To save our business: A life in a song
I am Jane Howard. I married my husband, Jesse, in 2005, and together we started a successful building supply business. We worked hard to grow the business, but we had reliable employees who could run the firm for a week, so we could get away together. These week vacations felt like honeymoons. In 2007 and 2008, we took home between one hundred and two hundred thousand dollars, and I am ashamed to say that we spent it all on great restaurants and fancy vacations. Of course in 2009, the economy collapsed with particular emphasis on the building industry. We thought that the recovery would be quick, and a loan of $50,000 would be easy to pay back, and the business would be better than ever.
The traditional banks did not agree. We had to go to a finance company. Tom Ford, the owner, had terms that were just short of loan shark. 20% interest per year and the interest and principal paid into an escrow account. If the whole amount wasn't paid in the three year term, Tom got the whole business and the escrow account. The first two years were tougher than we thought, but we were able to pay about half the total to the escrow account. The third year was better and we really thought that we would make it, but a downturn in the winter left us $5000 short that we had no way to obtain. On the last Friday, we were in Tom's office begging for an extension.
Tom started, "when dealing with husband and wife business partners, I always deal with them separately. I get a more honest outlook if the spouse is not looking over the shoulder. Jesse will go first, Jane will you wait in the outer office. My secretary will get you coffee."
Jesse came out within ten minutes. He didn't look happy. Tom took control. "Jesse, it's your turn for the coffee, and I will tell Jane about our discussion." When Jesse was gone, Tom got to the point.
"The meeting was so short because of my question. Why should I do anything. If I do nothing, I get your business and the escrow account. He had nothing to offer me. You, however do. I want you for my mistress for the weekend. You will leave with me for a nice resort, and we will enjoy each other. You will agree happily to all my requests. There will be no birth control, and any pregnancy will be completed to term. You will return to your husband Monday about 2 PM, and never have to see me again. The only limitations will be, no pain and no third parties. On Monday, I will put in the five thousand to complete the escrow account, and give you ten thousand to keep you afloat. If you don't agree, you lose the business, have no job, and may soon be homeless. What birth control do you use, and when did you finish your last period.
"I use a diaphragm, and just under a week ago."
"Good, I might impregnate you, but no guarantees. Are you wearing the diaphragm?"
"No."
"Then we can leave for the resort immediately. Would you like to discuss this with your husband?"