Sex Factor International Book 3

By Steve Evans

Sofia and staff arrive at the LA Hotel. Manager Mel Hays has taken over his ex-boss’s drug distribution. The Hotel Management is in chaos and the Casino Manager and his pimps are now the major source of drug sales and distribution.
Sofia concludes the hotel and casino must get rid of of all Chico Sanchez’s associates. Drastic action prevails. Meaningful and loving relationships end this story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steve Evans
• Release date: Apr 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9780463910535

Steve Evans

Steve Evans has taught literature and creative writing in universities, most recently as the Director of the Creative Writing Program at Flinders University. After his award-winning first poetry collection, Edison Doesn't Invent the Car, he has gone on to win further prizes, including the Queensland Premier's Poetry Prize and a Barbara Hanrahan Fellowship, and been shortlisted for several national and international awards. He has written and edited twenty other titles, including fiction and non-fiction. Animal Instincts is his ninth collection of poetry.

Book preview

Introduction.

In this Book 3 we follow our characters, on their international journey back to LA where on arrival Sofia and her colleagues find the LA Hotel under chaotic and corrupt management.

In this final part of the story the ill-gotten gains of Chico Sanchez's masses amount of money from prostitution, drugs and money laundering hacked from his account and acquired in book 2 changes the whole scene. New hotel management and a changing reputational image can use this money to ensure the hotel group’s survival.

Most of the existing hotel and casino staff through trauma, drugs and drug dealing management are aware of the threat of new management and abandon their positions and leave the hotel. Sofia and her associate staff eventually come to terms and begin to eliminate the inherent drug and management problems. With what they achieve in the absence of the criminal and corrupted activities of the hotel manager and Chico Sanchez's criminal associates that were continuing to operate within his international hotel empire; goes beyond belief.

The FBI move in and attempt clear out the drugs and money laundering activities continuing to be administered through the casino management system. Upheaval and arrests create violence and murder within the police and the FBI. Snyder and his undercover Fed Agent get involved in clearing the drug trafficking, selling and money laundering constantly operating through corrupt officials within the casino administration. Creating the need for Sofia and her office colleagues to urgently work on rebuilding and refinancing the hotel’s leisure and business marketing and promotion plan.

Sofia and her colleagues completely change their working relationships with each other. Sofia now the boss of Chico Sanchez's large international organization must quickly assess and learn how to re-establish the reputation of the company's business.

With the help of Snyder, the FBI agent, and local police. She works to eliminate the drugs, get rid of Chico's criminal staff, and decides to temporary close the casino and hotel.

Sofia’s past London experience in the initiation of the real world of business financing, advertising, and marketing which she had set up to promote the London hotel. (see SFI book 2) Helped her to decide and plan the future she wanted as the CEO of this international business. The Hostess Agencies had been a major drug problem and It was the Hostess girls who needed to have some form of security and protection from the drug selling pimps and casino management. Her idea how to deal with this becomes a major part of this third book.

Many discussions and management meetings take place with ideas and advice coming from several sources, her managers, lawyers, advertising agencies and her personal UK financial adviser. All aware with the LA hotel closed it was apparent that Sofia and her senior management must become involved in the real world of business financing, advertising, and marketing the Hotel group to attract a new and future clientele.

As in book 2, the London Hotel professional prostitution and gambling legitimately became the hotels main source of income and the marketing program had proved to attract and appeal to the right type of clientele. Doug Mansfield her London hotel manager was already reporting a profitable turnover.

This was the beginning of the emergence of a new business, a new image for what is Sofia’s hotel and leisure business center, where a mutual effort and working relations create love and romance. Where new management work to rebuild what is now Sofia's international organization. True love and romance develop as the past and business chaos is eliminated and the hotel image and reputation rebuilt. The story ends with romantic and loving outcomes.

Chapter 1.

Flight to Loss Angeles.

They were met by Luigi the steward as their station wagon drew up alongside the gangway.

Good morning Madame. He said. please go on board, I'll take the luggage.

Thank you, Luigi, we'll just take our personal bags, you can take the rest.

They boarded the plane and Sophie noticed that Cheryl, Chico's flight hostess was not there to greet them.

