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Long
before Freddie Clegg recruited Larry as his Marketing Manager (see “Market
Forces”) the Clegg organisation had another brush with the world of marketing
professionals.
This
story was originally (?2003?) posted on the forum at The House of Abductor
(since closed), hence the references to this and the Secret Society of
Kidnappers in this story. The logo used on The House of Abductor web site is
referred to in the story. It’s reproduced here as an affectionate tribute to
all the great writers that used to hang out at the House of Abductor:-
[URL=http://img126.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=37549_logo2_123_431lo.jpg][IMG]http://img126.imagevenue.com/loc431/th_37549_logo2_123_431lo.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
“We’re wanted in The
Pit,” Joanna called across to Jessica as she dropped the telephone handset back
into its cradle. “KB’s got some new account she wants to discuss.”
“Well I hope it
doesn’t take too long,” Jessica complained, waving her fingers in a final
attempt to get her nail varnish to dry. “I’ve got some serious shopping planned
for lunch time.”
The Pit was the
internal meeting room at BBB Public Relations. They often used it for brain
storming sessions, trying to come up with new ideas that would win or keep
accounts. BBB. stood for Barnaby, Berringer and Brace so, although Joanna and
Jessica might have had other plans, a summons to a meeting with Karen Brace
couldn’t be ignored.
“Thinking caps on,
ladies,” Karen Brace smiled as Joanna and Jessica entered the Pit. “I need your
ideas. We have a new account in the offing and it’s a bit of a challenge.”
Jessica and Joanna
collapsed into two of the leather armchairs that furnished the Pit. Karen
strode over to a flipchart. In her early forties with her hair starting to show
streaks of grey that she did nothing to hide, Karen was a long time PR
professional. She’d worked on some of the key accounts that had built BBB PR’s
business but, in spite of the fact that she was one of the partners she still
liked to get involved in the detail of winning new accounts and coming up with
a good pitch. She may have worn a sober suit, dark, pin striped with a long
skirt but she still had as much enthusiasm and drive as any of the younger
members of her team. “Lets start with some word association,” she said. “Just
give me your immediate reactions to this.” She turned the first blank page to
reveal a single word, “Abduction”.
Joanna spluttered.
“Are you serious?”
“Go with me on this,
Jo,” Karen smiled. Joanna hated being called “Jo” but somehow she’d never
managed to persuade Karen not to call her that. “Just come up with anything you
think of. Come on, I’ll even write them up.”
“Well, O.K. but it
seems weird to me. How about ‘kidnap’?”
“Good,” said Karen
writing it up.
“Ransom,” said
Jessica, “Hostage”.
“Fine,” said Karen.
“Criminal, illegal,”
said Joanna
“Hijack,” from
Jessica
“Violence, Thugs,
Snatched,” said Joanna, “White Slaving, Eastern Potentates, Girls imprisoned,
Drugged, Carried off, Captive”
“Thank you Jo, that’s
fine,” Karen smiled at Joanna, pleased that she was obviously getting into the
swing of it. Jessica looked across and noted that her friend seemed to be more
than just joining in – she was looking a little flushed and her nipples were
perking up against her dress.
Karen pressed on.
“That’s a great start. Now I think you will agree with me that these are all
fairly negative associations.”
“Unsurprising,”
Jessica chipped in.
“True but that is
just why the client wants us to suggest how they might overcome that. We have
been approached by the House of Abductor – they’re a sort of umbrella
organisation for the abduction industry…”
“It’s an industry?”
“Apparently so and
more than most people realise. Anyway they have asked us to see what we can do
to improve their image…..”
The door to the Pit
burst open and in bounced a spike haired, long legged girl clutching a large
portfolio case. “Hi, Suits,” she called, “thought you could use some creative
thinking.”
Karen peered over her
half moon spectacles. “Do join us, Michaela,” she said, “but just listen for a
few minutes, please.”
