The Hanover House

They met at the restaurant. It was one she wasn't familiar with but had heard about. It had a good reputation for family style (Italian-American) cooking, in other words, comfort food making the atmosphere relaxing. She planned to use the opportunity to fill in holes in his dossier. The first thing she noticed was his nervousness. He reminded her of the Chief and the way he acted around his wife. It was as if he was walking on eggshells. How should she interpret this? Here's a tough guy that makes his living on the streets. Why is he trying to come across as anything but?

Meanwhile, Frank was trying his best to not do or say anything that would mark him as an uncouth brute. He wanted to show her a softer side thinking that she would be more comfortable with him that way. He knows she's an academic, a sex worker and sexual deviant. He didn't really know how to play his hand so he attempted to be neutral. He knew he couldn't compete intellectually, nor could he impress her with his knowledge of professional sex. He was out of his depth and knew it. Neutral was the best way to go. It was safest. "The last time we met you told me you add just been out of the country on a sex tour (Oh shit!!! Why did I open with a line like that? Almost anything would have been better. Shit! Fuck!). Where'd you go?"

"I was in 17 countries for a total of six months. I was so glad to get back home. Sometimes nothing will do except a good ole steak and fries, and you can only get them the way I like them here. I don't know, I think our beef tastes different. Better. But, boy, Kobi beef is good! It's just that I wasn't brought up on it.

"To your question, I don't think I said I was on a sex tour but that's what it was. I was doing comparative research on different practices and traditions. While it was fascinating it was just like steak and fries. Give me an American man any day. They have an attitude toward women that's different from anyplace else. Sure there are men out there that are no better than say, oh, I won't say but you get my point. I'm in the process of writing up what I've learned. My advisor is helping me structure the paper to make the comparisons sharper. I hope to get it accepted by a peer reviewed journal."

"So, how does this work? An academic and working girl?"

"Actually, it works quite well. On the one hand I have all the normal human emotions and reactions to erotic stimuli, and on the other hand I have the training to be a clinical observer to understand what is happening and why. To tell the truth, it's far more interesting this way, my libido and curiosity are served at the same time."

"Do you ever just have sex without all the academic complications?"

"Yes, of course. And, before you ask the next question, yes, I enjoy it just as much. I'll go you one better. Great sex without 'academic complications' is the best."

"You know, on the one hand this is a very interesting conversation while on the other it's embarrassingly blunt. I'm sorry. I'd like to start over if you'll allow it. Needless to say, I find you an extremely interesting person. So much so that I'd like to get to know you better. Do you think that would be possible?"

"Sure. I understand. I work with a lot of ex-military and their training kicks in without them even knowing it. Rarely does it get awkward for them or me. Here's the psychologist in me talking, now. Please don't feel embarrassed. Sex is my business. I don't have any issues with it, Detective."

"Frank, please."

"I'm just Sophie."

"Thank you, Sophie."

"Let's order a drink and see where this evening goes. Waitress, please. We'd like something to drink before ordering. Sophie? I'll have a draft beer from the tap. Thanks."

"What did you want from this evening? Professional or personal?"

Laughing he said, "See, you're doing the same thing. Your training is kicking in! Okay, here's what I wanted to get out of this evening, two things, actually. Yes, I'd like a better understanding of what you're trying to get from rubbing shoulders with the local sex workers. That's the professional side of me. I guess you could tell. The other side of me would like to spend enough time with you to better understand how people, such as yourself, think, act and interact. By 'you people' I mean people that don't have my background. I have spent my entire life on the streets; I have no regrets, it is what it is. But, like you my curiosity makes me want to understand better how people that live in a more conventional environment behave."

"Oh, my God! You're asking the wrong person. I'm as unconventional as they come. How many people live a life totally consumed with sexually deviancy? As a societal group we're far more unusual than 'street people.' But, I think I understand what you're saying. To answer, or better, to give you the kind of insights you're seeking I'd have to revert to the 'Old Sophie.' The person I was before starting down the path I now find myself on."

"Would you mind telling me how, or better, why the transition from conventional to unconventional?"

