It was the three year anniversary of Liam O'Donovan's working career. His night-job kept him busy since he was 21, when he found the job. It seemed to him that the girls loved his job more than he did. It was OK, he though. Good money too, good reputation, far away town.

No one knew him there, in this unknown area of the city. It was better that way no friends or family would recognise him. His customers were always glad to see him, newcomers every week. New faces, younger ones, younger than him. You had to be 19 or over to join.

How had he come to this? Well, of course he'd be bound to get a nice job. After all, employers were prejudiced, weren't they? They looked at your face before your qualities and experience. He actually thought it would be that simple.

Not really. His criminal record had given him away. Employers actually wanted people with natural backgrounds, good education, people who actually deserved this work to maintain their life. Not one for Liam O'Donovan. Being cheeky, a flirt, a trouble-making git. Who could blame him, after his care-kid past?

There was one thing for it.

Liam wasn't one of those guys, or course not.

No, it was one of those near-to-red-light disctrict with those private rooms. A special show each Friday. Shows that starred him.

He didn't have a name there, yet everyone knew him. Debbie, the clerk, always happy to see him. Cynthia, his usual, happy to see a little bit more. And of course, the crowd.

The crowd went wild when it was Liam's show. His money bag around his neck, bend down, get spanked, money down the zip.

Oh, and the bit he didn't he was willing to do. Just ignore the feelings and think of the cash. Cash he used to scam was now cash he was earning illicitly.

And today...

It was 10PM. Taking the secret street to the place, the dark place with bright lights. Downtown. And into it, quite dark. Unusual.

Until...

"Surprise!" Debbie and all of tonight's customers jumped out at him, giving him the fright of his life.

"Don't do that!" He held his hand to his heart as if to slowen its pace. "I thought the bloody feds got us at last."

"Don't be stupid," said Debbie, her pink lipstick running down the corner of her mouth. "We had to do this. Your third anniversary here after all."

Had it been that long? He wasn't counting. He was on the Jobseeker's allowance for time, and still he was receiving those secret tips into his illegal bank account. To check that they'd got the date right, he'd have to check that bank statement back to the first day he received the cheque.

"Oh and drinks are on the house," Debbie added. "You bring all the best punters here. What's your pick?" Liam hadn't expected this cordial scene. He watched his clients eagerly look onto him as they waited.

After relaxing with some alcohol, Liam felt more alert now. His show was about to begin.

"By the way, Liam," Debbie whispered. She was the only one who was allowed to know his name. "It's double money tonight."

Liam saw dollar signs in front of him. "You mean? For me?"

"Of course," said Debbie. "You're this town's special treat."

This could be a new turnover for Liam. Look how many people turned up tonight.

"Oh and after it all, there's a special customer for you."

"Who?" Liam wondered. But Debbie wouldn't tell.