Michaela Swift, or
Mikki, was BBB. PR’s Creative Director – a talented designer that had a knack
for coming up with the ideal visual approach for communicating ideas. She had
been behind some of BBB’s most successful corporate logo and identity and she
knew it. Always intolerant of the account staff she referred to as “Suits”, she
was angling for a partnership – BBB&S had a much better ring to it she
thought. Joanna smiled but fumed inside – how come she, the PR professional,
was always “Jo” but this woman in her multi-coloured sweaters and thick tights
was always referred to as Michaela.
“Sure, happy to
help.”
“As I was saying,”
Karen resumed, “House of Abductor have asked us to help improve the image of
slaving and ransom taking and I thought that you two should have a crack at it.
Michaela, I am sure they will need your input too once they’ve explored the
problem a bit. You’ll find a full brief in these packs.” She handed a folder to
each of the three.
Mikki took one look
at the front of the folders. “If nothing else, they so need a new logo – I
think I can definitely do something better than that rather retro,
moustachioed, villain and his helpless captive. I mean – suspenders!”
Karen smiled. She was
pleased that the team seemed to be getting engaged with the assignment. “I’ll
let you get started. Give me a heads-up at the end of the week. By the way
we’ll refer to the client as ‘THA’ around the office, please, we don’t want to
alarm the staff – oh dear, you see - they do have an image problem. I guess you
had better make sure you don’t leave those flip-chart sheets there, either.”
With that she left Joanna, Jessica and Mikki to explore the briefing packs.
Back in her office
Karen buzzed her PA. “Jane can you get Mr Clegg at THA on the line, please.”
“Yes, Ms Brace,” came
the reply, as efficient as ever. Moments later the intercom buzzed again. “Mr
Clegg for you.”
If Joanna and Jessica
had been able to overhear the conversation they might have been a little
concerned. From Karen’s side it went….
“Hallo, Mr Clegg. I
thought you would like an update is it convenient to talk?” …………….. “I have
spoken with two of our account execs as we agreed and they are working through
the briefing pack now.” ………….. “Yes, that’s right.” …… “Yes.” …… “Yes, Joanna
They would have been
even more concerned if they had heard the other side of the conversation. The
only problem was that Jane Ellis, eavesdropping as she so often did from idle
curiosity, had.
Joanna, Jessica and
Michaela were exploring the briefing packs.
THA had provided an
overview of their global operations - a network of franchise holders for THA
who together were known as the Secret Society of Kidnappers – SSK for short.
SSK franchisee’s could operate independently in their own markets or feed their
captives through to one of a number of markets run by THA.
THA also provided
training and professional consultancy services as well as running a highly
effective internet site in which members could exchange views and experiences.
The problem was,
however, clearly identified in the second document in the dossier which gave an
overview of the legal position in the states where THA operated and in a
further document that provided the results of market research into the consumer
attitudes to slavery and abduction.
The final paper
summarised THA’s objectives. Firstly they didn’t want to completely
rehabilitate themselves in the public’s eyes – as they pointed out the premium
prices that they were able to charge were mainly a result of the fact that
their activities were illegal. No, their objective was more subtle. They needed
to create a climate in which they weren’t actually legal but in which more and
more use was made of their services. The problem, as the summary said, was that
THA needed the same sort of successful programme that CMC - the Cannabis
Marketing Consortium - had been able to mount in the 70’s.
Jessica was horrified
by the matter-of-fact way in which the dossier laid out its case. “It’s
horrible, these poor women are just carried off and put through who knows
what.”
“I think you’ll find
out exactly what if you run through Appendix 3,” Mikki grinned. “Come on it’s
not the first time a seemingly anti-social business has tried to make use of PR
– look at the tobacco industry. I think it will be really interesting to see
what we can make of it. What do you think, Jo?”
“Mmm? What? Oh, yes.
Yes I ‘m sure it will be.” Jo was already deep in Appendix 3. She was both
shocked and disturbed by what she read. The accounts of the ways in which women
were abducted, transported, sold and then kept as slaves were frightening but
also held a curious fascination. The pictures showing rows of cages holding
captives ready for transport, and slaves on a platform awaiting bids at an
auction were particularly disturbing.