"To answer the second question, the one about making transitions, I'd have to start with the 'conventional' for it to make any sense.

"Hey, let's order. I'm afraid that if we don't get food in front of us we won't eat."

And, that's how their evening began. They talked at length, three hours worth. If Frank hadn't been a regular and a cop the hostess would have hurried them along and out. As it was, they had good table and were left to themselves. By the time the evening was over both had achieved a comfort level with the other sufficient to make agreeing to 'meet' again something to look forward to. He walked Sophie to the curb (a House limousine she had summoned from inside the restaurant was waiting for her) and shook her hand goodnight. He hadn't really expected a more intimate parting, nor had she. He called her a few days later to tell her that he'd reviewed her request for access with his superiors and received their approval. All that remained was for him to brief her on the operating procedures they would use, and introduce her to some 'players' and girls. He also told her of a departmental proposition that needed a dinner to make. She agreed and they met in a different restaurant, one of her choosing.

After notifying the maitre d' of his arrival Frank waited outside for Sophie. Sure enough, a Hanover House limousine rolled up. Frank held the door for Sophie and helped her to the curb. Unlike their previous dinner when Sophie had been dressed in a sweater top and slacks, this evening she was in a dress with a light shawl. The dress was understated but the jewelry and hair said a lot. This was a sophisticated woman with impeccable taste. It didn't hurt that she was attractive, very attractive. Taken as a whole she was stunning. When Frank found out where they were going he took his best suit to the cleaners, bought a new shirt and tie, and had his shoes shined. When asking for help picking out a tie the salesman asked what was the occasion. When told he very thoughtfully suggested Frank wear over-the-calf socks, a first for Frank. He bought three pair, two in navy and one black. He even got a haircut. Normally a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy, this was a significant departure from his comfort zone.

Sophie had made clear that the evening was on the Hanover House. After all, she was conducting official House business and it was only appropriate that it pick up the tab. Frank didn't put up too much argument. In his neighborhood the man always paid for dinner. Maybe this was part of the experience he was seeking. Sophie thought so and purposely picked the restaurant to play on his curiosity.

The maitre d' and a waiter greeted them on their arrival. "Good evening, Mrs. Hanover (The pseudonym was used in public to maintain privacy. The only ones outside Hanover House that knew of her and her real name were the police department and university.) I'm so glad you could join us this evening. I have your table ready and waiting. Detective. Now, if you'll follow me, please?" They were taken to a quiet corner without another table close by. Sophie preferred tables to booths. "Thomas will be your server this evening. Yes. Yes. I know. You always ask for him and, why not? He's our best. I'll tell the sommelier you're here. The Chef knows you are here and looks forward to preparing your dinner. Enjoy your meal." He bowed his exit and left them to 'Thomas.'

"Good evening, Mrs. Hanover. It's always a pleasure to see you. May I get you and the Detective something to drink? No? Ah, here's James, perhaps a glass of water while he helps you? Very good. I'll be back momentarily."

"Good evening, Mrs. Hanover. Detective. How may I help you this evening?" On and on it went to Frank's surprise, then delight and finally impatience.

"My God, Sophie. Is it always so hard to order dinner? A man could starve to death before all the niceties and protocols are observed. Is this how you eat? No wonder you're so trim. Did I tell you you look beautiful and elegant this evening? Well, you do. I feel underdressed. I've never been here or any place like this before. When I asked the guys in the squad room about it they hadn't either. I had to go to a Deputy Chief before I found someone that could help me. My price was that I had to tell her how the evening went. You've stirred up quite a bit of interest in the department, you know."

"Oh, I'm sorry. That was not my purpose at all. I wanted to show you an extreme example to illustrate how people behave and entertain themselves when they're farthest removed from the 'streets.' Well, I guess I do get here often enough to entertain patrons and associates that they recognize me (somewhat of a self-deprecating admission, she was well known at the restaurant and others like it around town, and demanded the very best of service that was gratefully given). While I appreciate all the service lavished on you here I much prefer something a little downscale. Closer to where we went last week.

"So, what help did you need from the Chief?"

