by Thomas L. Traband III
“Mr. Pembroke, there’s a Ms. Goodbody here to see you,” Carla sneered over the intercom.
“Send her in, Carla,” RJ answered.
The mahogany door swung open.
“I’m Candy Goodbody,” the tall blond breathed. She eased into the room and closed the door.
“Yes, you certainly are.” RJ rose. “Please have a seat.” He pointed to a Corinthian leather chair in front of his desk.
“Thank you. I will.” She slid into the offered chair. She crossed her legs, which revealed a knee. This fact was not lost on RJ. He filed it away for future reference.
“So, what can I help you with today, Ms. Goodbody?”
“Please call me Candy. Do you like standing?”
“Huh? Uh, yeah, I do it all the time.” He sheepishly sat down.
“I’m looking for a man.”
“Really? What a coincidence. I just happen to know where you can find one in this very room.”
“Yes, I can see that.” She recrossed her legs, exposing a good four inches of thigh. RJ dutifully added this fact to his mental file.
“Um, well, what do you need this man for?” RJ cleared his throat.
She unbuttoned the top button on her blouse.
“Oh, many things.” She took a deep breath, let it out slowly and tossed her hair.
“Mr. Pembroke, you have a call on line one,” called Carla over the intercome.
“Right now?”
“No, yesterday.”
RJ jabbed the appropriate button. “Yeah, what is it?”
“RJ, this is Rod Stone. I need your help. When can I see you?”
“Look, Rod, I’ve got a client here who is in desperate need of my attention. Come by in about two hours. That will make it about...” He looked at his watch, “Three-thirty.”
“Okay. I’ll be there.” Rod hung up.
RJ dropped the receiver into its cradle.
“Well,” she said. “That takes care of that. Thank you, Mr. Pembroke. That’s all I needed. How much do I owe you?”
“What is so important that you had to tear me away from a very needing client?”
“I came up with the greatest plan for making money. I can’t do it alone. I need your expertise.”
“What is it?”
“I plan to embezzle all the money on this planet.”
“Well, isn’t that special. Can I fix you a drink? Maybe two? We can then sit and talk about why you came to see me.”