Chapter 16

It was impossible to get a good night sleep, as expected. Not because there's a lot to think about but because of this unfamiliar place and this bed isn't as comfortable as my own. The noise from the air conditioner was just too loud, off and on, off and on. Despite all of that, the view to the Esopus creek is nice. This isn't as fancy as the Marriot but this balcony makes it feel like home. The fresh air in the morning is "ahhh" …not that bad…

"Is she still sleeping?" It is still early. Just because I can't sleep doesn't mean she can't. Should I wait another hour? Breakfast first then. She'd probably give me the death glare again if…what's that? Something is bumping. There it is again on the wall and again. "Is there...an earthquake?" The glass of water on the table next to the bed is shaking. Earthquake has happened in New York. This place, being this close to a creek, it's even more possible. Sinkhole? Oh no. no…"what…the fuck?" Earthquakes make noises but not this kind of noise. What a crappy hotel. They're f…wait a minute. That's Brie's room. Again? That's odd. It may be inappropriate but now it's necessary to call Brie since she's screaming. "Brie?" It is. That's a good sign. "You okay?" She's breathing heavily. That can happen. Difficulty talking, that can... "what?" Shit. It's now necessary to go out and bang on her door. C'mon. C'mon. Why isn't she opening? She can't. That's why. The door is locked. Without the keycard, there's no way to open it. Cleaning lady, she can. "My friend's in that room. I think she hurt herself." Is this reason good enough? Yes. Oh good. What are you doing? I already tried knocking on the door. "She could be hurt." It's against privacy rules but fuck that. If she continues, then there's only one way to force her too. Use threats. No threats are needed. Okay. What the…hell. There's Brie lying on the bed, naked under the sheets.

"What are you doing! Get out!"

Telling the cleaning lady to leave is understandable but me too? You think I want to see you and that...eww. Fine. Apologizing to the cleaning lady is necessary so is making sure she understands the consequences if she doesn't keep this to herself. No one needs to know what happened. Apparently, that includes me since no explanation is given even after they're done. It is breakfast time. They are eating but is there a reason to wait? No one else is nearby. No one else is eating in their balcony so there's no need to wait. They're not waiting for me to apologize, are they? "What happened?" She's the one who used the safeword. If she's not in trouble, she shouldn't have.

"Why did you leave?"

"what?"

"Why…did you leave?"

The question is clear the first time, just unexpected. "You said to." Did she forget already? It was only an hour ago. Still high? That would explain it. She should know not to take any drugs on the job no matter who she's with. "What?" Not just one pair, there are now two pairs of death glare.

"Did you think it was her?"

Of course. Who else could it… Oh. Ohh. Oh my god. There's only one reason why she would ask. It was someone else. That's why she used the safeword. She looks fine but that doesn't mean nothing happened. She may be used to sleeping with strangers but this time, she wasn't willing. This time, something happened. "What happened?" Please tell me nothing happened. Please…

"You took over two minutes to get to me."

"I" No excuse would be a good excuse because the fact is I left. No wonder she didn't get up from the bed. No wonder he hid himself under the sheets in that position. He wasn't giving her oral. He must have been pointing a knife or gun at her at that moment. There's no way she could get out of that situation without getting hurt. If he had wanted to shoot us, he could've. That's why she told us to get out. She must have known no one could help her. Oh Brie. "Who was it? Is he still here?" Right, stupid question. Of course she had to let him go. Who would believe a prostitute who said she was raped? even if she is fairly new in the business. It would've attracted attention if she had cried for help. Getting the police involved would have turned it into a bigger issue. Thank goodness she didn't. She did the right thing. Regardless, no one who just got raped would want to hear that. "I'm sorry. I should've" No one in her situation would want to hear that either. Asking for details now wouldn't be appropriate either but it's necessary to tell her…"Next time, don't do that. Don't let anyone you don't know in. Okay?" She must need more money otherwise why would she pick up another client when she knows she shouldn't, especially under these conditions.