"Oh, you know, what to wear, how to act, how much to tip, who to tip, and on and on. I even got the short course on wine. I like it but don't have a clue. Maybe you could help."

"Oh, don't worry about any of that. If you let them they'll take care of everything for you. I told James to order for us and surprise me. See, that's all it took. As for paying, it's on me, or more precisely, on the Hanover House. This evening is a business expense. They'll simply bill the House under my name for everything. Now, we can talk about anything you want. Our setting notwithstanding, you can be a candid as you wish. I for one would enjoy it. Let me start, what proposition is the Department making that might interest me?"

"I'm guessing the professor told you you're not the first student to work through the Department to access sex workers; you're the fourth or fifth. Your predecessors were never a bother and got what they needed for their degree programs. I suspect you'll be much the same, and why not? Right? However, the Department would like a little payback with you. I probably said that wrong because I can sense you're tensing up, don't. It's quite innocent. When you're finished with your fieldwork the Department would like to extend its relationship with you to include a tour with the Vice Squad to get a view from the other side. Now I can see excitement in your eyes. Good, 'cause there's a catch. After your tour with the Squad the Department would like you to write a piece suitable for publication in a magazine, newspaper or academic journal of your choice. It's a pure public relations play but one that might have merit. What do you think?"

"I think quite a lot of it. That would be wonderful. I'll have to check with the House to make sure it approves but I can't see why it wouldn't. You know, I've been with the House several years now and they've never turned down any of my requests. Why should they start now?"

A light wine was served to clarify the palette followed by a bolder wine followed by a full-bodied red. Dinner was preceded by a Caesar salad prepared at the table. One of Sophie's favorites, Frank had never had the experience before. He agreed that it was terrific. Dinner was broiled salmon with a dill sauce mixed with capers and shallots. (It had a fancy and pretentious name but that's essentially what it was.) The starch was provided by baked new and Idaho golden potatoes. The vegetable was asparagus that was wonderful with the dill sauce. Dessert was a strawberry-rhubarb pie with vanilla gelato drizzled with Medronho with a sprig of mint. The after-dinner course was a mixed-berry compote served with Chambord. Grapes, nuts and cheese were set on the side table. Frank could hardly move when they were done. He was full but not uncomfortable. Sophie had been careful not to clean every plate. She knew how extensive the meal would be. James did not disappoint. The heavy red with the salmon was unexpected and a treat. Frank finished with a cup of espresso that was so smooth there was no acidic edge to it. He had never had such a satisfying meal and he was grateful that Sophie had given him the experience. Sophie was presented with the bill that she initialed without looking or hesitation.

Frank was too curious to let it go and asked Sophie what the meal had cost. Sophie understood perfectly and called Thomas back for an itemized bill that she handed to Frank without even looking. The total was $1630 including taxes and gratuities. He couldn't believe it. That was his weekly gross! "Sophie, is this typical for meals?

"How much was the bill? $1630. Oh, I'd say typical runs from $1200-$2500. That's what you can expect to pay at a place like this. There are several in the city that are comparable, but this is my favorite because of its wine cellar and it's the least pretentious (!)."

"Well, I guess I have a lot to learn. While the meal was wonderful and you are a delight I don't think I would feel comfortable enough here to truly enjoy the experience. Thank you and the House but I'd feel more comfortable someplace less grand. What do you say I take you to my favorite hangout, next week? Do you like beer? Good. Wear jeans and a t-shirt. We're going down home."

After several hours of enjoying each other's company the evening wound down. Fortunately for both, there was no awkwardness about carrying the evening into the bedroom. Neither had designs on that (yet) but Sophie added a wrinkle to make the evening even more memorable. She suggested they go to the Hanover House for a nightcap. She simply said that her limousine would take them there and return him to his car when he was ready. Unsure where this was going Frank agreed. Sophie raised a finger and the maitre d' was immediately at her side. "Tony, would you have the car brought around. We'd like to leave. Thank you."

Frank was surprised to find the limousine and driver had been waiting for them since dropping Sophie off. The ride to the Hanover House was uneventful even though Sophie had raised the privacy screen to keep their conversation private.

