chapter 3

The next day, Jack searched the web and found a broker for island resorts. He called and made an appointment for later that day. At the appointed time, he went to her office and sat down. She was an older woman named Betty. They talked about what Jack was looking for but certainly not why. He just told her that he wanted a secluded spot for himself and a few guests, with facilities so that he could keep a full time staff there. As it turned out, several small resorts had overextended themselves, and were for sale. They were spread through the Caribbean, and from the pictures they all looked like paradise. Betty said she'd make some calls and get back to him.

The next day, she called and asked him to come over and see what she had found. When Jack arrived, Betty used her PC to go over the three properties she thought were best. They went over the condition of the buildings, the facilities and the amenities. Jack agreed to make an offer on all three. Betty sent e-mails, and got quick replies with counter-offers. After a few more back and forth e-mails, Jack found himself the owner of his new resort. $5.7 million dollars bought it.

As it turned out, Betty could also make arrangements for staff. Jack wanted at least two chefs to be available for meals throughout the day and night. Plus housekeeping staff, and a maintenance man. Jack also asked for at least one of the staff to be fluent in both English and Spanish. If Betty thought that was a strange request, she didn't show it. She said that she could hire the staff in about a week, and have the place ready for him and his guests in another week.

Now it was up to Jack recruit his "guests." Which meant back to The Palace. When he arrived and pulled out his credit card, three skinny girls descended on him. He bought them all a drink and told them that there was a hundred dollars for whoever brought him Katrina, and someone who could translate for them. With that kind of motivation, it only took a few minutes for the girls to bring him Katrina and a Puerto Rican girl, who called herself Tina. He told the waitress to give each girl a hundred and charge it to his card. He then sent them on their way and sat down with the two girls.

"Katrina, your English isn't very good, is it?" he asked. Katrina obviously didn't understand him so Tina translated in rapid fire Spanish. Katrina responded in kind, and Tina said, "She says she's only been in the US for three months, and she's trying to learn English, but she only has a few words."

Jack, through Tina, told Katrina that he liked it that she had a nice curvy body.

Katrina responded that curves were celebrated in Cuba.

Jack told her that she would look even better if she put on some weight. Tina continued to translate, but was obviously wondering where this conversation was going. Katrina laughed and said that she could add many pounds very easily because she loved to eat.

Jack was ready to see if this was going to work. He asked if Katrina liked working here, or perhaps she would like another opportunity? Both women looked a little suspicious. Jack reassured them that he wasn't proposing anything illegal.

Jack asked if Katrina would like to be paid to live at a Caribbean resort. Katrina responded that yes, yes who wouldn't? But what would she have to do?

Jack asked if she would like to be paid to gain weight at this resort. Both women looked surprised as Tina translated. Katrina asked how much she would get paid. Jack answered that he would pay her one thousand dollars for every pound that she gained. Tina translated, and that resulted in a spirited discussion, all in Spanish.

"She is very surprised by your offer," explained Tina, "but doesn't know if she can trust you."

Jack told them that she wouldn't be alone. There would be a full staff there, and she would have her own cabana. Katrina wanted to know if there was anything else that she would have to do. Jack said that no, all she had to do was eat and relax in the sun. Tina translated, and Katrina grinned, with very white teeth showing against her dark skin. "Si!"

Jack smiled. "Now, ask her if she has two friends that would be interested in the same deal."