Page 29 of The Gentleness of Rage

“You got the plans?” he asked, approaching.

“Pinned on the wall over there,” Cayla replied and pointed.

Apache had drawn them up quickly, and he’d approved them. A staggered VIP section had been designed. Each level would have its own bar and staff. Finally, the main floor level of the club would feature a combination of booths and tables.

The bar was being made larger, and more shelves added for high-end drinks. The cheap swill previously sold here had been removed. A dive bar had already bought the remaining stock, and Slate had been in touch with the bar’s suppliers to start placing orders.

The women’s dressing rooms were being extended to twice their size with a table for every dancer to get ready at. Lockers were being placed into another room so they could leave their outfits, day clothing, and personal belongings there. Each member of staff would have their own locker and key, just in case someone got the idea to duplicate them and rob people.

Slate looked at the plans, noting the colour scheme Cayla had chosen.

“You sure that’s classy?” he asked.

“You want warm and welcoming, not sleazy and decrepit. That colour will welcome the public in, add to the ambience and people will feel at ease. My concern is the security systems, where we’re placing the cameras,” Cayla replied.

“Don’t fret too much. Hawthorne’s will be doing that for us. What are your thoughts on the private rooms?

“They need surveillance,” Cayla said.

Slate chuckled. “That wasn’t why I was asking. I meant colour schemes.”

“Oh. I described what I wanted to Apache, and he’s going to come up with some drawings. I went with a more French Boudoir style of furnishings and colours,” Cayla replied.

“Great. And the staff? Are they taking advantage of the medicals we offered? If they haven’t, then it’s a no-go for their job,” Slate said.

“Every single person has signed a medical release form naming you and I to receive reports. And they’ve organised appointments. Several of the dancers have also booked with the shrink you offered once I confirmed the club is paying for it. Nearly all have signed their contracts, and Mr Washington is sending over his HR lady to help us set up sick and holiday systems,” Cayla replied.

Slate nodded.

“Don’t suppose we could steal her?” Slate questioned.

Cayla smirked. “Do you want a war with Mr Washington?”

“Fuck no. His brother, Gunner, would kick the shit out of me,” Slate replied quickly.

“Then no, we can’t kidnap her, but I’ve asked if she knows anyone looking for an HR role. Drake has spoken to me, too, he said if we can find someone, he’ll probably use her for all Rage businesses.”

“Not a bad idea. Rage is certainly employing more staff lately,” Slate agreed.

“Here’s the upstairs office layout. They’re replacing the upper wall section with reinforced one-way glass. That’ll be your office. My office and the other manager’s office will be further along and smaller. Or we could share if you insist. Security, camera systems, and staff area will be located upstairs too. We’re putting in a small kitchenette for the workers to use and a panic room,” Cayla said.

“Okay. Hawthorne is making sure the dancers can lock themselves down, too?”

“Yes. And there’ll be a bulletproof screen that will drop from the ceiling to cover the bar. The entrances and exits are also being given the deadbolts you asked for. Apache and Rock are changing the entrance. They’ll now enter the building’s far end, walk along a corridor, and through a set of doors into a lobby containing the cloakroom. Once there, security will buzz them in. All the doors are being fitted with deadbolts, and panic buttons are being placed to slam them shut…

“Slate, I must ask, are these measures really necessary? It feels like overkill.”

“Cayla, you hear there’s a war coming?” Slate asked.

“There are a lot of rumours, but no one is confirming shit,” Cayla said.

“It’s true. All Rage businesses are undergoing this process of security. As are our allies. If we get hit and we’ve got patrons, we want to ensure their safety. Nobody can get past that metal detector carrying a gun. Security will search them before letting them through. Should a weapon be discovered, four holding cells are being built in that corridor. Anyone intending harm won’t get into the main space,” Slate replied.

“This Venomous Fang threat is real?” Cayla asked, biting her lip.

“Yeah. And Rage is joining with the RCPD. We are going to fight until there’s nobody left standing. Rage is prepared to defend RC,” Slate replied.

“Okay.” Cayla gave herself a shake and then pointed at another plan. She took a deep breath. “We’re putting in a kitchen and will need staff for it. During the day we’ll serve sandwiches and hot snacks and, in the evening, basket meals. Washingtons said they go down well and provide a good source of extra revenue.

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