2.
The Swinging Life
Inside the limo, Tony was getting impatient, but the scotch helped. So did the blonde and the brunette. They exchanged pleasantries and then other, more tangible things. He gave them turns, democratically. A gentleman in his way.
A pleasantly frantic interval later, he glanced at his watch. Almost time. He straightened up, tucked various things into place. Jesus but you couldn't beat a good English suit. Rumple the hell out of it and it still looked great. The girls were a different story.
"OK, ladies, playtime's over for now." He poured another drink, gave them a little champagne. "On your best behavior or I spank you. Mary, that is not an incentive."
"Magda."
"Exactly. Jennifer, please cover those up."
"Julie."
"That's my point." He flipped open his cell phone and dialed. "Hogan, you seen him yet?"
"Hey, boss. His flight's been delayed about fifteen minutes. You don't have to wipe off the lipstick stains just yet. I'll buzz you when he's here. Skycaps not bugging you about being parked there, are they?"
"Tipped 'em to leave us alone. What's this guy's name again?"
"Hashimoto. From New York. Pepper says you're trying to sell him some medical tech, remember?"
"American Japanese or Japanese Japanese?"
"He grew up in Brooklyn. But Pepper called about a minute ago and said there's an excellent chance we'll be meeting his personal assistant instead, who still has full power to make decisions in his place."
"That's doable. Thanks." He flipped his cell shut again. "Ladies, we appear to have some more free time. Who wants to be the first to try out Stark Industries' latest in personal massage technology?"
