Kate walked out into the living area, wearing a buttoned down white shirt and grey pants. Her hair was still a little wet and, finishing drying it for now, she tossed the damp towel into a closet near the bathroom.

"Nice to see you, Noto. Glad you approve. Thanks for building the place. Nice to see you as well, Billie."

Kate dropped into a chair near Billie_Faegan.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Billie straightened up when Kate cam in the room, trying to pretend she hadn't been lounging around like she owned the place. She cleared her throat, looking to Noto for reassurance. This was a good idea, right? 

"Well, um, we were planning for Paris. And I thought, since I was here anyway, we might could run some stuff by you... if you're not too busy." 

She eyed Kate, assuming that since she'd let them up it was all good. "See, you know I was planning to lay the foundations for some more business in Paris already. But Mercedes' talk about the new warehouse got me thinking. And... I... I want to start an enterprise." 

Billie exhaled slowly, rubbing her hands together. This was harder than she'd thought. "An escort service, to be precise." She gulped hard, "I want to arrange safe passage for women who can't attain a typical work visa. I'll arrange transport and provide protection, living arrangements, and etiquette training. In exchange they'll sign a contract, with the Paragons, to work for a period of time equal to the individual risk and investment involved with their... liberation." 

She took a deep breath. "Mr. Noto has already agreed to let me... purchase..." the word came out a little funny, "space in the tower for use. High end clients only. Entertainment, trained company for corporate affairs, things like that. No outright prostitution... though I'd consider it for the right patron and at the right price for the girl involved." 

Billie was sweating a little. Perhaps she should have had a little more to drink before coming upstairs. "You've mentioned before my way with charm and pose. Basically this would provide you with a small army of similarly qualified women, women who would be groomed to serve the crew in a very specific, though unaffiliated capacity, and make a fair amount of money to boot."

She ran a hand over her face, trying to stay focused enough to finish her spiel. With a shaky exhale she unconsciously reached for John's hand -- moral support and all that jazz. "I haven't spoken directly with Mercedes or Mr. Scalise, though with your blessing I intend to. His transport service is the perfect cover for bringing home any... assets we might acquire." Billie cleared her throat again, "And if Scalise refuses, Thomas has ties that will suffice for my purposes... and plenty of people who would be eager to get in on the ground floor of the operation." 

She paused... "Also, I may have told John I'd invited you on a date... when we get there. So I thought we could discuss the entertainment aspects of our trip as well. Y'know, plan something really fantastic... for ourselves." Billie winked at Kate, mouthing something only the two women were likely to fully understand, with a knowing look. "Really fantastic." she reiterated. 

Holding onto Billie's hand, I chime in.

"Ms. Logan if I may say something, I believe Billie is onto something good here...I can see this being profitable for the family, we strive for excellence here, so why not throw this into the mix?. As the business gets off the ground... assuming you approve of course, we can see the numbers it pulls in. Then from there we can talk percentages, meaning more profit for you."

I look to Billie. "Its a good idea, relax." I take a handkerchief out of my suit pocket and wipe the sweat from Billie's forehead.

"So Kate you will be joining us in Paris?... that is great news. Billie will be singing at the Grand, huge accomplishment for her."

Billie gave Noto a blank stare. Did he really just... she couldn't decide if it was endearing or annoying. Waving the handkerchief away from her face she laughed, "Aren't you like  some hard-ass mafioso or something, John? I mean really..." she giggled, clearly teasing him before turning slightly away from Kate and mouthing, "Don't baby me" with a distinct 'back off' kind of glare. She dropped his hand, but continued beaming, leaning closer to him. "I got this... I think." 

She turned back to Kate, hoping to confirm that she did indeed 'have this'.  

"My sincere apologies Ms. Faegan."

I leaned back in the comfortable leather chair and spotted an issue of the Logan review, I open the paper and began reading while waiting to hear Kate's response. It was best to let the two speak on the business venture.

Kate raised an eyebrow at the word "enterprise". Billie_Faegan was certainly getting ambitious. Good to see- as long as she didn't try to do too much, too fast. She listened with a furrowed brow as Billie outlined her plan. When Billie was finished speaking, Kate raised a hand to halt her.

