Under New Ownership

"Call cat George {Call it finished]," her Tobagan slang not unusual in the South Florida city before her tone took on a more serious note, "Company does carry you, but they don't bring you back {bad companions lead you to trouble, but don't bail you out}." Her cautioning words clearly meant to the effect of 'be careful', aware of Valentino's sometime involvement with his brother's more unsavory practices.

His brother and Fabio's disruption and subsequent call to Sweet Mamma took up what remained of the work day, leaving the Financier time to visit home and make whatever preparations for what was stacking up to be a busy night - though perhaps a pleasurable one should the escorts be of the classy variety and the casino downtown was open to new clients.

---

"Thank you, Mama!"

Valentino replies.

Family could get you in trouble, but they could also get you out of it. In his particular case, he only hoped they could get him out of the trouble they got him into. Still family was life and not something he could change. And, if he was honest, it was their business that had paid for his education and allowed him to be where he now was.

King Massage - SW 8th Street, Miami, FL

Leaving directly from work it was only a ten minute drive to the two story building that conveniently offered parking in the rear. Despite the aged facade the interior was quite posh, the young Asian receptionist reminding him Cho - on her shy personality and not that Valentino held to the uneducated philosophy that all Asians looked the same - as she smiled and asked if he had an appointment.

---

"I regret that I do not."

Valentino responds to the polite question.

"I must admit that this is a little spontaneous. You were recommended to me, and today I feel the need of a little pampering!"

He smiles in his most charming fashion, showing his perfect white teeth.

"So, must I leave with my tail between my legs, or would you be able to squeeze me in?"


Mission Picks
(R)esource: Reconnaissance, broad (Sweet Mamma - H&R Auto Repair)
(R)esource:
(T)radecraft:
(S)ecurity:
Open (E,S,V, or W): (V)ehicle - Car, classic (1950 Chevrolet Fleetline) - (Sweet Mamma)
Open (E,S,V, or W): (S)ecurity - Casino Invitation

Possessions
Berretta 93R
Sword Cane
Cal 1 Computer, laptop

Common Items
Cell Phone (VIP)
Cell Phone
Attache Case (with interchangeable liners)
Quality Cigars in leather case
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
/Open
/Open
/Open
/Open
/Open

Smiling the young lady shyly averted her eyes, her cheeks coloring ever so slightly. "We offer many different services and packages," she said, regaining her composure and directing the young financier's attention with a sweep of her delicate hand to a screen mounted to the wall beside the reception desk that elegantly listed the various spa treatments and massage therapies offered. Her polite smile seemed to indicate appointment availability would be determined by the service or package selected --- unless he had a plan to address the off book packages offered.

"I think the Ashiatsu would be perfect, and maybe a good soak in your jacuzzi!"

He replies, wondering if he would survive the masseuse walking across his back. Still, you had to take the odd risk in life, and he hadn't tried it before.

The young Asian woman nodded in approval at Valentino's selection, slender fingers manipulating the mouse as her dark eyes centered on the computer monitor in front of her then smiled at it seemed there was an opening. Try as he might he could not place the girl's country of origin, the shape of her eyes and accent didn't quite remind him of Cho's, though the services offered seemed the most likely to be China or Southeast Asia.

"I do have someone available for ashiatsu," she confirmed cheerily, "that is a 90 minute session." Her cheeks colored slightly, eyes drifting away in almost a sort of embarrassment, "We unfortunately do not have a jacuzzi or warm water therapy pool."

"Bene. I think that after a ninety minute session I will be very relaxed, so that will be fine. Besides, I have a busy evening in front of me!"

Valentino replies.

"Perhaps you can arrange for some tea afterwards?"

King Massage - SW 8th Street, Miami, FL

The young lady smiled, nodding her head slowly in assent, her eyes drifting towards the glass instant pot and assortment of teas and leaving Valentino with no doubt that there would be a fresh pot of hot water at the conclusion of his session. Any further exchange with the almost shy receptionist would have to wait, as a petite - yet busty - young Asian woman appeared dressed professionally in what Valentino would recognize as typical attire worn by a masseuse yet worn with a sort of sexual confidence. Smiling and in heavily accented English she welcomed him and motioned for him to follow her. The door she lead him through entered into a hall that ran perpendicular with what was obviously rooms to either side before turning a corner and heading towards the rear at both ends. With a polite sweep of her hand she gestured to the left, escorting the financier to a room at the end of the hall.

"Good evening --- my name is Yume," the alluring young woman said as they entered before gesturing to a paper screen in a corner, "Please remove your clothes as you are comfortable --- some men and women prefer to leave their undergarments on --- and lay on the table. It is heated and I will keep those areas I am not actively working on covered with towels." The screen was situated as such that Yume could begin to set up the room for the massage without glimpsing her client as she deftly began maneuvering silk scarves through 'O' rings attached to the ceiling.

---

Valentino is no novice to the spa environment, and scoops up a short towel as he heads off to get undressed...without undergarments. He returns merely dressed in the towel, and submits himself to the treatment. He begins with small talk and, with the help of a good dose of charm, and a little innuendo, endeavours to draw out some information from the masseuse without causing her, or himself, any embarrassment.

