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“How did she come to spend a lot of money on you?”
“I… I owe her. She paid for me to come here. To the United States.”
Vanessa wasn’t going to push it any further. Not until their imminent guest arrived.
Nor was she going to leave Marcela alone for now. As soon as Mitch returned, she asked her partner to stay with Marcela while walking out the bedroom door.
Vanessa went downstairs to the kitchen, where she poured ice into a glass and removed one of her chilled bottles of water from the fridge. After loading up a plate with cheese and crackers, Vanessa insisted that Marcela at least take the bottled water.
“I can’t have cheese,” Marcela squeaked. “It makes me ill.”
“I can make you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Strawberry or raspberry?”
Marcela only stared at her.
“Bring the peanut butter,” Mitch said. “I think she’s in shock.”
Vanessa was determined to get something in her guest to help keep her energy up. Yet the moment she dropped off the peanut butter and potato bread sandwich, Luke announced over Vanessa’s phone that an unexpected guest had arrived at the gate.
She placed a hand on Mitch’s shoulder. “We’re going to need coffee.”
“Tell me your full name,” Agent James said while the four of them sat in the upstairs office. Marcela had finally agreed to change into sweatpants and a T-shirt, but she somehow looked more uncomfortable than before.It’s the fear in her eyes.Vanessa had seen it before – young women who were in way over their heads at BDSM parties and in kinky clubs where they pushed beyond limits they didn’t know they had. Those were the ones who at least thought they wanted to be there. “And where you’re from. Tell me the truth. You’re not in trouble.”
Marcela kept looking at Vanessa as if this were some devious trap.It might be.Both Mitch and Vanessa had agreed to call Agent James, knowing that it blew their cover to at least one of Candace’s “girls.” What other choice did they have? Marcela was terrified. She didn’t want to be here. This wasn’t a scene that Vanessa or Mitch devised for them to both get off and have fun. This was an innocent woman’s life on the line!
Nobody wants to be a gift.
“M… Marcela Riviera Perez.” She pressed both hands on the back of her neck and closed her eyes. “I am from Honduras.”
“When did you come to the United States, Marcela?”
“Four months ago. I think. It’s… it’s Christmas, yes? Four months ago.”
Vanessa folded her arms on her desk and put down her head. Behind her, Mitch refreshed the coffee, placing a reassuring hand on her partner’s back.I can’t believe this is happening.Vanessa didn’t have to be here for this, but Agent James hadn’t kicked her out, and a part of her thought she should know exactly what they were undercover to stop.
“How did you come here?”
“By plane.”
Agent James had not expected that answer. “Really? What was your point of entry?”
“LAX.”
“Do you have your passport on you? Can I see your visa?”
Marcela shook her head. “Ms. Lister has it. She keeps it in a safe in her bedroom.”
“This is very important,” Agent James said with a soothing voice Vanessa had yet to hear. “Who paid for your ticket? Who made the arrangements for you to come to this country?”
“I… I am not sure. Everything happened quickly.”
“How did it happen?”
“When I decided I must leave Honduras, I contacted one of my cousin’s… ah, not friend. Not coworker.Conocido.”
“Acquaintance,” Mitch translated.
“Was this acquaintance in a gang? One that offered to get you into the United States without a proper visa?”