Walking into the entrance lounge of the luxurious surroundings of Chico's mobile office suite. She felt the mental power of her new position. It's now mine. She said to herself, I can plan and use this mobile facility to reorganise this international business. She turned to Gina who was behind her and said. Take your usual place and wait for the pilot’s affirmative for take-off.

She looked at the huge desk and the huge cream chair and thought to herself. Well, as I'm now the boss I have no choice, I've got to sit there… walking round the desk she tentatively sat down and felt the smooth air skin absorb her slim frame.

Gina looked at her and said. It seems a bit big for you.

Sofia ignored that and asked. Do you have access to any files in this office.

Well yes, only the normal office files, I had no access to Chico's personal files.

Sophie opened the desk drawers, they were empty. She looked over to Gina and said.

Check your desk, do you have any notes or files.

No opening all the desk drawers. Christ every thing's gone.

Get Luigi, he must know something.

Luigi, you've had access to this plane, where you here when the Fed searched.

Yes, they were here for two days, they took everything. They stripped this office, searched every locker, even the galley and cockpit. They took everything away in plastic bags.

Did they find anything, drugs or money.

Don't know, but they took Cheryl's Cabin bag, and I think they must have found some drugs in it.

Ha said Gina. That's why she's not here, they probably arrested her.

Maybe, but it's no concern of ours, we got work to do, let's get started.

Luigi, we'll have lunch after take-off.

Yes ma’am, shall I serve it in here.

Yes, for the three of us.

Darren took out his laptop and stashed his bag in the overhead locker. Taking a seat in the main lounge he was glad to relax for a while. He remembered the last flight from HK to London. How, in Chico's office Kirsti was getting into the financial files of Chico's accounts.

He laid back and closed his eyes. Remembering how excited she was in finding the information that she so desperately wanted. And she'd found it, the big stuff, the SFI account, the database listing the debits and credit of his business associates. All relating to the sales and purchases of drugs, prostitution fees and money laundering.

He didn't know then, why she was so excited. He did now, she was an FBI plant working for the IRS.

The pilot’s announcement came over.

We are five minutes from take-off will all passengers take their seats. We expect to arrive at LA International Airport at 4 PM Pacific time.

Okay Gina. Email Beth. We arrive LA airport at 4 PM this Wednesday afternoon. Order the hotel Limo and meet us in arrivals at about 4:15.

The flight to LA seemed different, they all felt it. Even Luigi the steward acted differently. He was very attentive to Madam Sofia particularly in serving her coffee lunch and the evening meal during the flight.

Gina commented, and said. Have you noticed how he’s sucking up to you.

Well yes, he's trying to make an impression, he wants to keep his job.

It was at least a twelve-hour flight. Sofia advised that they have an afternoon sleep as they would be arriving at the airport mid-afternoon LA time. And on arrival could expect some immediate attention.

After lunch she was pleased to lay down. Gina missed Chico's bed and found it strange to see Sofia laying there.

She moved into the lounge and joined Darren, he already had his feet up and appeared to be asleep.

She sat down opposite, and thought, when they arrive, the office would be busy, and it would be gone midnight UK time for us. She lay back and thought how things would be without Chico when they got back.

She was interrupted by Luigi, offering her a cup of coffee and saying. Shall I take one into madam Sofia, it's gone 5 o'clock.

That’s UK time She said. Yes, she's probably ready for one.

Your coffee, ma'am. It's late afternoon.

Yes, thank you. Would you asked Gina to come in with Darren as soon as they can?

Yes ma’am, they're both in the lounge.

Gina, when we arrive, I do not want any ceremony. Just get your room keys, get rid of your bags and have a shower or whatever, take up your usual position in Chico's office and continue your usual office routines. And Darren in your account office do the same, just check what you can and let the staff see that you are back and in control.

They both nodded in agreement, Darren said. Mel, who is now your hotel manager, will want to exert his authority.

Yes may be, according to Beth he already thinks he's the boss. I'm not sure what our reception is going to be, so be prepared for possible resistance and problems.

Yes said Darren. Particularly when I begin to install the new cash registers.

Well we'll be having dinner shortly then we better rest for the next few hours, it will be midnight for us when we arrive.

On arrival the pilot asked Sofia if he could have a private word.

Of course, she said. I wanted to talk to you, as I know nothing about the administration of this plane.