As fate would have it, the arrival of the masseuse had only served to confirm his intention of inviting the receptionist to dinner.

Valentino begins his massage by friendly banter and, mixed with mild flirtaciousness, slowly attempts to find out if the rumours about the establishment are true. He is in that inenviable position of trying to show he finds someone attractive, but at the same time not show interest in them personally. If she is receptive, he also attempts to wangle out of her the name of the receptionist.

Whether it meant much to the charismatic financier or not he found Yume to be quite competent at her craft, easing with well placed foot and toes tension that Valentino did not know he had had. The young lady was shyly receptive, laughing softly at his flirtatious advances and easily picking up on the subtle hints and remarks about the spa's 'extra' services that she just as subtly confirmed whilst admitting that Malee - the cute young receptionist - was not involved at least in the escort capacity with the other side of the business.

Though there was nothing stopping the charming investor from taking the young Thai born woman on a real date he could suppose. She certainly might be able and willing to provide additional details and information over the course of an evening - particularly one disguised as a date.

---

As much as it might be pleasant to go on a date with Malee, Valentino was here to for a reason, and that was to experience the services offered by the establishment. If Malee was not one of their escorts, then she would not do. And, he would not feel right inviting her for a date on false pretenses.

So, he pulls out one of his business cards, and asks Malee if he could speak to her supervisor. They should be the one to choose his escort for the evening, and it would also pave the way for further discussions the day after.

In the meantime, he takes a seat and enjoys the promised tea.

Pleasantly - and unsurprisingly - Valentino returned to the lobby to find a steaming pot of hot water and assortment of teas. Perhaps a bit disappointing that Malee was not included in the spa's more illicit offerings, the charming financier could probably guess that it might make sense to keep the receptionist in the dark on the off chance local law enforcement or worse federal or state questioned the young woman.

The shy smile on the young assistant's face faded slightly when Valentino handed her his card and asked to see the supervisor, the worried look that his massage did not meet his expectations clearly evident as she quickly retreated to the back. Moments passed and Valentino had just enough time to sit down, a cup of tea cooling in his hands, before Malee returned with an older woman in tow. Thanking the young girl she dismissed her to her counter and approached. She was dressed in expensive business attire - a stark contrast to the alluring dress of her younger employees - her extensive make-up barely hiding her sharp European features as she eyed the younger Licario, the narrowed tilt of her eyes and furrowed brow making her look suspicious in lieu of discerning as she sized him up.

"You wished to see me?"

"Yes, I did."

Valentino replies.

"My name is Licario, Valentino Licario. Would you happen to have somewhere where we can talk some....business...in private?"

At the look of the woman, he takes on a more friendly but businesslike tone, and attempts to judge her European heritage. Hopefully she would help by divulging her name.

Though clearly American, her dark hair and sharp features most likely indicated her ancestors - like many Americans - could be traced to the British Isles, Germany, Switzerland, or any of the other Countries immigrants to the 'New World' came from in search of religious freedom and land they could call their own.

"Joline," she responded to the young financier's greeting, her demeanor still cautious though her sharp features relaxed a bit as she smiled politely, "Joline Johnson. What manner of business --- particularly one requiring privacy --- is there to discuss."

---

"Pleased to meet you, Joline!"

Valentino replies.

"I would like to discuss your...ahem...range of services. Might I be right that you are the owner of this establishment?"

Her demeanor brightened at the polite and charming introduction, nodding her head enthusiastically in confirmation that she was indeed the owner - or at least part owner along with her husband, Valentino having been privy to the information already via Ernesto and Fabio.

Eager to show of her spa and the services offered she began to sweep her hand towards the TV monitors displaying the various services and treatments before pausing, turning to glance at the smart dressed financier through narrowed eyes realizing there may have been a subtle hint hidden in Valentino's statement that referred to perhaps services not offered on the screen. Her sharp eyes swept passed the young Italian born executive, glancing towards the door suspiciously, before forcing a smile, "Perhaps we should continue this in my office."

Moving aside to allow Valentino to stand, she gestured towards the door to the back with a polite nod of the head as Malee rushed ahead to hold the door for both her boss and charming guest. Joline lead him through the door immediately across the hall, offering the young gentlemen a seat as she moved around her desk and sat. Adjusting her skirt, she politely crossed her legs and turned, eyebrow arching as she waited for Valentino to speak ...

---

Valentino took the offered seat and crossed his own legs, his head quickly scanning the contents of the room, before turning back to Jolene with a wider smile.

"Thank you! I didn't want to appear mysterious, but I did want to be discreet."

He nods at the lady.

"I will be honest with you. I am a businessman, and I am here representing an organization that would be interested in a partnership, a cooperation so to speak. I decided to test your services, and have so far been very pleased by what your offer."

"I have an engagement this evening, and I believe you might be able to arrange a suitable companion to accompany me. She should feel at ease in a, how should I put it, very exclusive environment."

"As far as the rest is concerned, I hope you and your husband might find time to discuss my proposals with me, maybe over a spot of dinner?"