“So any initial
thoughts?” Mikki asked. “I hate to admit it but this looks as if it needs more
just than my talents. I could re-work their logo into something more up-to-date
but maybe the retro look is the right one for this after all. Any re-work we do
of the visual image will have to be part of the bigger scheme of things which
you two need to go figure.”
Jessica dropped the
briefing pack onto the table. “I don’t know. It’s just so hard to see any sort
of upside apart from the benefits to THA and their clients. If we’re going to get
any sort of lobbying programme going on their behalf we’ll have to find some
sort of angle.”
“Yes, and it’s
certainly not obvious what that might be.” Jo cut in. “I think we need some
further research – I wonder if THA would let us visit some of their facilities?
The clients’ views would be helpful too.”
“That’s an idea,”
said Mikki, “ although I can see some difficulties in talking to clients.
Still, let’s scribble some of this down. Step 1 further research – client
motivations, drivers and views of the benefits; THA facilities and services;
popular perceptions / misconceptions and the view of the man / woman in the
street. Step 2 – review of the market – who do we need on our side as well as
the client?”
“Right now I am more
interested in Step 0,” said Jessica looking at her watch, “I have a lunch
appointment with a large glass of chardonnay and a pair of Jimmy Choo’s that I
absolutely have to have before I can deal with anything as difficult as this.
See you later!”
“Oh, Jess, you’re
impossible! At least, can you think about what we need to research the
political stuff? I’ll think about the consumer end – OK?” Jo called to Jessica
as she got to the door.
“Yes, fine, sure. I
must go – let’s talk after lunch.”
Joanna sighed as her
friend took off. Normally, Jessica was a hard working member of the team but
the one down side of her wealthy family was that when Jessica felt the urge to
shop there wasn’t any stopping her. The shoes would need a whole new outfit if
Joanna was not mistaken. She didn’t expect to see Jessica back that afternoon.
“Well, it looks like
we have a plan to get a plan at least. I’ll get KB to explore what contact we
can have with THA or their clients,” said Mikki, gathering up her things.
Jo was left to clear
up the debris of the meeting, folding up the flip chart pads, packing away the
pens and tidying the meeting room. She felt she was being dumped on yet again.
Back at her desk she
was thumbing through the briefing pack again. This had to be the strangest
project she had ever been involved in.
It was only then that
she suddenly thought, “Of course! It’s not real. This is just the sort of thing
the Annual PR Awards do for their challenge of the year.” Last year the winning
team had to come up with a marketing programme to promote
Jo had a great
afternoon. Jessica had not, as expected, returned, but, in spite of that, Jo
had managed to map out a plan of action for the coming week. She’d already
worked out a plan of action for the consumer focus groups with a whole series
of questions. By close of play she felt she had earned an evening’s relaxation
– a hot bath was high on the agenda.
That evening in her
apartment, not long after getting back from the office, and while she was
enjoying a relaxing glass of wine Jo heard her doorbell ring. Funny, she
thought, I’m not expecting anyone tonight. As she walked down the hall of her
apartment she heard a voice she recognised calling from outside. “Jo, quick,
it’s me I must speak to you.” It was Jane Ellis, Karen’s secretary and PA. As
Jo opened the door she could see Jane looked as though she had run all the way
to her home from the office. “Oh, thank goodness you’re here – I couldn’t get
away this afternoon and then I tried your mobile but it was off and I was so
worried….”
“Look, come in.” Jo
ushered the flustered PA inside. “Sit down, relax, what on earth is the
problem.”
“Well, its something
I overheard today, Ms Brace is obviously plotting something horrible and it
involves you and Jessica and some kidnappers and ….”
Jo laughed. “Oh,
goodness. Don’t worry about that, we know all about it.”
“You do?” Jane was
incredulous.
“Yes, but its not
what it seems. In fact, I think it’s all a stunt to do with the PR Awards next
month. Jessica, myself and Mikki are doing a project for Karen on ….” She was
cut off by the doorbell ringing again. “Oh, who’s that? Stay there Jane, at
least you deserve a drink for your concerns. Pour yourself one while I get
this.”