"Hold on, business before pleasure. We'll talk about our recreation in Paris later."

"I like the idea overall of running some high end girls out of this place. It's a pretty romantic set up. 

But I've got a couple concerns. You mentioned John Scalise- are you intending on shipping these girls in crates? Or are you talking about using some of his other contacts? Because I'm not comfortable with trying to keep a woman in a box for the long ass journey of Paris to Detroit.

My other concern is the idea of a contract. Don't think we need these here. If some girl decides that she doesn't want to fuck guys for money anymore, we're not taking them to court to enforce their contract. Also, no paper trail for us is better. I'd prefer to stick with informal verbal agreements- that all the girls will know we'll enforce ourselves.

And if someone gets over here and decides they don't want to fuck for money anymore? That's my other condition: we're not forcing anyone. As you've probably noticed, Billie, I'm not exactly shy. I never fucked a guy for money, precisely, but I've used my body plenty often as an asset- or a weapon. I have no issue with prostitution. I do have an issue with forcing prostitution against someone's will. Any girl who decides they want out of the business can walk. Immediately.

Now let me be clear: they'll still owe us. So if that happens we'll either find some other way for them to pay us back by having them work in another venture, THEY'LL find some way to pay us working a job on their own- or, if they don't pay us, we make them an example for ruining our investment."

She paused, glancing into the empty fireplace.

"I don't know. I don't have an issue with killing someone for screwing us over. But I do have an issue with anything that remotely reeks of sex slavery. I have a code. It might be fucked up, but it exists. Does that make sense?"

Kate crosses her legs, draping her right hand on her knee.

"Besides, if you're as good at this business as I think you'll be, I expect you'll keep your girls happy and motivated, so someone walking away would be a rare occasion."

Billie blinked at Kate, looking horrified. "NO! No, god no. That's... not what I meant.  AT ALL!" Billie hung her head and breathed deeply, taking a moment to collect her thoughts.

"Okay. Um.. first... Scalise. Mercedes' comments led me to believe he's quite innovative. I wanted to discuss options with him, not barrels or boxes. He has expertise and resources. And working with him would keep things entirely in Detroit on our end. Umm... Paper trail... yes, you're right. I hadn't considered it from that angle yet. I simply want everything to be clearly lined out upfront so that there are no surprises when they get here. I want them to know exactly what they're getting into and what their obligations will be well in advance."  Billie paused for a deep breath. She still looked a little pale. "And... I'd never... force," she wrinkled her nose, her voice catching a little with audible disgust, "I'd never force anyone. I... I know what that's like." She lowered her gaze to the ground. "I mean, my girls aren't just for sex. I mean if they WANT to that's fine, and I will personally make the arrangements so it is maximally safe and worth it for them... and in turn for us. And I'm sure it will probably happen. But I want sex to be secondary... tertiary even." 

She looked Kate square in the face, "I want to give women skills that will make them valuable companions for high end, out of town clients and valuable assets for our crew -- the kind of women a man is proud to have on his arm at... the opera... or a business dinner at the Royal. Escorts. Not necessarily prostitutes. Women with class, able to carry on intelligent conversation, feed us information, blackmail if necessary,  and entertain in sexual and nonsexual ways. Women that men will keep coming back to the tower for. Sex or no. And who would serve us well." Billie shifted her gaze back to the floor, glancing briefly back at Noto. The more she talked the more stupid she felt. "Are you familiar with the idea of a Geisha, Ms. Logan?" 

As I sat and read the paper, waiting for Ms. KateLogan to answer Billie's question. One thing she said caught my attention... that she knew what it felt like to be forced into sex.

As I hear her say that, my face turns beat red...I was hoping they didn't notice, the paper was shielding my face a bit. I crack my neck slightly out of anger, had I been to busy showing my affectionate side?. I sat there fuming, awaiting patiently for Ms. Logan to answer Billie.

Kate smiled warmly at Billie, reaching out to pat the other woman's cheek.

"Relax, Billie. I've learned to ask everything that pops into my mind- because I'd rather ask a question and get reassured than get boned by a question I wanted to ask, but didn't. I honestly never believed you'd be shipping women in crates or forcing them into things- but, as I said, assumptions are dangerous."