"The plane is owned by Casa Casino Inc. And is managed by Flight Exec Inc. Myself and my Co-pilot are employed by Flight Exec, but as you know our flight instructions come from your office.

So what do you do now? Asked Sofia. It will be some time before I need to plan another flight.

"We don't work on standby, we need your instruction to return from the contract company. You contact us when were needed for another flight.

By the way, have you been aware that this plane has frequently carried drugs.

No, I have no knowledge or responsibility for who or what flies on this plane. Being Private Charter, you can take luggage and cargo on board without going through the usual checking security procedures.

He gave her a hard stare, paused and said. It's your plane, you decide who and what flies in it. Contact the client office when you're ready for your next flight.

Chapter 2

LA hotel arrival.

Sofia asked the porter to take her luggage up to her office and tells Gina and Darren to meet her there at about seven o'clock."

She tells reception to call security. Tell Matt I'm waiting for him here at reception.

The security officer comes over and greets her, saying. How nice to see you back, we have a few problems here.

Yes I know, Matt? that's why I want you to accompany me up to the main office suite.

She turned to Beth. Meet me about seven o'clock with the others in my office. She turned to Matt and took the elevator to Chico’s suite.

Mel is in the office as Sofia arrives. He feels irritated and obviously feeling very aggressive towards her. Before she has a chance to say anything. He says. I've now taken over Chico Sanchez management of this hotel and casino and working from this office. I don't need or want any instruction from any so-called company shareholders.

Sofia replies. So you know that I am the major shareholder and now the owner of this hotel. This office will now be my office. Now get back to your office and let Darren have the hotel accounts for the last two weeks.

No Sorry, I've got other work to do and I have to work from here.

No, you don't work in here any longer, if you don't leave now, I will have to have Matt remove you.

Okay, I'll leave for now. But I suspect you'll have me back here when you realise what the boss has left us to manage.

He quickly stood up and opened a draw. I have certain things here that are personal, so I need time to clear them. He then reached over to the side cabinet and pushed to close the door

Sophie peered over into the open draw and saw the bundles of dollar bills and casino chips.

Leave that, she says. And tells Matt to close the drawer and escort him down to his office.

As they leave, Mel says. I can explain and account for everything, including why I've had to work up here.

Yes, all in good time Mel, I'll talk to you later.

Gina comes in, she takes her usual place at her desk and opens one of the drawers. Mel and the security man passes through, Mel looks at her and says Y this ou won't have a job for long.

Gina just looked at him, shrugged her shoulders and said. If I go, we all go.

Sofia opened the wall cabinet door, and on the back wall behind the glasses and bottles was a metal door of a combination wall safe.

She thought, he didn't want me to see that, so I'll have it checked.

Sofia looked around and decided that she would have the office cleared and maybe redecorated. And in the meantime, work from her existing office. She walks through into the bedroom. Her heart jumped, for a moment she was quite shocked. A young Asian girl, laying on the bed, naked and appeared to be asleep. She noticed in her clenched hand was a crumpled one-hundred-dollar bill. The marks on her arm told her she had been drugged into oblivion.

She walked through into Gina's office feeling sick and very angry. She slumped into a chair and quietly said. Get the Agency desk and get Viv up here now.

Gina buzzed the agency desk. then asked Sofia. What's the matter?

Wait until Vivian gets here, we’ll deal with this together.

Mel got back to his office. And said to Matt. Okay, you've done your bit, don't forget you work for me.

It's going to be difficult. Said Matt, she's obviously officially taken over, so she is now, our boss.

Yeah, but when she sees what she is up against she'll soon want to work with me

You mean, the FED and the IRS snoopers.

No, I mean Chico's debts and so-called arrangements with the drug cartels.

I don't think she'll want to be involved, said Matt. She's anti-drug. And has never liked the Casino Manager, Gregorio.

Well if she don't, where's the money to keep this fucking place going.

Matt didn't want to answer. He left saying to himself. He's in too deep, he's already panicking.

Mel called the agency desk and said to Vivian. She's back and thinks she's in charge. You'd better get that girl down here, before she finds her.

She's seen her, I've got to go up there now.

He slammed the phone down and said to himself. Fuck, I’d better disappear for a couple of hours.