At her front door Jo
checked her caller out through the security spy hole she had. A youngish man in
a UPS uniform stood clutching a parcel. “Urgent delivery from BBB PR for Joanna
Wales,” he called out. Jo opened the door.
“That’s me,” said
Joanna, taking the parcel from him and signing the receipt he put in front of
her. She shut the door and took the parcel into her lounge.
Jane was sitting on
the couch. “Presents?” she asked.
“No, it’s from the
office.”
“That’s odd, I didn’t
ask for anything to be sent out so it hasn’t come from KB.”
“Oh well, let’s have
a look.” Jo tore open the brown wrapping and lifted the lid of the cardboard
box she found in side. As she did there was a quiet “whoof” sound and a stream
of pale gas spread out from the box. “What on earth…” began Jo but her words
were cut off as the gas took effect and she and Jane slumped into
unconsciousness.
Jo’s front door
opened and into the flat stepped the delivery man, now wearing a gas mask and
holding a small detector. He pushed his delivery cart into the apartment, left
it by the door and made his way towards the lounge door through which he could
see Jo, sprawled on the floor. He noted that the reading on the meter had
fallen below the danger level and eased off his mask. He pulled out a
walkie-talkie and hit the transmit button. “It’s Jack. That worked,” he said,
“she’s out cold. The bleeper went off as soon as the canister detonated and the
passkey worked fine. I’ll get her parcelled up and we can – oh shit, there’s
two of them!” With all his attention on his target he had only just noticed the
collapsed form of Jane on the couch. “No, I’d no idea. No, I haven’t a clue.
Yes, OK.”
Jack set to securing
Jo with the hand and ankle cuffs he had brought with him. He followed up with a
ball gag, pushing the ball between her teeth and strapping the gag firmly in
place.
For the other girl,
he would just have to improvise. He didn’t have too long to get Joanna out of
there so he had to be quick. He pulled off her shoes, pushed her skirt up to
her waist and dragged her tights off. Ripping them in half at the crotch gave
him a length to fix her wrists with and another for her ankles. The urgent
problem solved, he went in search of a gag. Jo’s kitchen provided the answer.
Balanced on the washing machine was a laundry basket filled with clothes Jo had
meant to wash that morning. Jack grabbed a pair of socks that were sitting on
the top and pulled one of Jo’s blouses from the pile as well. Heading back to
the lounge he crammed the socks into Jane’s mouth and ripped a sleeve from the
blouse, knotting it in the middle before tying it to keep the socks in place.
With both girls
secured, Jack checked out the lounge. He searched the two handbags he found on
the table. One was obviously Joanna’s – he found a couple of credit cards in
her name in the first bag he picked up. It had her mobile phone in as well so
he didn’t have to look further for that – it was needed later. The other bag
had credit cards in the name of Jane Ellis – that meant nothing to him but with
some more searching he found a security pass for the
He picked up his
radio again. “Hi, its Jack. All OK here. I’ve got an ID on the second girl…..
Jane Ellis – she’s from BBB PR too. ……Yes, I can probably get both in the
trolley. …… OK, you’re the boss. I’ll bring both of them in.”
Jack picked up Jane
and carried her over his shoulder down the hall. She fitted into the delivery
trolley without trouble. Joanna’s unconscious and helpless form followed. He
tossed in Jane’s shoes, the girl’s handbags and the remains of their surprise
parcel as well. The cart had really been intended only to carry one victim but
by piling a few packages on top of Joanna she was effectively hidden. Jack left
the flat with the trolley, took the service elevator to the car park and had
his victims inside the waiting van within a few minutes. Unloading the two
girls, Jack made sure they were both tightly strapped down to the benches in
the back of the van, checked that their gags were still securely in place, climbed
into the cab and drove off.
They were well on
their way before they recovered consciousness. Each was horrified first to
realise their situation and then to see the other trussed, gagged and strapped
down on the opposite bench. Unable to move or make a sound they could only wait
until they arrived at their destination.
© 2007 Freddie Clegg
Download PDF copies of my other
stories at my Yahoo Group :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/freddies_tales/
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