The driver (a 'silver button') called ahead and was met with a retinue of 'silver buttons' under the portico to the side of the courtyard separating the carriage house from the main residence. To the back was the performance pavilion. Helped out of the limousine they were escorted into the main residence to a front parlor. A fire had already been lit and was waiting for them. "Frank, there are some people I'd like you to meet. Max, please let the Chief and Mi know we're here. Frank, would you like something to drink or eat? Max had coffee and the side table prepared for whatever you prefer." Max left and returned momentarily with the Chief and his wife. Sophie introduced everyone and gave each a brief explanation of the other. Of course, the House residents knew all about Frank. The introductions and explanations were for his benefit.

Sophie explained that she had asked Max, and the Chief and Mi to join them to give Frank insight into some of the House operations and forge professional relationships. This was all choreographed beforehand. While it was certainly true that she wanted to strengthen ties between Security and the Police Department she also wanted Max and the Chief to meet Frank and evaluate if it was safe for her to have further dealings with him, professional or otherwise.

Frank was not prepared to have a professional discussion about the Hanover House at the end of the evening but so little was known about it in the Department that he couldn't pass up the opportunity. They talked at length about the House's purpose and patronage, and how the latter's privacy and interests were safeguarded. The Chief made clear that he should be notified of any departmental issues so that he could be responsive to them. Mi said nothing, as was appropriate. Max occasionally offered information and opinions but it was all the Chief's show. After an hour or so Sophie broke it up. All left the room except Frank.

"What was that all about, Sophie? I felt like I was being interrogated. Was this their idea or yours? And, what role do you play in all this?"

"I asked everyone here this evening to get their opinion of you. As a cop, you can and should have privileged information about a very private organization. We felt it might be in our collective best interests if someone in your organization had some insight into ours. The thought is should we find ourselves in need of the Department's help it would be best to approach you in the spirit of further cooperation. That's all. Yes, you were interrogated to form an opinion on which to base a recommendation to me. You see, I enjoy a position of privilege and responsibility here, and am obligated not to do or say anything that would compromise that trust. We have had dinner two times now, dates if you prefer. Before I entertain any thoughts of becoming more involved with you it is necessary that I seek outside opinions of the threat you might pose to the House and me, if any at all. After you leave I will meet with the Chief, Max and Mi to learn what they think. Why don't we leave it at that and I'll call you during the week to let you know what we've concluded?"

With that Sophie escorted Frank to the front door. A 'silver button' opened the door and followed them out to hold the limousine's door open for Frank. The limousine had been brought around the front and was idling. Frank was trying to sort this whirlwind treatment out when he found himself in the backseat, the door closed and the limousine underway. The only thing he could say (to himself) was that Sophie and her friends had turned the tables on him. When working with civilians he was always in change and in control of the situation. That wasn't what happened just now.

The Chief was a hard case, a seasoned veteran that had seen and done it all; a consummate professional that noticed everything and had sized Frank up in the first seconds of their meeting. The rest of the time was spent refining his estimate. This wasn't about forging professional ties between the Department and Hanover House. That already existed at higher levels. That left only one purpose: Could he pose a threat to Sophie? She hadn't told him of her role at the Hanover House but she was clearly held in high regard by the Chief and the bald guy, Max. The Chief's wife hadn't said a word the whole time so she must have been an observer of some kind. He had been interrogated and tested. How did he do? He expected to hear from Sophie in a few days.

-------------------------------------------------

"Well, what do you think?"

"He's a creature of the street. I'm not sure he'll be anything but that. He's a no nonsense guy (like the Chief) without polish or style (like the Chief). If you're looking for someone without social graces (like the Chief), he's your guy. He's good to have as an ally in the police department. He expects our help when needed and will return the favor when needed. All in all, he's a plus, professionally, and a question mark, personally. I'm not sure what you want from him but bearing in mind what I've told you, you can't go far wrong. I do worry how much you should reveal about yourself and the House. As honest and forthright as he appears he will always place the Department's interests before his own and that means ahead of yours. Be careful. I don't think you can change him, much as he wants someone to, but he can be an amusing diversion."