There is nothing like the blinding of the morning sun through a well placed crack in the heavy curtains to ruin the chance at a soft waking after a rough evening. My eyes closed again the moment they opened, shut tightly against the offending rays. A deep, dissatisfied groan was followed by the protest of bed springs as I turned to face the opposite direction. Regardless of any attempt at making myself more comfortable or shutting out the headache bringing brightness, I knew all too well I would not be returning to the bliss of sleep. I rolled to my back, my muscles lengthening in a stretch, this act only served as a reminder of the night before. The pull of stiff muscles and dull aches only continued while I drew myself up from the bed and made my way to the bathroom.
Under the heated spray, eyes closed, allowing the water to drill onto the back of my head, I allowed myself a moment of reflection. The scene coming to me in flashes, each memory filled with conflicted emotions. The introduction was far more of a success than I thought it would be. The sheer fact that I still have a guest was surprising, assuming I did still have one. There was no telling how long I had been asleep. I always did sleep heavily after similar events. The thoughts on my guest served as a reminder of the job I had to do this morning. This was enough motivation to pull myself out of my sort of hangover as it were and get to the task at hand.
Once cleansed and clothed, I exited my bedroom and headed straight for my office. I was thankfully greeted with a tray of breakfast, a steaming cup of coffee together with a glass of water and two white pills. I paused at my desk and downed the pills and entire glass prior to taking my seat with a small wince. The breakfast and coffee were enjoyed more slowly. Once my hunger was stated, I set the items aside and turned on my computer. I quickly found the information necessary and began making phone calls.
It really is amazing what doors wealth can open and how quickly things move along. I was only at it for nearly an hour before everything had been squared away. Everything was of course done anonymously and would certainly not lead back to me or endanger my guest, but most importantly it was done. I drew back from my desk and readied myself to stand when a soft knock came. I paused, a sense of dread washing over me, but quickly composed it before speaking shortly, "Enter".
There was no surprise by who appeared when the door was pushed open, I recognized the weight of the knock. My brows raised, I nodded toward an empty chair in invitation, "What is it?"
For all my lethargy and sheer dread of this morning, my guest looked absolutely radiant. I had to take a moment to compose myself as she entered and took the offered seat with her usual lightness. The leather cushion made a puffing sound as she plopped into it, making herself at home as usual. I took one more quick survey of her form before clearing my throat and clasping my hands in front of me on the desk, my fingers digging into my skin. This was new. I'd never had trouble separating things before.
It took a moment to remember that I had asked a question and that the question had not been answered. My brows raised, gazing at her expectantly now that I have righted myself. I watched as her slender shoulder rose then fell again in a quick shrug, "Missed you at breakfast." Her answer was simple yet surprising. Missed me? Why would she have missed me? Naturally we had shared the first and typically last meal of the day on most days since her arrival, but certainly not every one.
"I had some work to accomplish, and I have. Your freedom has been secured as promised. It will not trace back to here and no one knows where you are. That is information for you and you alone to share." I lean back against the tall back of my desk chair, the creak of the movement the only sound as she stared back at me in disbelief. This surprised me. I told her I would take care of it, did she suspect I would not?
After a moment of stunned silence, a sudden squeal of delight pierces my ears, making holding to my typical stern demeanor even easier as annoyance at the sound rises. She moved swiftly and in a moment I was attacked. Slender arms wrapped around my neck with her practically in my lap as she awkwardly hugged me in a seated position repeating the words, "thank you" over and over again.
I gave her back a swift pat before drawing away and clearing my throat, "I said I would and I did. It is that simple." I waited for her to move away before continuing, "And this is not trading one form of captivity for another. You are still allowed to leave at any time." I spoke these words matter of factly even though the thought of such an occurrence bothered me more than I cared to admit.
As I looked at her, I noticed a strange sense of confusion. I was very direct about the difference between what happened in the locked room versus outside of it. I was unsure what she thought might change, but I remained stoic and made an excuse to return to work, dismissing her. There was a momentary sense of hesitation, but she eventually turned and walked out of my office. I remained inside the office and found reasons to remain, not necessarily being productive as much as keeping myself occupied.
After a few days things seemed to return to normal somewhat. It seemed my guest got the hint and settled back into our comfortable cohabitation. Shared meals, occasional joined reading time that is only sometimes interrupted by her need for music. My mood certainly lightened, a relief upon once again getting exactly what I needed without interference with my daily life as I feared would be the case with this woman. It was once again as it was before. I sit on my end of the table, she on hers, mostly in companionable silence. Tonight she was telling me about a book she was interested in reading, one I did not have, I needed only to glance in Jenson's direction to ensure it would be an addition to the library. It amazed me how the woman could chatter on without much input from me, if any at all. I was perfectly content in listening to her go on about various topics and I found myself watching her a bit too often.
I had to admit that it was refreshing how she took to things. Definitely rare, but still I remind myself, no one lasts very long and this one will leave me just like all of the others. No one was ever content with what I offered, all I could offer. Most put up with it for the perks, but in the end they always end up wanting more. This girl, I knew, would be no different.
After dinner, I retired to my bedroom. I had intended to go to bed, but the items I had ordered came earlier in the day and were still sitting on the end of my bed. The more I stared at the unopened boxes the more I was beginning to feel the familiar itch. After unpacking the boxes, I chose the items I desired and moved to the currently occupied guest room. The room was empty, I could tell from the music wafting from the direction of the library. I laid out the outfit I had chosen, the cut of fabric perfect to accentuate the wearers best assets. Once I was satisfied with the setup, I dropped a handwritten note on top which read, "You know what to do and where to meet me." I made a point to shut the door firmly behind me, knowing full well the sound would carry to the library before walking down the hall to the door at the bottom of the back staircase. Unlocking the door, I let myself in, shrugging out of my shirt, nearly healed marks revealed by its removal before I turned to close the door behind me.