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Although he's retired now, Eugene Stone will never forget one job—one he never actually got to do. He had a down payment, signed contract and key to the house for the job, and before he left, he opened a closet door in the hallway. With it open, Stone could see that the owner had removed the back wall of the closet behind the shelves so that someone in the adjacent bathroom could reach in to grab a towel. The shelving in the closet was empty, providing a clear view of the bathroom. Unfortunately, at that moment the homeowner's daughter had just stepped out of the shower and was standing right there, wrapped in a towel. When she saw Stone, she dropped the towel and struck a pose, buck naked. Stone slammed the closet door shut as fast as he could, but it was too late. The client said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Stone," and proceeded to rip up the contract. Stone handed him the keys and check, and he was escorted to the door. "Needless to say, from that point on, I never opened one bedroom, bathroom, closet, cabinet or any other kind of stinking door without asking permission. It was a hard lesson to learn. I suggest you follow my advice: Ask first, open second!" Stone says.