Red Collar Read Free Page A

they use you? This is different, Kate. People respect you.”
    She shoved a card into Kate’s palm. “Call them. At least, find out before judging them,” she said as she walked away.
    Kate glimpsed at the card. “Masseuses by Madge”, she read. She threw the card into her bag. She would never consider the possibilities of such a job. Not unless she was desperate.
     
    Her desperation arrived a week ago.

Chapter 2
     
     
    “Kate,” she heard a voice call from behind her. It was Madge Harris. She was a tall, slim attractive woman in her late forties.
    “It’s such a delight to see you,” Madge said, approaching her at the lounge, her brunette hair loose and bouncing at her shoulders.
    “Hi, Madge,” Kate greeted with a small smile.
    “I heard you’ve got the position at Reid Enterprises. Congratulations.”
    “Thanks,” Kate replied softly. She glanced away to stare at the small prints on the carpet.
    Madge watched her carefully. “You alright, hon?”
    She raised her eyes slowly. “I’m…I’m just a little nervous.”
    Madge let out a small breath. “I understand. You’ve never done this before. Is that it?”
    Kate didn’t answer.
    “Listen hon,” Madge said. “You’re going to treat him like any of your boyfriends. Just a very rich one. You keep him happy and he showers you with gifts. You’re very lucky that such an offer came by when you joined us. To tell you the truth, I’ve never received or heard of such an absurd proposition. And it suits you too.”
    Kate gave her a small smile.
    Madge put a comforting palm over Kate’s. “You’re a beautiful woman, Kate Ripley. I would have loved you to be a masseuse. But it’s obvious you’re destined for the finer things in life. If I had another candidate for the Reid position, believe me, I would have volunteered her name as well. But the truth is I didn’t have another. You see, women of your caliber don’t often seek out such establishments as mine. I would have loved to keep you on. I can imagine the multitude of clients seeking you out here.” She let out a small chuckle. “But Bob Whitton is a very special friend of mine. And he was visibly worried of how he was going to find someone to fill that position. I mean, which educated, career-driven woman would in her right mind agree to such a contract. That’s a lawsuit waiting to happen, right?”
    Madge sighed and continued. “And then you came along…well, what can I say? The rest is as you know it. Now, let me see you.”
    She urged Kate to get up so she could assess her. “Open your coat, darling. Let me see what you have under there.”
    “Here?” Kate asked as her eyes nervously roamed the reception.
    Madge laughed. “Oh dear, you really need to work on that demure, baby. You’re seriously in danger of being dropped like a hot potato. There’s no one here,” she said, assuredly. “Our next client doesn’t arrive in at least an hour.”
    Kate slipped out of her ivory coat, slowly.
    Madge nodded, approvingly. “Very good. Panache. I like it.”
    Kate ran her hand nervously over her one shoulder, sequined short champagne dress. The dress had cost her a substantial part of her savings. But she understood the importance of first impressions and she couldn’t afford to lose this job.
    “And you have a sexy pair of lingerie under that?” Madge asked, raising an eyebrow.
    “Umm…yes,” Kate said, slightly taken aback by her directness.
    “Well done, Kate. I’m impressed.” She picked up Kate’s coat and helped her into it. “Whatever you do, Kate, keep in mind the importance of referrals in this business. My name rides on this one and Reid Enterprises is not any small business I can gamble my reputation on, hmm?” She lifted Kate’s chin with a finger. “Undoubtedly, you are beautiful. But that’s not enough to keep you alive in this profession. You have to flaunt the attitude that the world’s at your feet. When you succeed at that, there can be no stopping