Chapter 5

Walking to the closest sofa, Colby dropped down heavily in complete exhaustion. Letting his head fall back, he rubbed his brow and ran his hands through his hair. Brett walked over to the bar and grabbed two bottles of beer from the refrigerator. Popping the caps off, he walked to Colby handing him one.

"Thanks" Colby said after taking a long pull from the bottle.

"No problem. Just take it easy for a few minutes and clear your head."

As Colby sipped at his beer, Brett strode over to the pool table and began racking the balls. Picking up a cue, Brett examined it for any slight curvature and then chalked the tip. Leaning over the table he drew the cue back and then drove it through the center of the cue ball. Colby was jolted out of deep thought by the loud crack of the cue ball hitting the rest of the balls on the table.

"Why me?" He asked simply.

"Several reasons. Where should I start?" Brett said placing the cue on the table along one rail.

"How about from the beginning."

Brett grabbed a couple more beers, then took a seat in the sofa across from Colby. Sighing heavily he began.

"When I graduated high school, I went directly into the Navy. I enlisted under the delayed enlistment program when I was 17 and counted down the days before leaving. I was looking for an escape from an abusive parent and the military was the easiest way out. I spent the next four years on a ship that patrolled the Indian Ocean as en electronics technician. I had a few scrapes with authority, but basically I kept my head down and did my job. When my time was up I had absolutely no clue what I was going to do."

Stopping long enough to light up a cigar and open another beer, Brett went on.

"Being on the ship most of my career, I had very little to spend my paycheck on, what little there was of it, so most of it stayed in the bank. Once I got my discharge, I left San Diego working on a freighter. I stayed onboard for about six months before growing bored. I left ship one night while we were in port in Hong Kong and grabbed a flight to Bangkok. I had been to Thailand a couple times while in the Navy and thoroughly enjoyed myself there. I drank myself into oblivion for the first few days and had a pretty fine time. One night in the Pink Pussy Cat I struck up a conversation with a couple of ex-patriots who had been in Thailand since the Vietnam War. We talked at great length about ourselves, experiences we had, and the future. That night we laid down the basic business plan for the business I've been running for the last fifteen years or so. Which brings me to you."

Clearing the coffee table, Brett paused to get them both a few more beers. Colby sat in pretty much the same position digesting what Brett had told him so far. Brett came back from the bar with an ice bucket with several beers resting in crushed ice. Sitting back down facing Colby Brett continued.

"For the last year I've been considering retirement. Unfortunately, I cannot just walk away from my business due to clients who are completely dependent upon my services. So I've been looking for someone to replace me. When I saw you waiting in line to board the plane in Dallas, you reminded me of myself at your age. I arranged with a stewardess to exchange my first-class seat with whoever was seated next to you. I spent the majority of the flight listening to you trying to gauge your ethics, morals, and personality. Basically you were being interviewed in an unusual manner."

"Brett, although your deception pisses me off, I appreciate... " Colby stopped as Fong and two other servants came down the stairs. They went directly into the other room and closed the door behind them. Colby looked at Brett questioningly.

"I told you I have staff who clean up behind me. Please continue."

Colby saving questions for later went on, "I appreciate your offer but I know nothing of trading commodities. I didn't much pay attention to the market when I was home, except for the price of cattle because of my Dad's ranch. So I don't see how I could take any job you offered."

"Neither did I when I began in this business, but as time went by I learned from my mistakes and did the best I could. If you can keep an open mind, I'm willing to take you under my wing and teach you everything you need to know to survive in this business. You don't have to decide now; take some time to think about it and then let me know."

" Brett I really appreciate the opportunity, but I can't just quit college. What am I going to say to my folks?"

"That's why I say to take a little time to think about it. That's really a question you'll have to answer yourself. You hungry?"

"Yeah actually I am, but I don't think I could eat another big meal."

"Alright. Let's go upstairs and grab a sandwich. I've got a couple other things I'd like to ask you."

Both men left their sofas and the mess behind them, and headed upstairs. Brett led Colby into the kitchen to a small table looking out a window into the backyard. Colby took a seat as Brett went to the refrigerator and pulled open the large stainless steel door and peered inside.

With his head still in the refrigerator, "Roast beef or pastrami?"

"Pastrami sounds good; lots of mustard."

Brett quickly made up some sandwiches and took a seat next to Colby. After taking several bites Colby asked Brett what else he wanted to talk about.

