Hooked

Some clients state specifically who they want to spend time with. Others like variety.” Benny winked. She knew he fell into the latter category. “Remember, you’re a special case. You agreed to two hours of pleasure a week, right?”
    The word pleasure might be pushing it. Damn you and your department, Walsh. She kept smiling. “Right.”
    “I’m delighted, Tawny. But don’t leave me and take my customers for yourself.”
    His tone meant to convey subtle jesting, but Tawny read the implication. No. I just need time to do my business. “Shame on you for thinking that.” She put her arm through his as they walked the halls. “Anyway, I’ve already informed my clients I quit the business. I’d be embarrassed to tell them I’d changed my mind, even though I needed th e money for my relative. I would have, though,” she pinched Benny’s ear lobe, “but timing was on my side. You made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.” She flashed her kilowatt smile―the one that put men in her thrall―and Benny reacted as if he were getting a s ecret hand job.
    “So, it is all about money, isn’t it? The magic that makes the world turn.”
    “You ought to know. You used to work on Wall Street, didn’t you?”
    He wrinkled his nose. “Years ago. And see what happened without me? Collapse, mayhem, disorganization. They’ve rebounded, but it never would have happened while I worked there. Which proves my point: money does make the world turn.”
    Though Benny’s comment fell under the guise of jest, Tawny thought he actually believed what he said. Ah, ego, thy name is Benny. She left him with the last word as they carried on the tour. That’s what men wanted and what women usually wouldn’t concede.
    Playing hostess for an evening was beneath her, but it would also give her the best chance to obtain the required information. Did Charles man the desk all night, and did the sign-in book cover only the present day? If not, where did they keep them? Probably with Colin. Worse, in Benny’s private domain.
    Tawny smothered a scoff. Benny’s private domain euphemistically described where he tried out the talent on a regular basis. He’d been a regular client of Eileen Cooper’s before they married. Either the timing was right for Benny to marry or Eileen knew how to put her long-nailed hooks into him. If she could put up with his extra-curricular activities, more power to her.
    Benny opened another door to another room―a suite. “You’re booked in here tonight. Seven o’clock.” He checked his watch. “Which reminds me. I have some business to take care of.”
    Tawny walked around the room, tipped the lampshade, opened the armoire. “And Benny, no filming.”
    His expression went from ecstatic to crushed. “Do you think I’d do that? I run a respectable business, Tawny.” He grinned. “You know what I mean. Respectable within the parameters. No filming, no recording. What would be the purpose?”
    “I’ve heard of it going on in other places. If I so much as see a camera, I’m out of here like a shot. You can keep your money.”
    “No need to worry.” He took her by the arm. “The name of the gentleman on your calendar is Mark Seymour. That’s not his real name. No need for you to know what it is.”
    “Why?”
    “What you don’t know can’t come back and bite him in the ass.”
    “Or me?”
    He nestled into her ear. “Or you.”
    Tawny didn’t like the sound of this. She always used a service to check out men she didn’t know. “I like to know who my clients are, Benny.”
    “Mr. Seymour has been thoroughly vetted. We do that before any arrangements are made at Upper Eighties. You have my word he’s kosher. Now don’t worry your pretty head. Scout around. Take your time. Talk to the girls. Get a feel for the place. Ask questions. There’s a bar upstairs on four. Oh, you don’t drink, do you?”
    “Of course, just not alcohol.”
    Benny didn’t respond to Tawny’s attempt at humor, seeming distracted. “We have whatever you desire. Make yourself at home. I’ll deliver Mr. Seymour personally at seven.” He pecked Tawny on the cheek. “Have a good evening, dear. Make him happy. I have no doubt you know how to do that.” Benny headed for the stairs, then turned. “Oh, I almost forgot. Here’s a key to your box in the office. It has your initials on it. By evening’s end, you’ll find what we agreed upon inside, plus the key to the front door. It works in conjunction with