Excerpt



Sitting alone in a plush Beverly Hills restaurant a man gloomily meditates. He envisions one way to solve an otherwise dilemma: commit murder. Kill several people as a serial killer. He decides the role is mandatory and his scheme brings together people who otherwise would never have met.

Two years ago Cherry Seeds, an attractive young college student, methodically planned out her future. Like most people she failed to consider the hideous unexpected. Not even in a nightmare did Cherry Seeds envision she would be the target of a serial killer.

Cherry Seeds, a junior at UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles), was financially scraping by. She modeled lingerie for department store newspaper advertisements, and worked part time for a small company efficiently billing their accounts on a computer.

Cherry was teased when the full-body advertisements also showed her smiling face. She turns down dates extended by strangers, but she always accepts invitations from friends that include food: dinners, lunches or snacks. It kept her from going hungry when forced to economize.

Cherry dedicated her waking moments to rise above the banal masses. She heard about the fabulous opportunity for a college graduate to work for the Galaxy Company.

The Galaxy Company was publicized to be a fast-rising private operation with more branches than large trees. The three owners specialize in buying and selling huge buildings. They have an impeccable financial standing and easily borrow multiple millions from lending institutions for new purchases. They pay back the debt in less than a year with funds from a sale of other holdings. The story of Galaxy is one of astounding success.

Four years ago three educated men of close camaraderie tired of their nine to five employment that adequately provided some luxuries, but not millions. They were all two years from forty. Donald Tridant and Zachary Van Zandt were married and Coleman Z. Smith divorced. They agreed to risk a thought impossible crooked plan. They pooled their money and created the Galaxy Company that was sure to startle the world. They started modestly, buying and selling small rental units with down payments. They paid off the mortgages or trust deeds, and later borrowed on the properties to buy more expensive properties. Inflation helped their incredible success. They bought tall buildings and Corporations that increased their holdings to a guessed over two billion in four years; it was actually the plus side of three billion.

Two startling things occurred to Cherry Seeds when she was in the last half of her senior year at UCLA. First, she considered working for Galaxy when she graduated. The business section of newspapers gave Galaxy glowing reports. Cherry had learned that exceptional sparkle could sometimes covers a dud; woe to the unwary. She would be investing her education, youth and time. The astute thing was to first learn what a female employee of Galaxy thought of her job.

Cherry dressed chic hoping to chance-interview a female employee of Galaxy. She anticipated she might have to accost several employees before finding one willing to talk about their employment with Galaxy.

Cherry stood outside of Galaxys new Beverly Hills office building at quitting time. She looked at the employees coming out of the entrance heading for home. Cherry was surprised. The work force was mostly well dressed, young, attractive women. The few men were tall and handsome. Most headed for their cars in the side parking lot, but one girl walked to the bus bench on the corner. Cherry chose the attractive brunette at the bus bench.

Cherry walked up to her and said, Im Cherry Seeds. Im a senior at UCLA and hope to get hired by Galaxy when I graduate. I have two personal questions. Any tip on how to get hired. And, do you like your job?

The girl studied her face. Well, to start with, accurate typing and computer efficiency is mandatory. On your resume list business courses and work experience. But, are you aware of the wages?

No, Im only aware how successful Galaxy is.

Small wonder. They took the clue from Wall Mart and pay even less. The starting wage at Galaxy is the minimum wage in California. Now six dollars and seventy-five cents and hour. Most of the workforce here has other income.

Minimum? Cherry winced. Why do you work here?

Like the others. I hope to get promoted.

Cherrys curiosity rose sharply; she wanted details. She invited the girl. I have a VW bug. May I drive you home? I have enough gas. Uh, we could stop for coffee.

The girl smiled. Okay. Im Georgette Wilson. I answer to Ginger. I live in Santa Monica.

So do I. I share a house with five students. My brother gave me the car. Its rusty but it runs good.

Ginger smiled. You sound on a budget. We'll have coffee at my house. I live with my parents.

As Cherry drove the VW her new friend said, Just one promotional step up doubles the pay. Promoted from computer operator to senior computer operator jumps the wages to thirteen fifty an hour. Then the next step up to a secretary jumps the pay to add to over forty thousand a year.

Cherry groaned. Id have to take a night job to exist on minimum wages.

Its worth it. Gloria Williams made executive. She started with Galaxy four years ago. Her next promotion will bring her a third of a million a year.

Cherry had coffee and two donuts at Gingers home. Ginger said, Theyll hire you. You have the looks.

Oh? Good looks a requirement?

Every girl hired is a beauty.

I noticed them coming out at quitting time. You have a beautiful face and figure.

Ginger grinned. Compliment accepted, but your erotic figure attracts attention. Frankly, I talked to you at the bus stop because I thought I knew you from some place. Now I know where. You model lingerie in newspaper ads.