He phoned the casino and asked for Greg. Meet me at Rossi’s bar I'll be there in ten minutes.

Viv came in looking serious. I know, I know what the problem is, Mel has already asked me to deal with it.

Sofia said angrily. So how do you deal with it? I have a prostrate body in the bedroom here, for all I know, she could be dead.

She's probably overdosed, they normally stay in their room and sleep it off. Said Vivian.

So what's she doing here then. You know that staff and management do not have access to and are not allowed to book our agency girls.

Yes but, that asshole Gregorio just plied her with drinks in the bar and took her up to Mel's office.

Are you saying that they both shared her?

Yes, probably. And it's the same problem that you've had, they get the girls addicted to sell them drugs.

Gina asked, so we have to wait for her to sleep it off."

Oh no we don't. Said Sofia angrily. I want her out of here, now.

Vivian looked at them both. "It would not be wise to move her. She would have to be carried out and taken down by the elevator, through reception into her room on the ground floor.

Sofia immediately understood. Yes, we don't want our staff and guests seeing her in that state.

Let me see her. said Viv.

Okay go in and see her.

Yes, she may need some attention. Said Viv.

Okay call me, if there's any problem. I will be in my room.

She was glad to be back, kicking off her shoes she stripped off and walked into the shower.

She felt refreshed, stood in front of the mirror towelled herself down and agreed with Jeff Olson's comments. With your smile and sexy body, he'll want to show you off to all his media colleagues.

She let the towel drop to the floor, caressing her body with both hands cupping her breasts feeling the firmness and thought of Steve… I must call him.

Beth called. So glad you're back Sofia, is there anything you want me to do at the moment.

Yes, call Darren, and tell him before we meet tomorrow, I want to check with several of the staff to get a feel of what's been going on.

Yes, a good idea, you may be surprised what you may find out.

I've already had my surprise, that poor girl up in Chico's bedroom. God knows what they've done to her.

Well that’s not all, the assistant manager had a row with Mel over casino money, and he’s not been seen since.

That's been normal since you've been away. That Mel and casino drug manager Gregorio have used and sold drugs to the girls relentlessly.

What about Viv, did she not intervene?

She couldn't, she was overruled and threatened if she interfered.

Yes, I thought that. Vivian more or less indicated that to me earlier.

She wanted to call you several times. Said Beth, but I said no, we did not want to worry you too much.

Thanks for that… I'll see you later.

The phone buzzed before she put it down, Darren came on and said.

Nothing’s happened in accounts, I don’t think any body’s been in here, my computer is still locked. Mel’s assistant manager had access and should have updated the accounts.

Have you seen Mel, I asked him give you the last two weeks accounts.

No, I did look in his office, I don't think he's in the building."

Sophie's immediate thought was. Perhaps he's done a runner, then she thought of the money in Chico's desk drawer, and whatever was in the wall safe. And said to herself. He's just keeping out of the way and probably in the casino.

Well, he's not very happy at the moment, I've just removed him from Chico's office, I don't expect to see him until tomorrow.

I’ll pick up with Gina and Beth. Said Darren. You said you wanted to meet us later.

Yes, just a casual meeting, in my office about seven.

Thanks for coming in said Sofia. I don't know about you three, but I need some sleep, for us it's UK time, gone 2 AM Thursday morning. So, I won't keep you long.

Not me said Beth, I'm okay, I'm usually working until about six or seven each evening.

What I want to say, as Beth will agree. Is that this hotel and casino is under mismanagement, Mel, the hotel manager is not going to accept my authority, this will be the same with that so-called casino manager Gregorio. And so, for the next couple of days we have got to manage our usual work routines and appear to accept their management.

Judging by what I've just seen with Mel and that poor girl. Don't you think we ought to take some action against him? Gina asked.

Yes, said Sofia. Darren has already decided to deal with him. But not yet. He needs the evidence to frighten and get rid of him.

I see, said Gina. Forcing him to resign or expose him.

Yes, something like that. Right now, though it's time to rest and I'll see you all here in the morning.

Chapter 3.

Thursday morning.