"Moving on, I think your partnership with Mr. Scalise could be a good one."

"And I love the idea of escorts and companions with class, intelligence, and subtlety. It's just that, in my experience, sex isn't usually a secondary or tertiary concern for most men. Between you and me, I've had a gun pointed right up against a man's heart... only a tiny hair's worth of pressure more needed for me to pull the trigger... and he was still looking down my shirt."

Kate leaned back, comfortable, trying to reassure Billie with a smile.

"I'm only vaguely familiar with the idea of a geisha. My understanding, based on that question and what you've said so far, is that you want noble, independent, beautiful women to be working with us to accumulate influence and information through any means necessary. They'll be working for you, but they'll be agents, not servants. Does that sound about right?"

Billie smiled a little awkwardly. She'd been mopped and patted... in a paragon business meeting... in the space of less than an hour. Wtf, mate? Scratching behind her ear she nodded at Kate, "Yeah, that sounds about right. I know what the men want. And that's fine. I'm good with it. But on our end, as far as how I  pitch, market, and train. I want it secondary in that part." She was rambling again. 

"So, uh... is that a yes?" she perked up, smiling at both of them. 

Kate grins.

That's a yes. Now I've gotta get out of here, because I've got another meeting. I'll catch you guys later.

As her visitors returned downstairs, Kate went back to her bedroom to finish getting ready, before eventually hitting the streets.

Now back in the foyer, I look to Billie "that went well, business is approved... now you just need to find a suitable spot in the Hotel to run this thing."

My face was still on fire, as I was still enraged. Thoughts were swirling in my head, I wanted to ask Billie about the comment she made in her pitch to the boss. But I had a feeling she would notice I was fuming, so I tried to calm myself down.

Billie was over it, at this point. She was veritably vibrating with excitement. Even going so far as to do a little happy dance in the elevator on the way down. She tried to ignore the agitation radiating from Noto, but it crested as they exited the elevator. He tried to sound excited, but the anger obvious on his face was also evident in his tone. Billie fluffed her curls looking a little deflated. She wanted to be happy, but he was clearly pissed. 

"You're right!" She smiled even though she felt disappointed by his apparent reaction. "You know, I haven't actually gotten to properly evaluate my options," she motioned toward the ceiling, indicating the suites above. "Why don't you show me your best suggestions," she took his arm, laying her head onto his shoulder, "and we can discuss whatever's bugging you while we're at it." Billie squeezed his arm gently, sort of a hug, staring up at him expectantly. 

Billie had no idea that I was pissed for her, not at her, however I knew she could handle herself. She was a tough women, and I had seen her do things then most men couldn't do. I had started to calm down when Billie asked to get a suite upstairs. I smiled at her after she grabbed my arm, I could never stay mad in her company.

"Well...if you want something close to Kate's penthouse then we should go to the 11th floor."

I walk to the counter with Billie to get a key, but before getting one I let her look at the list of rooms so she can decide on a room that fit her mood.

Winter had finally shown up, and it was not being kind. The air was cold, the wind was colder and Jennie was ready to be warm. She pushed her way into the hotel and headed straight for the bar. "Sunshine and warm sandy beaches, thats what I need." she muttered to herself as she pulled her gloves, hat, scarf and coat off. She heaped them on the barstool next to her before taking a seat and looking around. "Noto you have done amazing things here." she said to the owner, "I've been meaning to stop by, but knowing that KateLogan is just upstairs is enough to keep me away, before she gives me more work to do." she said with a wink to the man. 

Billie shrugged and slid the list away with a sweet smile. "I trust you," she said, deliberately buttering him up despite the truth of the statement. "I'd like to stay close to my girls when they're working... safety net and all that. But I also don't want to take up space that you're going to miss if I'm here all the time. I mean, I'm going to pay for it whether you want it or not, but I'd still hate for all your best amenities to be tied up with family. Y'know?" 