"I wanted to ask you a thing or two about what we talked about out on the veranda earlier today. When you told me about your girlfriend's infidelities I was actually surprised when you told me nothing much happened between you and the guys involved. Why is that?"

"Well when it happened both times, after the initial shock wore off I wanted nothing more than to tear both my brother and Chad's head off and shit down their necks. But then I thought, what good would that do? Not to mention I was in college on an athletic scholarship, so I may have lost it if I had beaten Chad's ass. As far as both girls go, the first deserved what she got. Trish, on the other hand, I regret slapping. It's just when she came towards me I was seeing flashbacks of the scene when my last girlfriend walked up to me and insulted me. I know that's not much of an excuse but that's how I felt and reacted."

"I'm not saying what you did was wrong. I'm not judging you Colby; I just wanted to hear the full story. So you never retaliated at all?"

"Yeah I think I got even in some small way. Chad and I had a Java class together, which was supposed to have a bitch of a final exam. When I went back to my room that night, lucky for me he wasn't around. So I made up a few cheat sheets and stuck them in the front pocket of his backpack. The next day we had our final. After I finished I turned my exam in with a small note which I handed to the professor, and left the room. As I watched from outside the door, the professor left his desk and went to Chad and asked to see his exam and backpack. Last I heard, Chad received an F in the course and was put on academic probation."

Brett grinned from ear to ear and asked, "And your brother?"

"That wasn't quite as bad. He's my brother so I didn't completely fuck him over like that, but he did the majority of the chores around the ranch that summer. We don't get along as well as we used to, but he's still my brother."

"Understandable. I just wanted to make sure you didn't make it a habit of letting people walk all over you without any repercussions. Listen I've got a few phone calls to make. If you want to take a shower, take a swim in the pool, or just lounge around you are more than welcome to. I shouldn't be more than a hour or so."

"Pool?"

"Yeah, in the back corner of the property there's a small stone walkway that leads to my pool. I've got it hidden for privacy. Nice and quiet back there."

"Yeah that sounds good."

"There's a small pool house back there with towels, trunks, and a small mini-bar. Take the time to unwind and enjoy yourself. I'll be back in awhile."

Brett excused himself and Colby could hear him going upstairs. He cleared the table and went out the back door. Walking across the lawn he contemplated Brett's offer. Stopping he turned around and looked at the enormous house. He thought Brett had certainly done well for himself considering he lacked a college education. Turning back and walking through an opening in the hedges, Colby came upon a modest size pool shaped like an hourglass.

Walking across the pool deck he entered the small building and found a pair of trunks. Grabbing a beer from a small refrigerator, he changed and the snatched a towel from a shelf and headed back outside. Setting the beer on the pool's edge, he dove in and swam lazily back to his beer. Resting his arms on the edge he just hung there for quite some time: thinking.

Glancing around Colby noticed a small cabana nestled in one corner of the pool area. Climbing from the pool he walked over to it and saw it was a Jacuzzi. Searching for a few minutes he found the controls and turned it on. Almost instantly the water turned into a boiling froth. He slipped in and to his surprise the water was only mildly warm. Sliding down into a seat he finished off his beer and tilted his head against a padded headrest.

Sometime later Colby was awakened by Brett's voice.

"I bet you look like a fucking prune!"

"How long have I been out here?"

"About an hour or so."

Climbing out of the Jacuzzi, Colby looked around for a towel and realized he left it by the pool. Brett smiled and nodded towards the cabana railing behind him where he had placed Colby's towel.

"Thanks. Thought I left it by the pool."

"You did. I figured you found the hot tub and fell asleep. Happens to me quite a bit. With the water not so hot, it's easy to fall asleep in there."

"No kidding" Colby said toweling himself dry.

Excusing himself, he slipped into the pool house and changed back into his clothes. He could smell his sweat on them and frowned. Coming back out he found Brett sitting at the small patio table on the far end of the pool.

Walking to the table Colby said, "I've been thinking about everything we've talked about. I'm interested, but have some questions."

"Understandable. Fire away."

"What is it exactly that you are expecting of me?"

"For now, nothing. Just enjoy yourself and have a good time. If you choose to accept my offer then I expect you to pay attention, listen to what I have to say, and above all; keep what you see and hear to yourself."

"Suppose I accept, how much of what I will be doing is illegal?"

Brett sighed deeply, "Most, if not all of it. But considering what happened in my basement I suspect you might be able to cope with that?"

"Yes and no Brett. It all depends on what it is I'll be doing."