Sofia was up early, having slept off the jet lag for ten hours or more. She wasn't ready for breakfast and quietly took the stairs up to Chico's office Suite. It felt very different, the large chair and a large desk was very similar to the ones she'd had removed in London. It seemed a long time since that horrendous day when she was last here defending herself against Chico suspicions. She could hear herself now, Arguing and proving that the cash receipts file that Chico and Mel was examining were not hers.

She could hear Darren, saying. These are not the figures that are given to me to enter, there must be another file which I return to José. Remembering how they had been altered and copied by that drunken asshole José.

That's why Chico back in Hong Kong had ordered digital cash registers to be installed in the hotels.

She didn't want to look in the bedroom, she walked through into Gina's reception office and look back in what was to be her office and said. No, I want it cleared and changed.

She went back to her room and ordered coffee, egg and toast to be sent up.

Darren and Gina were already in the office waiting. Beth was at her desk.

Sofia walked in, before she sat down, she said. Beth, I want you to clear and sort out the files and personal objects in Chico's office suite. Gina will assist you and also check and clear Mel's and Chico's files and personal objects.

She paused for moment, then said. Keep a record of all personal names and any notes on any business or financial transactions that can be found. The cash and chips in the desk draw bag up and keep everything together. We'll check it all later.

She walked round and sat down and said to Darren. Now the girls have gone, I want you to be aware of our personal position. We as the owners and managers of this business and can legally be held responsible for the drug-trafficking and money-laundering that is operating from this hotel.

Darren leaned back and said. How, we’ve only just arrived, and we know nothing about what's been going on in our absence.

Darren, we're the bosses and we've got to act fast, and cooperate with the Fed as we did in London.

"Yes, I know, but we need evidence against both Mel and Gregorio before I can confront them and hopefully get rid of them.

There may be some evidence in Chico's office, there's a desk drawer full of money and computer chips and I suspect that there is more of the same in the wall safe.

Well If there is. Said Darren. Let's get it open and find out.

I think Mel will have the combination, call him and ask him for it.

No, it would be better if we confront him. I'll I go down to his office and tell him you want to see him right away.

Sofia stood up and said. Yes, I'll go up there now and wait for him.

Okay, we’ll be up in a few minutes.

Gina was clearing Chico's desk, and Beth was sitting on the floor counting wads of twenty, ten and five-dollar bills, a quick glance at them and Sofia thought there's a few thousand there. A pile of computer plaques and chips was also stacked beside her.

Leave that, bag it up and quickly hide it now, Mel is on his way up.

She moved over to the wall cabinet, opened the door and moved the glasses and bottles revealing the metal wall safe. She stood there as Darren walked in with Mel.

Mel, we need your help, what's the combination of this wall safe?

How do I know, it's Chico safe, not mine.

Darren looked at Sofia and turned to Mel and said. Oh, so you've not had access to it then?

Look said Mel. I have no information or access to Chico's business, his safe, associates or drugs, I've only been working up here for the last week.

So you know nothing about this wall safe, or it’s combination?

No, I've got work to do, do you mind if I leave now.

Sofia gave him a hard look, as if to say something. Daniel intervened and said. You can go now, but I want the hotel cash and till sheets for the last seven days.

That will be difficult, my assistant manager left last week, and we think he took all the cash files with him.

Why would he have had them anyway?

As you know José had been replaced. He said with a sneer. And walked out.

Beth showed her concern. And said. I wouldn't trust him, if he does have the safe combination, he'll be up here tonight to open and remove whatever he's got in it.

You could be right Beth, we'd better get someone in now, and get it opened.

Okay Darren said, I have got to sought out this accounts business with Mel. See you all later.

Sofia calls the safe firm. They send an engineer, who says.

It's the second time I've been here. I opened it and reset it only last week, what's wrong now."

She thought. That asshole Mel was lying, he's got something to hide.

I'm appointing new management for this hotel, and I need a new opening code.

Okay he places a digital device over the safe’s dialling mechanism, types in a set of numbers and leans over and places his ear up to the safe, he listens for a few seconds, then types in a four-figure number. Click, he turns and says. "The safe could now be opened.

Don't open it, can I put my code first.

Yes he gets up, stands back and says. punch in your four numbers.

Sofia moves forward and punches in 44286.

The engineer reaches over and takes off the digital device and with his other hand vigorously spins the safes dial. "You're safe is