Author's note: I've wanted to read this story and, not finding it, have been writing it myself. This is so much a labor of love. I'm a horribly slow writer and I am determined to do it right which has required a lot of research. It is written from Christian Grey's (or Master or Sir as you prefer) POV. With encouragement from my readers I share my vision with you here. Please be kind.

A Fifty Shades Prequil: Set 4 years before Fifty Shades of Grey. Christian has found business success but at what personal cost? He's only recently moved into his oversized Escala Penthouse. By himself. He's surviving on restaurant food and takeout.

Chapter One - Tuesday . Seattle Culinary Employment agency

The top candidate for my future Chef - Housekeeper is a Mrs. Gail Jones. I have had the list of prospects forwarded to my office as C. E. O. of Grey Enterprises Holdings. Fred Welch, my security consultant, has performed due diligence on the names on my short list, eliminating a couple.

Mrs. Jones is a top graduate of Oregon Culinary Institute in Portland. All her glowing references check out. Widowed. No current relationships. She has a sister, who also lives in Portland. Her background check is clean. No motor vehicle violations, not even a parking ticket. No outstanding debt. She drives a five year old SUV, in good repair. She lives within her means. She gives every impression of a responsible person; someone who can be trusted.

Whoever I hire will have full access to my new Escala Penthouse… and with it intrusive knowledge of my personal life. Is Mrs. Jones someone I can trust? I fervently hope so.

I impatiently wait in the employment agency owner's private office. I barely catch a glimpse as Ms. Smith conducts Mrs. Gail Jones into the conference room. As the door closes, I position myself to observe through the glass. Mrs. Jones is blonde, with her hair pulled back into a French roll. She is professionally dressed in a navy blazer jacket over a crisp white blouse, a matching navy A line skirt to her knees with moderate heels. Her only jewelry is simple diamond stud earrings.

The owner, personally representing her agency, sits across the table and waves Mrs. Jones to take the seat across from her, leaving the head of the table free. I can see but not hear as the representative reads the overview of my job requirements from the memo I furnished. Mrs. Jones nods her head, speaking affirmatively. I recognize the Non Disclosure Agreement as it crosses the table. Mrs. Jones signs both copies before pushing them away. Both documents remain in the center of the table.

Show time. I enter unannounced. The agency representative falls all over herself, trying to stand and shake hands with me at the same time. She's blushing brilliant red. I assume the place at the head of the table. This is going to be my meeting.

"Ms. Smith." I nod to her then turning.

"Mrs. Jones, I'm Christian Grey. It's so nice to meet you." I shake her hand then place my fine leather attaché case on the floor beside me and sit down.

"Ladies, please sit."

Picking up the NDAs, after a quick glance, I counter sign both copies. I fold one copy for myself and I return the other to Mrs. Jones.

"Mrs. Jones, you have been selected because you appear to be the best fit to my requirements. You have both signed strict nondisclosure agreements and nothing we discuss here this morning, should be discussed with anyone. Not even that we have had this interview. It is all strictly confidential. I jealously guard my privacy."

"Yes, sir, I understand," Mrs. Jones replies.

"Good, then, let's proceed." After a pause, I continue. "Mrs. Jones, I have read your professional summary from the agency but please, tell me more about yourself."

"My experience is mostly as an executive chef though I am fully capable of running a restaurant or managing a special event banquette. I take pride in managing my employer's household well; making sure everything runs smoothly and on time. I'm well organized and strive hard to be efficient… it just makes everything easier. Cooking is my real love; I love the creativity of it. I want to make your home a peaceful welcoming place you will want to come home to at the end of each day."

"I lead a busy life. I'm looking for the best possible person to manage my household. Have I found her?"

"Yes. Yes, you have, Mr. Grey," Mrs. Jones says.

I'm pleased with her quiet confidence.

