."
"I'm Tanya Richmond. I'm sorry for showing up without an appointment."
"You certainly seem to have a reason."
She looked down at her hands.
"I need a job."
Steve's eyes remained on her.
"Everyone who comes here needs something."
Tanya looked up.
"I know."
A tiny smile appeared on her lips.
"But I really need this one."
Steve looked her over briefly before gesturing toward the chair.
"Sit."
"Thank you."
Tanya sat down, crossing her legs carefully.
Steve leaned back.
"So... what position are you looking for?"
Tanya hesitated.
"Honestly?"
"Honestly."
She gave a small nervous laugh.
"Anything."
Steve raised an eyebrow.
"Anything?"
"I need a job."
There was something almost embarrassed about the way she said it.
"Things haven't exactly been going well for me lately."
Steve studied her.
"And someone told you Sunset Club was hiring?"
"No."
"Then why here?"
Tanya looked around the office.
"Because I heard you don't hire just anybody."
Steve smiled slightly.
"Who told you that?"
"A friend."
"And she thought you'd fit in here?"
Tanya smiled faintly.
"She said I could probably get your attention."
Steve laughed.
"She wasn't wrong."
Tanya lowered her eyes for a second, almost shyly.
"I was hoping you wouldn't say that."
"Why?"
"Because now I'm going to sound arrogant."
"Try me."
She looked back at him.
"I know I'm attractive."
Steve smiled.
"You certainly don't lack confidence."
"That's not confidence."
She paused.
"It's just something I've learned to use."
That answer made Steve's expression change.
"Use?"
Tanya shrugged.
"When you're trying to survive, you use whatever you have."
Steve was quiet for a moment.
"And what exactly do you want to do here?"
Tanya took a breath.
"An escort."
Steve blinked.
"You?"
"Is that surprising?"
"A little."
Tanya smiled.
"Why?"
"You don't exactly look desperate."
Her smile faded slightly.
"That's because I'm trying very hard not to look desperate."
That caught him.
Steve leaned forward.
"And you're sure you know what you're getting yourself into?"
"I know what people think the job is."
"That's not what I asked."
Tanya looked directly into his eyes.
"Then tell me."
Steve studied her for a moment before saying,
"The clients can be difficult."
"I can handle difficult."
"Some don't understand boundaries."
"Then I'll make them understand."
"And some will think they can buy more than your time."
Tanya's expression hardened for just a second.
"Then they'll be disappointed."
Steve smiled.
"You were nervous five minutes ago."
Tanya laughed softly.
"I still am."
"You don't look it."
"Maybe I'm better at hiding it than I thought."
Steve stood and walked toward the window.
"You know, most people come here trying to impress me."
Tanya turned slightly in her chair.
"Maybe I'm trying to impress you too."
Steve looked back at her.
"Are you?"
Tanya smiled.
"Would you like me to be?"
Steve leaned back again, studying her carefully especially her dress and face, in a fitted black dress that fitted her body in ways he couldn't overlook especially her beautiful curves, the woman was definitely his type more importantly she is sharper than most girls he has seen who are desperate to get close to him after 1 minutes.
Steve: "Come back tomorrow evening. I'll have someone show you around the club."
Tanya smiled.
Tanya: "Does that mean I got the job?"
Steve: "It means I'm giving you a chance to earn it."
Tanya: "I'll take that."