Some Quick Cash(Smith)

[Michael Embers]

Embers was looking for some quick cash before the season and was suggested to try here at The Smith Financial Group. He didn't know anything about accounting or financial, but how hard could it be. You add or subtract, maybe multiply occasionally. A monkey could probably do it.

Dressed in nice jeans and a button up white t-shirt he walked into the building and up to the secretary.

Secretary: Yes, are you looking for something?

I'm here about an appointment with your boss.

Secretary: I don't see any appointments marked down with Mr. Smith for now. Your name?

You don't know who I am? You don't recognize me? I'm only the son of one Andrew Cuomo. You know, the Governor.

Secretary: And I'm the Queen of England. Try to find someone who will actually believe your lie.

A lie!? A lie!? Embers pulls out his wallet and drivers license. Right here is my ID proving I am one, Michael E. Cuomo. Now how about you call your boss and let him know I'm here to see him or I'll just have to make sure your taxes are gone over in a fine tooth comb and if the smallest error is found...well I would just hate to be you.

Secretary: Oh I'm so sorry, I'll page Mr. Smith right away.

About time.

A lie of course. The fake ID wasn't the best one could have, and he knew one of these days someone would know he wasn't Cuomo's son, but it got him in clubs and in this case a meeting with this Mr. Smith. If he was lucky this guy would be just as ignorant about politics as this secretary. At least until he got a better one made that didn't rely on luck so much after the last guy screwed up by putting Cuomo as his last name.

[Mr. Smith]

Smith sits in his office, sorting through some erroneous paperwork. Indeed his business was booming. The Smith Financial Group did important work in the corporate sector. From stocks to bonds to savings and accounting, SFG's service weren't cheap, but to the major company is served as finance consultants to, the service was invaluable.

Suddenly, Smith's secretary buzzes the intercom.

"Mr. Smith? You have a Mr. Cuomo here to see you?"

Cuomo?

A big grin hit his lips once he heard that last name. It was unexpected, but who was he to complain if the governor of New York decided to pay a visit. Smith had been trying for months to get Andrew Cuomo's endorsement for his potential run for the highest office in the land.

By all means, send him in! Send him in!

[Michael Embers]

Secretary: Mr. Smith will see you now.

Embers smirked. I'll keep things on the low this time, but just this once.

With that, Embers walked into Mr. Smith's office doing the Vince McMahon power strut cause that's what billionaires do.

So you're Mr. Smith. You're not gonna shove your hand into my chest and turn me into some killer clone of yourself are you? Ha! Ha!

Embers walks around parts of the room examining the different things, obviously impressed by the office, not that it was hard to impress him.

All kidding aside. I'm looking for a job to make some quick cash before my other job kicks into high gear. That won't be too much trouble will it? I mean surely your place has enough room for Michael E. Cuomo, son of our fine governor, Andrew Cuomo.

They say when you lie it's best to keep your mouth shut as much as possible. Michael clearly didn't know or didn't get why as he examines some misc items around the office.

[Mr. Smith]

Michael E...Cuomo?

Smith paused for a moment. First off, this obviously wasn't the governor. In fact, he looked like some bum that just got off the Greyhound bus and took a wrong turn at Times Square. That's what he though to himself.

This kid looks like he just got off the Greyhound and took a wrong turn at Times Square.

See?

Well, um...Mr. Cuomo...before I can give you an offer, I have to ask about your credentials. I mean, I'm quite sure that the child of such an upstanding man as the governor surely has only the best education and experience under his belt, am I right?

What do you think you might be able to offer my company?

Decided he would place along before he threw this kid out on his keister.

[Michael Embers]

Embers paused. Credentials? This might be tricky.

Well...you see...I'm...uhm...I have a degree in uhm...advertising. I'm quite good at selling...things. Top of my class. And of course I'm the governor's son. And being young....I can sell stuff to people you may not be able to. I mean I have all sorts of connections that totally justify hiring me. I know what's cool with the kids to help get you more customers at a younger age.

One important job skill that Embers never learned apparently. Do some research on the place you plan to apply to so if you have to bullshit, you can at least put up a decent effort.

But if you don't have room. You could just donate a modest bit to me...I mean my father and I can help you reach as high as you want.

Kids. They never seem to shut up when they get ahead of themselves.

[Mr. Smith]

The youth you say? Well...the youth of America only know how to do one thing with money...squander it on Call Of Duty map packs, junk food and Justin Bieber CDs. Maybe you're right. Maybe someone like yourself juuuuust might be able to reach out to them in ways I can't.

