Chapter 3
CHERYL
At exactly five o’clock, there’s a knock on the door of our offices at the Bellagio.
“If nothing else, he’s prompt.” Izzy heads for the door, and I hit the remote for the monitor on the wall.
Our presentation consists of a slideshow of the various clubs we service, along with bios of the women we employ. The folders in front of me contain the contracts necessary to ensure everyone was aware of the rules up front.
Although Graham isn’t a customer, I want him to see what we offer our clients and how we conduct our business so he’ll know how to move forward with our promotion. I believe in being honest at all times. It saves on issues, problems and misunderstandings later.
I stand from behind my desk and extend my hand as Graham Pierce enters the suite.
Trim, about six feet tall, he’s dressed in a white linen button-down shirt and perfectly tailored slacks—definitely a designer brand.
His light brown hair is clipped short, and I imagine he makes weekly appointments with his barber. Or has one on staff.
He grasps my hand firmly. “Graham Pierce. So good to finally meet you.” He flicks a look to Izzy, who settles on the couch across the room.
Old habit—Izzy and I never interview a client without the other present. Back in the day, before we acquired our upscale clientele, it made good sense. Now we use it as a business tool. After a meeting, we go over all the details, each valuing the other’s input and opinions.
“Cheryl Benson.” We shake, then I motion to the chair in front of my desk. “Please, sit.”
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting all week.” Graham’s blue eyes crinkle, and I guess him to be in his early forties.
“Yes, I’m anxious to hear what you have to say about our business and what you can offer us.”
Many high-end nightclubs employ us for our exclusive perks, which include limo service, complimentary champagne and premium spirits to and from a club, and women specifically chosen for the occasion.
Between the California and Las Vegas offices, Selective Services maintains an impressive clientele, ranging from the executives of large corporations, to discriminating businessmen and Hollywood’s elite seeking discreet companionship.
“Our business?” Graham asks. “I was under the impression you were the sole owner.”
I nod toward Izzy. “Isabelle Torres and I are partners in Selective Services.”
“I see.” His voice has an edge that he quickly disguises with a smile. “I wasn’t aware.”
“The history of our business is included in the slideshow.” I motion to the monitor. “And I have a folder you can take with you to read at your leisure.”
“Fine, fine. I guess my first question would be what you expect of Pierce Promotions?”
“I’ve heard very impressive things about your company. I understand you work mainly with nightclubs in all the major cities.”
“And worldwide,” he adds. “I promote clubs in Macau and Monte Carlo. I’ve also recently added the Wynn Al Marjan Island in the UAE, which will be opening in early 2027.”
“Impressive.” He seems to want the compliment, so I give it to him. Doesn’t cost anything to pump someone’s ego—especially in business.
“Yes, I’m very proud of my accomplishments.”
“Of course there are others who facilitate such a large business.” I need to know if he will make the final decision, or if he plans on handing me off to an underling after I sign the contract.
“I’m the sole owner.”
“And we’d be working directly with you?”
“Yes, I handle all our larger clients personally.” He grins on the word “personally,” and the red flag in my brain twitches.
“We already service many of the clubs here in Vegas and L.A., but we think growing the business is essential to success—as in adding Selective Services to your roster.”
“I see.” His sharp eyes never leave mine. “I can imagine Los Angeles and Las Vegas are equally profitable with the number of clients looking to have a beautiful woman on their arm.”
I cock my head slightly. “I’ve learned over the years that most men are just looking for companionship.”
“Really.” He huffs out a rude laugh. “I’ve learned that most men want sex, and having a beautiful woman is just an added bonus.”
My jaw clenches, and Izzy’s eyes burn into Graham’s back. We briefly make eye contact over his shoulder, then I focus on Graham.
“Selective Services is run like any other business with an emphasis on professionalism and profit.” I pick up the remote on my desk and click the monitor to life. “If you take a look at the slideshow, you’ll see we offer limousine service to and from the—”
He puts up his hand. “The slideshow isn’t necessary.”
“I think it’s important for you to see exactly what we do, so you’ll know how to move forward with our promotion.”
“I already know what you do.” This time, there’s no denying the smarmy smile.
“I’m afraid there might be a misunderstanding about—”
“I would like to set up a trial run with some of your girls.”
