Chapter 2

"I think we need something new, something different."

Mikel Soronov was reasonably sure he would get what he wanted. Since assuming the position of manager of the "Velvet Spike", Mikel had already overseen two renovations and three theme changes for the night club. The Russian Mafia, for whom he worked, had given him nearly carte blanche since the club was really a front for their drug and prostitution business and was frequently used to launder money. With the money rolling in hand over fist, the higher ups indulged him in his attempts to keep the club at the forefront of the avant-garde in the city's underground. Besides, Mikel had adapted to the decadence of capitalism quite easily and was actually running the club at a profit. Add to that the erotic nature of the themes he chose and the fact that all his "entertainers" were made available to the higher ups whenever they wanted and the Velvet Spike had become a favorite source of entertainment for the Russian bosses as well as for many wealthy Americans with unusual tastes in eroticism.

"But the naked dinner companions idea seems to be a hit with our customers," replied Ivan, his assistant manager.

"Yes, but I see signs that the customers are becoming jaded."

A few months ago, the idea had become immediately popular. A man or woman customer could, for a slight additional fee share a table and dinner with a beautiful young woman, who also happened to be completely nude. Of course after the meal, negotiations could continue for sharing her company in more private quarters.

After hearing of the club from a friend, Andrea had visited the Velvet Spike, partaken of the favors of her dinner companion and become a regular customer.

"Besides," continued Mikel, "several other clubs have now copied the idea. The service is no longer unique to the Velvet Spike."

"What do you propose?" asked Ivan.

"I'm not sure, yet," responded Mikel.

"Perhaps we could try female wrestling," offered his assistant.

"Absolutely not! If we are to offer violence, it must be REAL! Our clientele are not so easily entertained as the working class idiots who find illiterate screaming men on steroids throwing each other around a ring in a carefully orchestrated manner, amusing. Our clients want real sex and they want real violence."

"But we have hosted boxing matches from time to time."

"True, but with only a few exceptions, the customers are all male. We need something which will attract both men and women, something with both sex and violence."

"Maybe we could host female boxing matches," suggested Ivan.

"Emmmmm, perhaps you have something there," smiled Mikel, "Let me give it a little more thought."