And maybe Carmelo will actually resign with the Nuggets.

As he continues to schmooze over "Mr. Cuomo", his state-of-the-art security cameras have already captured the young man's likeness in high definition. Smith from behind his computer screen is trying to identify the young man's true identity with the wonders of modern technology (and security protocols with the DMV...don't ask, Smith's just got that kind of stroke ).

Hmm, Michael Embers, eh? And he's a wrestler in the XWA to boot? Most interesting. I might be able to use this kid as a patsy.

Mr. Emb...I mean...Cuomo. I think there just might be a place for you in my company after all, but first I must ask...do you like pro wrestling by chance?

[Michael Embers]

And now Embers was sweating. Could Smith be onto him? How, he didn't really have any associates. Though he did meet that Manami girl, but he didn't see how she could give Smith the knowledge of who he really was.

I've dabbled in it. Went to a wrestling camp once or twice. Father didn't approve of it of course.

Embers stops messing with things as he approaches the door.

Maybe I should leave. See what other employment opportunities there might be in this city. You know explore my options as us rich folk say.

Oh how he prayed he wasn't busted. He didn't know the exact punishment for impersonating the son of the governor, but it couldn't be good.

[Mr. Smith]

Leave? Oh no, no, no!

Smith gets up from his seat, smiling that fake smile only a shrewd businessman/quasi-politician could smile.

Please, stay by all means, Mr. Cuomo. I happen to enjoy wresting myself. In fact, fancy this...I'm actually a wrestler in the Xtraordinary Wrestling Association. You have heard of the company, yes?

[Michael Embers]

Oh boy. Busted. How could he not be. He should have recognized Smith. Might as well ride it out and maybe just maybe he'll get off the hook.

A mention here or there. What's that got to do with anything?

[Mr. Smith]

Well, Mr...*ahem*...Michael Embers, it's come to my knowledge that you're in fact a member of said XWA, just as I am. You didn't really think a man of my intelligence was going to be fooled by your little trick, did you? I've met the governor on several occasions, as well as his children.

He nods his head assuredly.

However, an opportunity has presented itself here. It just happens that I'm looking for a few good men to be used as...how you say...resources. Assets if you will. Men who can help me to fulfill my agendas in the XWA, and I'm giving you the chance to be one of them.

Let me be clear though. This is not a regular "faction" I'm proposing. You'll be under a separate contract from that of the XWA, a contract willed by me. So long as you perform the services of said contract, I assure you that you'll be compensated quite generously.

Money is always the greatest motivator. It can also be a great incentive as well. Smith's always spent his wisely. This would be the first of many investments into furthering his goal.

The only question now is whether or not you're ready to play the game.

[Michael Embers]

Twice the pay for the same job? Like Embers would turn that down. But what if this was an elaborate trap to get him arrested? But the money. But the cops. But the money.

If I get a cell or enough money to get my own upfront you got a deal.

[Mr. Smith]

(Sorry for the delayed response, busy week...)

And now, the raising of the brow.

A cellphone? This is why companies get way with slave labor...

Very well then Mr. Embers! You're hired.

With a big, evil schemer kind of grin, Smith extended his hand to young Mr. Embers to seal the deal.

I'll just need for you to sign some papers after I get my Human Resources department to draft them up. If you'll just wait outside, I'll call you back in shortly.

[Michael Embers]

Not even a moment's hesitation before he accepts the handshake. Done deal. Better be a nice cell phone too. Can't have one of those giant backpack ones these days.

With that he leaves the office to wait outside for the deal of a lifetime to be finished.

[Mr. Smith]

So now, Smith is on the phone with his Human Resources department working on a "contract".

Minimum Salary. Yes, minimum. Do I pay you to give me second judgements? Do it or I'll hire someone who will, understand? And I want some special provisions erected in the event that Mr. Embers tries to do anything over my head...

He explains in detail the parameters of these provisions.

Yes...all of it. And make sure to put all of that in the fine print. I doubt he'll read that far anyway. HAHA!!!

Minutes later, that contract is faxed directly to Smith's desk. He hits the button of his intercom to his secretary.

Yes, please send "Mr. Cuomo" back into my office.

[Michael Embers]

Michael strolls back into Smith's office with a smile on his face. So where's my cell phone? Or are you gonna give me the money to get one? He looks around the office a bit. Oh weren't there some papers I needed to look at or whatever?