"As Ms. Smith has told you, this is a permanent position that is currently available. I'm proposing a two week trial period. If either of us decides not to continue your employment with me, you will be fully compensated. If we agree to continue, you will be hired full time with a contract and comprehensive benefits package to include the trial period."

"My Penthouse apartment includes a separate wing with furnished staff quarters. You will have your own private bedroom. There's a complete kitchen and a shared sitting area. There are several other bedrooms for staff, although you will be the only one at present."

"During the week, I generally require breakfast and dinner meals unless you are otherwise notified. I do have occasional events; breakfast meetings, dinner meetings and charity functions at times. You will be kept updated of any schedule changes by myself or my Personal Assistant. You will normally have weekends off unless scheduled in advance."

"Is this satisfactory?"

"Yes, sir."

"Excellent!"

I stand and face the representative, extending my hand: "Thankyou, Ms. Smith, I'll take it from here." I say.

We shake hands. "I'll be in touch," dismissing her. She's earned her fee.

Ms. Smith gathers her things and leaves, the door latch clacking loudly closed behind her. I sit again and turn my attention back to Mrs. Jones.

"Mr. Grey, I apologize. Ms. Smith told me you are a well known businessman. I'm sorry; I really have no idea who you are or what you do, sir?"

"Mrs. Jones, I appreciate your honesty. I am the CEO of my own company. Let me assure you, you will have my utmost respect and our relationship will remain strictly professional. I've never hired anyone like you before. I have barely gotten moved in. It IS a big place. I am going to need someone to manage the household."

"I'm glad you've said our relationship will remain professional. I will hold you to it."

"We can write it into the contract, if you like."

She nods her agreement. "Thank you, sir."

"Would you be willing to come over, perhaps Thursday afternoon? View my home, the staff residence wing, and cook dinner for me? You'll be able to see everything for yourself and get a proper sense of what will be needed. I think we'll get to understand each other much more quickly this way."

"Of course, Mr. Grey, I'll be delighted, sir. Will it just be you for dinner?"

"Yes, it will just be me. I'm not a picky eater. I'd just like a hot meal prepared in my own kitchen, eaten at my own table."

"I can send a menu through for your approval, sir?"

"That won't be necessary. I'll let you select the meal. Please include a suitable wine. However, as the kitchen hasn't been used, you'll need to bring all the supplies you'll need."

"With all due respect, sir, are you sure there aren't any food preferences or concerns I need to know about? Any issues with garlic, onions, peppers, spices, hot or spicy foods?"

"Nothing comes to mind."

"It's unusual not to have any preferences. I just had to be sure, sir."

"Do you have cookware, kitchen utensils… dinner service, flatware, and glassware?"

"Yes, the kitchen designer took care of all that."

"Great!" Her voice still carries a note of concern.

I take my wallet out. "You'll need to go to the market."

I take a stack containing several one hundred dollar bills out of my wallet. I pull out my business card, lift my pen and begin writing on it. "My cell number." I turn the card over and write again. "My address." Her eyes lift in question as I continue writing. "Parking garage entrance code, parking space number, elevator code. You have to enter a code for the Penthouse."

"Of course," she says smoothly.

"How is 1 PM Thursday? That gives you two days. Call me when you arrive; I'll have the groceries brought up. I'll show you around and you can have the afternoon to work your magic in the kitchen."

I stand and extend my hand.

"I'll see you at one on Thursday, sir."

Author's end note: Notice the time frame, four years prior to FSoG. Mia would have been seventeen (legally a minor) just graduating High School. Ana is not in the picture at present and is the same age as Mia. Both begin College the following year. THE FSoG interview is four years in the future. This is the story of how Christian got to that place. He had the world at his feet. He thought he had everything he wanted, everything he needed. Everything except love. He didn't think he wanted love, he didn't think he deserved it. ~ The scenes just come to me; speak to me. I have to figure out who is speaking and write them down. Four years is a huge leap. But I can't say where the scenes will take me.