Every city, it seems, has its own smell. Detroit was no different, though the salt of Scottish seas still clung to Kates. It desperately grasped onto her skin, just as the group of men she walked by seemed inclined to do. Her feet seemed to dance as they carried her downtown and her lively pace caused her little black dress to twist enticingly in the wind. One does not wear heels and a dress aboard ship- it had been a long couple weeks for the side of Kates that recoiled from wearing salt strained trousers and a jacket. But now she was home.

She approached the restaurant where she'd asked dozens of the country's most dedicated investors and entrepeneurs to meet and closed the double doors of the main dining hall behind her. Heads, as was their habit in her presence, did not fail to turn. And all their attentions were focused on her as she took her place behind the podium. It was then that one noticed the large number of young women in attendance throughout the room.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Disreputable businessmen of the eight cities. And, especially, ladies. I come before you today with a proposition.

We are not all friends here... but we nevertheless share the same business interests. You know, I think, that while I am officially a dealer in rare books and writings, I have not exactly amassed my fortune trading in dusty tomes.

What you may not know is that I once ran, and worked in, the most successful strip club in America.

An emerald glare silenced the single whistle from the audience.

It was, to put it simply, both fun and profitable. With an eclectic mix of shorter public dances and longer, more expensive, private dances, there is no reason that this market should remain untapped. I made millions of dollars dancing- if you're a young woman with the correct assets, there's no reason why you shouldn't do the same.

I would create and manage the business, for which I would receive a respectable but relatively small percentage of its profit. If you are a woman who would be interested in this sort of employment, feel free to speak up here or send me a mail. If you're a man who would be interested in seeing this sort of entertainment club come to life, feel free to speak up here or send me a mail. If you're someone who thinks that there is something wrong with beautiful women taking their clothes off for money... I'm sorry. But not really.

Any questions?

A young man with his eyes bugging out of his head immediately shoots up his hand. Kates sighs and answers before he can even get the question out.

No, I am not planning on dancing at the club. But like almost everything in our broader line of work, it is open to negotiation.

Next question.

"I'll pay a visit, not gonna lie."

"Will there be fee's for watching public viewings? Such as ticket entree and what not?"

I for one would visit this fine establishment multiple times a week. There's hardly a better way to wind down after a a long day of hustling and scamming people than watching beautiful ladies dance the night away. The faster this establishement gets off the ground, the better. Don Kates, you can count on my money lining your bank accounts in support of this venture!

Glad to see the interest, gentlemen. All we need now are the dancers, since my mother would surely come back from Florida and murder me if I opened up another strip club by myself.

McKnighter- I wouldn't be charging a cover.

I would be most interested in this business venture if I could find out a bit more in depth about the details of the project. Is it a monetary investment with projected profits?, etc.

Regaining his posture from leaning on the wall, Swayzak raised an eyebrow before heading to Kates direction. Whispering in her ear and receiving the same before getting a slight nod, he pulled out his chequebook and wrote a $1,250,000.00 cheque signed to one Kathryn Macleod.


Clearing his throat, Swayzak pat his boss's back before grinning and leaning back to his spot on the wall.

A special dance for Swayzak!

Kates grabs Swayzak and does the Charleston for a couple minutes before returning him, wheezing, back to his wall.

I'm certainly willing to take on investors to help jumpstart the business. Offering cash giveaways would certainly attract clientele.

Perhaps I'll have to start soliciting women myself- I'd hoped for more volunteers.

I heard TBK is a really special dancer. You might want to ask her. She doesn't have a full time job and this might be her lucky break.

Eolande steps out from the shadows she had been partially concealed in

I, for one, would be willing to help get your business off the ground, Don Kates. I was known, in my earlier year , to take an exotic turn or two on the floor. I could not make it permanent, as business calls me elsewhere often.

At that Eolande walks up to Don Kates, making sure the crowd can see her rather fine form and shakes Don Kates' hand

I, of course, will only perform for a full house and of course at your discretion.

Eolande smiles, her blue eyes sparkling as she looks into Kates' emerald ones

ill come by

Coach stood there,listening to the speech and everyone's questions. He finally spoke up.

"Well,I have experience as a pro football player,until I busted me knee,I quit and coached the team.I'm a pretty big guy,strong...I have a gun...Maybe I could be a bouncer!? A bartender? Whatever job you have for me,-Excluding male dancer- I will take if I can watch the ladies for free." He waited for Don Kate's to answer. "Did I mention I would work for lap dances from any of theworkers?"

He smiled before lighting up a cigarette.

Grins at McKnighter

If Miss TBK is interested, I hope she gets in touch with me. Fortunately or unfortunately, this is not a position that someone is nominated for.

Turns to Eolande

We, it appears, have a great deal to discuss. I'm glad I'm not out here trying to push this business through by my lonesome. Certain things, as they say, are much less fun to do alone. The more the merrier!

Coach finished his cigarette.

"I guess her not answering is a no."

He puts out his cigarette and walks down an alley,a frown on his face.

Sends a minion to bring Coach back to the conversation.

Haven't you heard patience is a virtue?

I'd be happy to take applications for a bouncer- why not shoot me a mail?

"Will do. Will there be some kind of application you wish for me to answer any questions to?"

Just stop by once we end up building the place, eh?

Although at this rate, it's going to be a club with 1.5 dancers and 37 bartenders unless we find more femme fatales.

Lily stood toward the back of the crowd, chuckling and watching the people talking around her. As she turns to leave, she is suddenly struck with an idea. Weaving through the crowd, she caught the attention of Kates and smiled to her as she spoke.

Miss Kates, I was wondering if you'd accept a male dancer who is...well, mentally, he's...slow. His name's Corky, and he's a dear friend of mine. I know that his secret passion is exotic dancing--and he's very good with a pole, so I've heard. And there are at least a few people..." She motions discreetly toward Ragnarok. "That would pay a good deal to see him dance in your club."

Miss Evans, I wholeheartedly accept your application to dance in my club. I just hope you're better than your mother at strip chess.

That is all.

He notices Miss Evans discrete glance towards him.

Ill pay a large sum of cash to see Miss Evan's take to the stage. You see, Im a man who loves to watch the ladies. While Miss Evan's is a bit rough around the edges, shes very familiar with the pole. Not that I can confirm that, but Ive heard rumors you know. So my offer stands as such, $2,000,000 to see Miss LilyEvans work the dance stage!

Lily's cheeks burn at Kates' words and she crosses her arms with a sound of indignation.

"Now hold up just a minute there! What kind of a girl do you think I am?"