find it’s my club.”
Leaving that piece of information floating on the smoke-filled air, I strode away. He’d follow. I had zero doubt on that score.
I’d already checked out the schematics of the club and knew exactly where Tanaka’s office was. I opened the door and walked inside, settling myself at his desk—now my desk. He arrived a few seconds later, out of breath, his greasy short hair stuck to his forehead. Elliot arrived right behind him.
Tanaka repeated his question. “Who are you?”
“Sit down.” I jerked my chin at the chair opposite.
“You’re sitting in my chair,” Tanaka replied, his English perfect save for a slight accent. An educated man, but still a sleazeball.
I tsked. “It’s my chair. This is my club.” I jabbed my finger. “Sit.”
He paused, considering his options. And then he did as instructed. “Akiro Yoshida owns this club.”
Part of signing the deal had been an enforced secrecy clause. Yoshida had been prevented from telling anyone he was selling up, including his employees. Especially his employees. I insisted on it with all my business transactions.
I glanced at my watch. “Six hours and thirty-four minutes ago, Mr. Yoshida signed the contract selling this club to me.”
“That’s impossible,” Tanaka spluttered. “He would have told me.”
“I can assure you it’s far from impossible.” I fiddled with my cufflinks. “Feel free to call him if you’re so inclined, although I doubt he’ll thank you for ringing at this late hour.”
Tanaka’s eyes narrowed, but he made no move to call Yoshida.
“Here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to close the club early tonight, and then I want all the staff to gather in the bar. You’ve got ten minutes. I suggest you get on with it.”
“How do you expect me to do that?”
“You’ve got a tongue in your head. Use it.”
Elliot sniggered and opened the door. I stared flatly at the man sitting opposite until he finally rose from the chair, muttering under his breath on the way out.
Ten minutes later—to the second—Elliot and I returned to the main bar area. The final customers were being ushered up the stairs that led to the outside of the club. Tanaka had retaken the same stool at the end of the bar, except this time, sans scotch. Outwardly, he exuded nonchalance, but a slight tremor to his left pinky gave the game away.
A hush fell across the room. Elliot folded his tall frame into a chair. I remained standing.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Ryker Stone, and this is my business partner, Elliot Bancroft. Yesterday, I purchased this establishment, and now I want to let you all know what’s going to happen.” I cut my gaze to Tanaka. “Translate.”
He did, albeit reluctantly. I continued, pausing at regular intervals for him to translate into Japanese for those present who did not speak enough English to understand. A surprising majority seemed able to follow most of what I was saying, which pleased me. I insisted on the ability to speak English in all my businesses, regardless of location. English was the global language, and a lot of the men who frequented these types of establishments were traveling businessmen looking for a little fun. I didn’t want them to struggle with a language barrier—or use it as a way of pretending they didn’t understand the rules.
“So, next steps,” I said. “All establishments under the Poles Apart brand have a certain look. Therefore, I’ll be closing the club for a period of two weeks to allow the renovations to take place.”
A murmur broke out, growing in volume as people conversed in hushed whispers. I held up my hand.
“For those concerned about their salaries, let me allay your fears. You will be recompensed during the closure period based on your average earnings over the last six months. If you have worked here for less than six months, then your total tenure will be used in the calculation.” I allowed a slow smile to build as I turned my attention first to Tanaka, and then to the bartender I’d witnessed skimming. “As with all takeovers, there will always be job losses, but these will be kept to a minimum. While I can’t promise anyone will keep their job until my team and I have had time to properly assess all employees, at this juncture, I foresee only two.”
I strolled over to Tanaka and withdrew an envelope from the inside pocket of my jacket. “Here’s two weeks’ pay. Now get out.”
Tanaka’s eyes widened. “You can’t do that.”
I smirked. “Check your contract. I think