Chapter 72

All was in readiness.

The re-design was done, John had six complete machines assembled, with suppliers lined up to supply the components for another fifty when needed.

Kevin helped John crate up three of them. Which Kevin then flew to an air freight courier for transit to Mae’s salon in San Francisco. Three more were ready once Sally and Sheila located a proper location in New York.

Mae immediately set them up and began sales. The first sale was to an exclusive rich client from Sausalito, the wife of a banker. She became an instant sensation in her social circle and soon Mae had another dozen clients lined up waiting. She began scanning them as fast as they could be scheduled.

Sally and Jean flew back to New York, accompanied by Sheila and John. They also took Andrea with them, this time. (Amy traveled to San Francisco with Mae and Candice.)

John returned to Mr. Moore’s salon, this time with Sally, Jean, Sheila and Andrea with him.

Debbie greeted him: “Why Mr. Stevens, it’s so good to see you again. May I notify Mr. Moore that you are here? I’m certain he’ll wish to wait on you personally.”

“Please. Thank you very much. Good to see you again, Debbie.” John said.

Debbie beamed at him for remembering her name. She slipped out and soon returned with Mr. Moore.

“Mr. Stevens, What a pleasant surprise. How may I be of assistance to you?” Moore asked.

“I think, sir, that today it’s how I may be of assistance to you.” John said.

“I don’t understand.” Moore said, simply.

“If we may use your salon, I will be glad to enlighten you.” John chuckled.

Mr. Moore nodded and led them into the viewing area. He motioned them to seats. But instead, John motioned him to a seat. Moore complied.

“Girls. If you please.” John said, taking a seat himself.

The women moved to the showing area and removed their long jackets. Mr. Moore became quite speechless, his mouth hanging agape. He jumped up and moved to examine the outfits.

Finally he turned to John: “Absolutely exquisite. May I ask sir, where you obtained them?”

“I made them in my basement.” John chuckled.

“Surely you jest.” Moore said.

“Only partially. The women ... Sally -whom you’ve met previously, Sheila and Andrea designed the outfits you see. I designed —and hold free and clear the patent on— the machine that produced them.

What you see is a sample of a line of clothing we are going to introduce during fashion week. With that being so close, in the interest of time, we would like you to consider representing us until we can get Sally established in her own salon here.” John explained.

“I see.” said Moore, noncommittally.

“No, I don’t think you do. You see, each of these outfits, in fact all of these outfits were designed and produced in one day.” John said.

“That’s not possible.” Moore said simply.

“Wasn’t possible, before my system. Additionally, each of the outfits you see here has thermal managing incorporated into them. That means they store excess body heat as fiber twist, cooling the wearer, and give up the twist as heat, warming the wearer when it’s cold. They could easily spend an hour outside, today, and be very comfortable ... Additional to that, is the fact that we can put any pattern or photograph on any outfit in the same amount of time.” John said.

Moore looked incredulously between the outfits and John, wishing he could supply a “Yes” answer.

John continued: “And, we can incorporate Kevlar, making them bullet proof. They end up a bit thicker, but fit just as well. I’m certain you understand the market for that, with the United Nations being located here.”

“Indeed I do.” Moore said, nodding, “You know, you will put every salon in town out of business.”

“I don’t doubt that we will put many salons, in many towns, world wide, out of business.” John said.

“Most unfortunately, the backers of this salon are pulling out. They ignored our substantially increased business since your first visit. An event for which I blame myself. I was spending so much time trying to explain to the backers why business was bad, that I didn’t pay attention to why it really was.” Moore replied.

“It is precisely because of your management that I am here now. How much time do you have?” John asked.

“The backers are pulling out at the end of the business quarter, in just two weeks, just before fashion week. Our lease expires in June, we have an option to renew, but I don’t know if we’ll make it that long after the backers pull out. I’ve been quite worried about my staff.” Moore replied.