'About once a month. The competition is fierce. Every little cow with good legs and tits comes rushing here. They'll even be shot for nothing.'
'That's tough. What else do you do beside work for Benny?'
'Oh, I model clothes.' She was vague enough for Girland to guess this wasn't strictly the truth. 'What do you do?'
I live off the fat of the land,' Girland said airily. I don't believe in work. It's against my principles.'
'It's against mine too, but I have to eat.'
'A doll with your looks shouldn't have to worry.'
She smiled.
I didn't say I worried. Do you mean you don't do any work?'
'Not if I can avoid it'
'And you live off the fat of the land?' She let the wrap slip a little and Girland had a glimpse of firm, well- rounded thighs before the wrap was whipped into place.
I get by. Perhaps one of these evenings we could get together over a dinner and I'll tell you about it... that is if you are interested.'
She regarded him, then nodded.
I could be. I've always wanted to live off the fat of the land and not do any work.'
'This sounds as if we have a lot in common. Do you know Chez Garin restaurant?'
Her sapphire coloured eyes opened wide.
'I've heard of it... isn't it terribly expensive?'
Girland shrugged.
'So-so. The food's good. Perhaps you would like to have dinner with me tonight at nine? We could meet there.'
She stared at him, then her face hardened.
I hate being kidded so you can skip the routine.'
'Listen, cherie, I don't kid beautiful dolls,' Girland said quietly. 'When I invite a doll like you to dinner, she stays invited.'
'A girl can get stood up,' Vi said bitterly. 'I'd look wet, wouldn't I, if I turned up at that restaurant, and you weren't there to take care of the check.'
'Okay... if you're that suspicious... I'll pick you up. Where do you live, unbeliever?'
She relaxed and laughed.
'I'll believe you. Nine o'clock then at Chez Garin.' She leaned back in her chair, her eyes sparkling. 'Do you have abstract paintings to show me after dinner?'
'Nothing like that,' Girland said, meeting her look. 'But I do have a beautiful Bukhara rug.'
'I've never been asked to do it on the floor before.'
'You haven't? It's the rage this season. You don't know what you're missing.'
The door burst open and what appeared to be an elephant stamped into the room. This was Benny Slade's normal entrance. In spite of his 280 lbs., he moved always with a quick rushing charge, surprisingly light on his small feet.
Before Girland could avoid the rush, he was engulfed in enormous fat arms and hugged to breasts that felt like plastic balloons, beaten on the back with hands that felt like pads of dough, then pushed back while Benny beamed on him, his enormous, jovial fat face joyful and delighted.
'Mark, my duckie darling! I'm so pleased! Imagine coming here! Only last night, I was dreaming of you and now ... here you are!'
'Throttle back, Benny,' Girland said, escaping from the embrace. 'You're giving me a bad reputation. We have a lady present'
Benny giggled.
'So like you, pussy-cat.' He beamed at Vi. 'Hello, baby. This is my very good, nice boy-friend, Mark Girland. He's quite the loveliest man!He...'
'Benny! Wrap it up!' Girland said sharply. 'We've already met. We know each other. Don't be so goddamn exuberant.'
Benny's fat face fell. 'Have I said anything wrong?'
'Not yet... but you are showing signs. Miss Martin is waiting to be shot.'
Benny made a motion of dramatic despair. Not now, sweetie,' he said, turning to Vi. 'I'm sorry. . . I'm devastated, but I must talk to Mark. You see Alec. Tell him to arrange everything. You know... he'll give you you- know-what. Then come back the same time tomorrow, huh? I must talk to Mark.'
Vi's expression could have frozen an ice cube.
'You mean that little rat will pay me for just sitting here?' she demanded, getting to her feet T bet he won't'
'Now, lovie, don't talk that way.-You know Alec loves you as I love you.'
'Like a mongoose loves a snake.'
Benny spluttered into giggles.
'What a darling! Now, listen, lovie, I'll talk to Alec. You pop your clothes on and I'll see Alec pays you.' He wrapped a fat arm around Girland's shoulders and led him to the door.
Girland looked back at Vi who smiled at him.
'Operation Bukhara at nine o'clock,' he said.
She nodded as Benny half-led, half-dragged Girland out into the corridor.
'Mark! You're not planning to do anything naughty with that girl, are you?' Benny asked as he propelled Girland by sheer weight down the corridor.
'Why not?'
'She has a bad boy-friend.' Benny led Girland into his private office. 'He sticks knives into people.
'So do I.'
Girland paused to absorb the room which made him blink.
Benny had lavished a lot of care and money in making this room something very special. The big desk had a top of gleaming copper. The lounging chairs were covered in zebra skins. Ornate orchards, growing behind glass made up the walls. The lighting bathed this big movie set of a room in soft pink.
'Phew!' Girland exclaimed, looking around. 'You're doing yourself well, aren't you?'
'Do you like it?' Benny gave a laugh that sounded like a child with whooping cough. 'It took me weeks, darling . . .honestly. It nearly drove me out of my little mind. But do you really and honestly like it?'
I think it stinks,' Girland said, sinking into a zebra-covered chair.
'Do you... do you really? I am so glad. I think it does too, but how it throws my clients! They just pee in their pants when they come in here.'
'Look, Benny, I'm in a hurry. I want your help.'
Benny's face lost its foolish animation. His eyes became alert. He no longer looked soft and stupid.
'My help? Well, of course. Anything for you, sweetheart.'
Some months ago, Girland had fixed a blackmailer who was putting the bite on Benny. He had to get very tough with the boy, but he finally fixed him. Had he not succeeded, Benny would have been out of business: the bite had been a big one. From that moment, Benny was Girland's slave.
'I' ll do anything for you, baby,' Benny went on.' Ask and you will receive.'
I want you to look at a film. I'm hoping you will know who shot it, where it was shot and who the man is in the film.
This is blackmail again, and urgent.'
'Let me see it. Come into the studio.'
'This is Top Secret, Benny. I wouldn't show you this film if I wasn't sure you won't talk about it.'
'That's okay, sweetie. I once relied on you. You can rely on me.'
His fat face serious now, Benny led the way into the big studio with its screens, lights, photographic equipment and a king-sized bed mounted on a golden dais on which most of the girls were photographed.
The blond youth who had let Girland in was busy loading film into a camera.