That wasn't entirely true. Kate's place was nice. Billie would probably literally kill for a place like that. But she was trying to be conscientious... and gracious. She tucked a stray curl behind her ear before continuing, "It's really really nice of you to allow me to do this. And I just don't want my business to interfere with yours." She smiled again, a little more shyly this time. "So you pick, and I'll just trust your judgement. That way I don't keep my self awake at night fretting about it." She nodded, in that way that women sometimes do; when you can just tell that they've made up their minds to not make up their minds, and there is simply no arguing... like trying to decide where to eat out. Like that. 

I motion to the rack that held the keys.

"Linda grab me a key to the Presidential suite on the 10th floor, corner unit." As Linda hands me the key both me and Billie get in the elevator. I push the button for floor 10, on the way up I look to Billie.

"So a corner unit will be the best option, you won't have a room on both sides of you. And the 10th floor has plenty of open space, only has the lounge and a few suites. The rich tend to flock to this floor... so your business will do well. Plus your clientele will have a great view up here, all that being said I think setting up on the 10th floor would be perfect."

The door opens as we walk out into the hall of floor 10. I hand Billie the key to her room and follow close to her.

"I want you to do the honors and open the door." I smile at Billie.

She looked around, frowning. She could have sworn she saw Noto but perhaps it had been a figment of her imagination. Whatever. "Barkeep! Rum please!" she called out before twirling around on the bar stool to face the wall. "I would like to be good and drunk before anyone realizes I am here." she explained. 

Thomas strolled into the bar area of Paragon Tower, noticing Jennie... Staring at the wall. He frowned and perked a brow but didn't call out to her. Not yet at least. He got to the bar, pointed to a whiskey and held up two fingers to the barkeep. After he held both drinks, he took a few quite steps towards Jennie before leaning near to her ear...

"HEY THAR JENNIE!"

Billie listened to Noto's pitch as they made their way up to the 10th floor. God this place was nice. The more of it she saw, the more excited she got. Noto pointed out the lounge, and Billie tried not to wiggle too much. It was perfect. She could use performing as an excuse to keep an eye on things, and still be close to 'home'. Everything lined up. 

Noto handed Billie the key, gesturing down the hall, and Billie tried not to squeal as she opened the door. For a moment, she didn't even walk in; she just stared through the door -- at the windows, the bar, the fireplace. The room was stunning. Billie bounced on her heels, still standing in the door, trying to decide what to say, or IF she could say anything with out exploding into a ball of screeching, mocha confetti. 

Finally working up the composure to step through the doorway, she resembled a ballerina -- her skirt flaring out as she slowly spun in circles, trying to take in the whole room at once. Finally  coming to a stop, facing Noto, she laughed -- one of those 'is this even real' kind of laughs -- "John, I think this place is bigger than my whole flat." 

She walked the room, running her hands through the heavy drapes, mimicking the swooshing noise they made, sliding her fingers along the mantle over the fire place. Peering into the fireplace, she realized with a little squeak that there was no back -- it opened into the bedroom as well. This was all too freaking cool. Moving through the bedroom, Billie froze when she saw the bed. The thing seemed gargantuan in comparison to what she was used to. With out a word she pressed her purse and keys into Noto's hands, bending at the waist rather unceremoniously to remove her heels. Kicking them to one side she pounced on the bed, her curls floofing about her face as she sank into the plush mattress. For a moment she was still. But it didn't last long.

When she sat up, her expression was utterly childlike. Standing up, she shot Noto a mischievous look before confiding, "I've always wanted to do this..." With a stifled a squeal as she started jumping on the bed, her skirt fluttering as she tried to hold it down. "This.... is.... awesome!" she giggled out between bounces.

 Finally plopping to rest, she folded her legs under her and smiled at him, trying to regain any sense of business like composure. "I think your suggestion is quite astute. This space should meet all my needs. I'd like to keep it on permanent retainer, if you think that's doable. I'd be happy to pay monthly or weekly. However you see fit." she paused for a moment, trying to imagine any other arrangements he might need. "um... if you need a deposit, or whatever, that's fine too. And I'd be more than happy to fill out or sign anything you need." 

With a squeal she launched her self off the bed, and hugged him tightly. "Whatever you need, I don't care. I want it." She beamed up at him, grinning from ear to ear. "Can I keep it?"