Breath of Scandal

Hank had done very well for himself. After working with a commercial decorating firm for a few years he had gone out on his own, taking most of his clients with him. Their references had provided him with a solid and lucrative client base. Now, he designed interiors for new commercial buildings or existing ones under renovation. By delegating most of the dirty work to his two apprentices, he enjoyed creative leisure time, most of which he spent painting.

“As a company, how is GSS to work for?”

“Old man Stein—George is his first name—runs the place with an iron fist. Everybody is scared to death of him.”

“Did you meet him personally?”

“Naturally. We consulted on my designs to see if they were compatible with his idea of a productive work environment. Later, he became a real fan of my art. Forgive my immodesty.”

Jade wrestled with indecision. She hesitated to ask Hank for this particular favor. So far she hadn’t involved anyone else in her quest for retribution. Even Cathy, who knew about the rape and its appalling consequences, thought that Jade’s orchestrated career advancements were simply that. She didn’t know Jade’s ulterior motive.

Hank would grant any favor she asked, but she hated to exploit him. On the other hand, he wouldn’t be affected by the outcome. Rather than using a friend, she was simply taking advantage of a unique opportunity.

“Hank, could you get me an introduction?”

“To George Stein?” he asked, obviously surprised.

“If he’s the one everybody’s scared of, he’s the one I need to talk to.”

“Can I ask why?”

“I want to work for them.”

“You mean here in New York? God, I’d love having y’all up here, but I’d better warn you, they sure talk fast. You can’t find a fried catfish that’s fit to eat anywhere in this town, and, compared to George Stein, Leona Helmsley is Miss Congeniality.”

“I’m fully aware of the drawbacks, but it’s time I started playing hardball with the big boys.”

“GSS has a personnel department for each of its companies. Why not go through normal channels?”

“How many people apply for a job every day? My resumé looks good, but it could be months before it’s even reviewed. Besides, I want to go in at the top, not middle management.”

Hank whistled through his teeth. “Couldn’t you have started out with a smaller favor, something like asking me to scale the Empire State Building naked at high noon?”

“I know it’s asking a lot, Hank. If you can’t arrange it, I’ll understand.”

“Did I say I couldn’t? It’s just that George is a crotchety old man who has to be stroked just right or you’ve blown it. Give me a couple of days to think of an angle.”

“I’d rather meet him in a friendly, relaxed environment, somewhere away from his phalanx of subordinates. Can you swing that?”

Hank came through for her. He invited Mr. Stein to his studio to see a painting he had just completed. He baited the elderly man by telling him that the contemporary piece would look fantastic behind his desk.

Jade was waiting at Hank’s Soho loft when Stein’s chauffeur dropped him there. She was introduced as an out-of-town friend. Stein fell in love with the painting, haggled with Hank over a price, and purchased it for his office, which left him in a favorable mood.

Over drinks, Stein politely asked, “Are you also an artist, Ms. Sperry?”

If Jade had scripted it, she couldn’t have come up with a better opening line. “No, I work in the manufacturing and marketing of textiles.”

“She’s a vice president for an outfit in Atlanta that makes a line of workclothes,” Hank supplied.

“I read that GSS has recently acquired the three Kelso plants,” Jade remarked.

“That’s right.” Stein smelled a rat. He was frowning.

“Hmm.” Jade appeared unimpressed. She took a sip of her wine. “Hank, you really should water that plant in the corner. It—”

George Stein interrupted, “Are you familiar with the Kelso plants, Ms. Sperry?”

“Only by reputation.”