"Before I can answer that, I'm going to need a commitment from you. If you aren't interested in my proposition, then there's no need for me to explain everything in detail."

Colby sat in silence for a few minutes before responding.

"Fifteen years is a long time. During that time, how often have you been concerned about the authorities catching up with you?"

"Once or twice in the early years, but since then not in the slightest. It's amazing what a fat envelope delivered to the right person will accomplish." Brett chuckled.

"So at this point you feel pretty secure?"

"Colby I'm not getting out of my business for fear of being ensnared by the authorities. Basically I'm tired. The time we've spent together the last two days has been the best since I can remember. It's reasons like that why I want out. I want to live out the rest of my days enjoying life and spending my money in obscene amounts."

Brett left Colby at the table to think while he went into the pool house to snag two beers. While he was gone Colby looked around taking in everything he saw and felt. This was definitely the way to live he thought. Returning to west Texas working sixty hours a week didn't sound to appealing at this point. When Brett returned to the table Colby looked at him with a warm smile and accepted the beer.

Opening it Colby said, "Shall we toast?"

"To?"

"Your newest employee" he said with a devious grin.

Raising his bottle, "Glad you accept!"

The two clinked their bottles and took long pulls until nearly half the beer was gone. Setting his beer down Brett fished a cigar from his pocket and fired it up.

Blowing a thick cloud of smoke out Brett asked, "What are your travel plans like?"

"I'm wide open. Bought a one-way ticket to Thailand and figured I'd buy my return ticket from where ever I ended up at."

"Tell me where you had hoped to visit and maybe I can accommodate you on some destinations before putting your ass to work" Brett laughed.

"Let's see. I was hoping to get to a few spots in Indonesia, then maybe Fiji or Tahiti. I'm really not sure because like I said before I really didn't map this trip out."

"I understand. I just didn't want to short change you on what was supposed to be a little get away for you. I guess we will just see what happens then."

"To be completely honest with you, I'd be happy anywhere Brett."

"Good, because in my business you absolutely have to love travel."

"This is my first major trip and so far I'm having a ball."

"Glad to hear."

Both men finished their beer and just sat enjoying the warm evening air.

"What did you mean by spending your money obscenely?"

"I'd rather show you than tell you. First off we need to get you checked out of your hotel. No point in you wasting your money when I have several bedrooms available."

"Great! They want too much money for that tiny room anyway."

They strolled back to the house at a leisurely pace. Once inside they stopped briefly in the foyer for Brett to get a set of keys. Walking down a long hallway through the west side of the house, Brett opened a door leading into the garage. They got into a sporty little BMW and pulled out.

As Brett swung the car out of the drive onto the roadway he asked, "After we grab your things, how about a little relaxation?"

"What ya got in mind?"

"Maybe a massage."

"I like you Brett, but not that much!" Colby said jokingly.

"Asshole. You know what I meant. We could always start you in your training."

"No that's quite alright. Massage sounds good to me."

"I thought you'd see it my way."

They drove to Colby's hotel and collected his things. Colby took the opportunity to change his clothes and freshen up a bit. Stowing his bags in the trunk, Colby climbed back into the car. After a short drive they pulled into a parking lot next to what appeared to be a department store. Entering the front door they climbed a flight of stairs and were met by a well-dressed man.

"Good evening Mr. Stanford. So good to see you again."

His accent was German and very thick.

"Thank you Hanz. I'd like to introduce Mr. Michaels."

"Pleasure to meet you Mr. Michaels. What can I do for you gentleman this evening?"

"We'd both like the VIP tonight Hanz."

"I see. Will you be requiring separate rooms or would you prefer relaxing together?"

Brett turned to Colby and asked his preference.

"I think separate rooms would be fine."

"No Problem. Probably best for your first experience." Brett replied.

"Shall I put this on your bill Mr. Stanford?" Hanz inquired.

"Yes both rooms please."

"Excellent. If you gentlemen will follow me we can choose your hostess for your stay." Hanz said pulling a golden cord, which parted red velvet curtains.

Ushering them through, Hanz directed them to a rather large picture window more than 20 feet long. On the other side of the glass was a room with several couches, chairs and more than forty girls, ranging in ages of fifteen to eighteen, filling them.

"We've made some changes since you were here last Mr. Stanford. One of the biggest is the glass. If you'll notice the slight tint, this is due to it being a one way mirror. Some patrons suggested this so you can see the girls more relaxed. Since they do not know when someone is watching, they are not putting on an act. You get to see the real girl, rather than what she thinks you want." Hanz informed.