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1
Morgana
Itake a few deep breaths, trying to slow my racing pulse. Hektor enjoys it too much when I'm nervous, and I want to keep a scrap of dignity.
Stay calm, Morgana. Get it together.
Hektor fancies himself as an intellectual, and meeting me at The Museum of Modern Art is his way of showing it. He doesn't know the difference between a Jackson Pollock and a puddle of vomit on the sidewalk.
Inside, the café is empty. Typical of Hektor to make them close the place just for him. He sits on the terrace in the sunshine, a couple of his favorite sycophants loitering nearby, and a guy named Bruno spots me.
"Hey, girl," he says, beckoning with his hand. "Come out here."
Hektor has the charmless smile of a man who doesn't have to play nice. "So, Morgana," he begins, leaning back in his chair. "My friend Vito called. He said you weren't good company last night."
I sit and put my rucksack on my knees, shielding myself. "I told you—I'm not willing to do… that. You told me I'd accompany rich old men to functions and laugh at their jokes."
"I've been more than patient with you." Hektor narrows his eyes. "You're not that naïve. Do you think you're so pretty that your precious face is worth paying for, and you can keep your pussy out of the transaction?"
I swallow, trying to suppress the tremble in my voice. "But he was so nasty. Everything was fine until I wouldn't go to his room, and then he tried to hit me. The hotel security had to intervene."
"I fucking know that," he snaps. "I threatened many people to get them to shut the fuck up. As for Vito, he's upset and embarrassed. You'd better believe me when I say it'll cost you."
Bruno's elbow seizes my neck. He hauls me to my feet, pressing the tip of a short dagger to my cheek.
"So what's it gonna be?" Hektor says. "Shall I have Bruno toss your frigid ass over the balcony, or should I be merciful and just carve your face? Honestly, I'm itching to pay your parents a visit. Bring your Mama on board. Some clients go for an older woman."
Panic throttles my voice. "Don't hurt her. I'll make it up to you. Just tell me what you want, and I'll do it!"
Hektor nods at Bruno, and he releases me, setting me on my feet.
"You are going out with Vito again tonight," Hektor says. "He has my permission to kill you if you try to refuse him. If you do what you're told, you join a new income bracket. Won't that be peachy?"
I nod. It's not as though I have a choice.
"Be ready to leave at seven p.m. I'll send a car." Hektor waves his hand at me. "Now get out of my fucking sight."
* * *
A minute later, I'm in the streets, surrounded by the good folks of the city. Living their everyday lives without a thought for how precarious it all is.
It's not the life I know. Not anymore.
My father is an accountant, and we had a lifestyle many would envy. It wasn't perfect; my mom was sick, but Dad and I cared for her.
We were doing just fine. Then Dad did something dumb.
He bought land to build and sell luxury condos, aiming to retire early and spend more time with Mom. But he had zero experience, and it was a con—the land was unsuitable. His finances deteriorated, and he and Mom were forced to sell our beautiful home and move us into a crappy two-bed apartment. I abandoned my photography course to be home with my mother during the day.
I'd never have met Hektor if I hadn't tried to help by taking a bar job. I still can't believe I was so gullible.
It's not even the first time. After what happened with Jack, I ought to have known better. Now Hektor has me in his clutches, and I have run out of chances. I fell so far, so fast.
I should hurry home. My mom's symptoms are flaring up. Dad can't pay for her meds, but after tonight, I'll have more money available, which is the slenderest of silver linings.
My backpack is slung over my shoulder, and my well-loved Panasonic compact camera is inside. I've hung onto it, although selling it would bring some much-needed income; Mom and Dad made me swear I would keep it. They know how much I love to find the story in a single image.
I head for the park, hoping it'll be quiet. Maybe I can find some beauty to capture before my life becomes uglier than I ever imagined.