“I’m not sure what you mean by trial run.” My bullshit meter is in high gear, and that red flag is flying at full mast.
“I want to see exactly what your girls do and how they perform.” He looks over his shoulder, then leans into the desk. “First-hand.”
“I have all their bios on the slideshow and listed in the link on our website, so I don’t know what you mean by a ‘trial run,’ and we refer to our workers as women, not girls.”
I try to give Graham Pierce the benefit of the doubt, but the alarms in my head are ringing loud and clear.
His lips twist, and I expect a sexist reply, but just as quickly, the smirky smile disappears. “Perhaps I worded that wrong. What I mean is, I would like to observe your service and the women who work for you in an actual club atmosphere.”
“I can give you a list of the clubs that use us. You’re welcome to speak to the managers regarding our references. I assure you, we have glowing recommendations and reputations.”
“I’m sure.”
I draw in a cleansing breath, proud I kept this meeting on track. Dealing with arrogant assholes isn’t new, but there is something genuinely unsettling about Graham Pierce.
I open the folder on my desk and turn it toward him.
“These are the contracts every client signs so they know the rules going in. Whether a client wants a one-on-one experience or a group, the time is settled up front, along with any additions. Depending on the occasion, sometimes costumes or a certain look is required. We just did a corporate event with a Mardi Gras theme.”
Graham briefly glances at them, then locks eyes with me. “I find it very interesting that you conduct your business in a suite at the Bellagio.”
“When we first came to Vegas, it was a deal we made with the hotel. Much cheaper than renting space on the main lobby floor.”
“And I’m sure much more convenient.”
“Excuse me?” No matter how I tried, I couldn’t let that slip by, or keep the edge out of my voice.
“Let’s cut out all the bells and whistles.” He waves his arm at the monitor, then at the folders on my desk. “None of this is necessary.”
“It is if you want to—”
“Look, why don’t we be honest with each other? I have no problem promoting hookers.”
“Hookers? I can assure you the women I employ are not hookers. As I’m sure you’re aware, prostitution is illegal in Clark County.”
“Call them whatever you want—escorts, companions—but the bottom line is there are subtle ways to get around the law with the proper wording in advertisement.”
“I don’t need or want to get around the law with any proper wording.
I do not employ hookers, or prostitutes, or any other word you want to use for sex workers.
While I have no prejudice against how a woman chooses to conduct her business, I can assure you the women who work for Selective Services are escorts. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Graham leans back in his chair.
I draw in another cleansing breath. “I must be assured you will be promoting our business with the dignity it deserves with no room for misunderstanding or misconception on your part.”
He folds his arms over his chest. “That was merely a test—and you passed. I had to be sure what you were saying was true because, as you said, prostitution is illegal in Clark County, and I can’t afford to get involved in anything unsavory.”
“I can vouch for everyone who works for us, and there is nothing unsavory going on. This business is strictly legitimate.”
“Although you do admit that when you first started, some of your girls, er . . . women, were less than reputable or respectable.”
“When we started this business, we did it to empower women and help them out of certain difficult situations. Since then, we try to help all women without prejudice, but, of course, we must ensure they understand our rules and policies before we hire them. As I mentioned, both our clients and our workers sign a contract before any business is conducted.”
“Very noble, and if my research is correct, you now run a very profitable business.”
“That’s correct, and I would like to see it grow to the next level.”
“I think I can make that happen for you.” Graham pushes out of his chair and extends his hand.
I stand and offer him the folder. “This contains all our business expenses and profits for the last year, plus the references I mentioned from the clubs we currently service.”
“I’ll look into this and send you a proposal next week.” We lock eyes, then he looks away. “I have to admit, you have a very interesting concept here.”
“Escort services are nothing new, Mr. Pierce.”
“Please, call me Graham.” He looks down at the folder and back up at me. “Businesses of this type that keep such accurate records are rare.”
I consider questioning what he means by “this type,” but decide it’s not worth it. Let him work the numbers, and if and when we do business together, I’ll make sure he treats Selective Services with the same respect he’d treat any other business.
“Perhaps when I work up my proposal, I can present it to you over dinner. Perhaps at a restaurant of your choice.”