"What?"

What? Did I say something wrong? It's just an advice. "I'm not blaming you. That's not what I meant." She has a right to be upset though. Raped victims get blamed all the time. She wouldn't have known. There are psychos out there. Some you can tell, some, you just can't tell, just like the one sitting next to her. I shouldn't have said that. It's too late to take it back now but not too late to apologize again. "I'm sorry. I'll find him. There are cameras everywhere. He's not going to get away with this. Okay?" That seems to have worked. She doesn't look as upset but why is she taking money from her? Why is she giving her money? She doesn't need to. She's paid for. Well, this is partly her fault. Brie wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her.

"I told you she would."

She? who? me? Brie is smiling. That psycho is too or is that a sneer? It's hard to tell.

"I know you care but you failed."

"What?" Couldn't hear that well because birds are chirping. There are other noises too and the psycho just shifted her chair, causing a squeal at the same time while Brie was speaking.

"You took over 2 minutes to get to me. You could've kept banging on the door or kicked the door or screamed for help but you didn't do that because you were worried that it would attract attention. Maybe you were thinking she wouldn't hurt me because you thought I was with her. You failed to notice the signal I gave you. Would I have told you to leave? I know you care but I would've been dead…if it did happen…if that person…you didn't see…was someone else."

What! If this isn't the balcony, that would've came out. Standing up from the seat is a spontaneous response. It's not because that psycho is tapping the table with the end of the butter knife and holding the fork in the other hand. It's because they did this to test me. They made a bet to see what I would do. Whose idea is this? It can't be Brie's. She wouldn't. She wouldn't dare. Would she? For money, she would. Why did she just kiss her?

"I'm going to get some more coffee. You want some?"

Does she really think I'm in the mood now? This isn't funny. Brie might not be laughing loudly but she is smiling.

"I know you tried. Sometimes this…" Brie pointed to her own temple. "just can't think of everything."

What's that supposed to mean?

"Oh…and ah, I didn't let her in. I didn't let you in either." Brie said before opening the French door.

This time, there's no need to say 'what'. Conversation isn't over. There was more, not a lot but enough to know it would be difficult to keep it from others. Would Brie keep it to herself? Would she? She didn't say a word but that doesn't mean she will.

After hours of thinking it thru, it became obvious. What happen happened. There's no need to tell anyone else about it. It would be nice if that's the case. The call came unexpectedly. Why so late? Regardless of the reason, it's necessary to explain because the truth will eventually come out, if not now. Well? Any more questions? What's there to think about?

"Is she…into Brie?"

What? That's what she's thinking about? Why would she think that? Oh. Brie told her about the kiss? Why? It was just a kiss on the face to thank her for saving her from a pervert hotel guest who had the audacity to go into her room in the middle of the night. One peek thru the balcony glass door led to intrusion. Would he have if he didn't have too much to drink? Would he have if the lock on the balcony door isn't broken? Maybe he knew she's a prostitute? "She's not. I'm certain of it."

"Where did she sleep? With her?"

Does it matter? She didn't get hurt. Isn't that why she wanted Brie to sleep in another room? Regardless, it's necessary to provide a good reason why Brie wouldn't have. It's because she knows better. It's because there's no need to. He was knocked out. The hotel manager was informed of the intrusion. According to Brie, he was glad that she didn't make it a big issue. Of course he would be. If word gets out, business would decline even more. It might not be his fault but there is a major design flaw in the hotel. As nice as the room is, the balcony of each room is right next to each other, separated by a low railing that allowed anyone to easily cross over it. Stupid design, indeed. She's right. Sometimes, the brain just can't think of everything.

"What did she say?"

"About Brie? Nothing." She didn't say a damn word but those eyes, those dark creepy eyes, no doubt she was blaming me. How is it my fault? She's the one who chose that hotel.

"About the job"

"Oh…uhh…no, no complaints." Very rarely does she complain but she has in a few occasions about the men she had to work with.

"Did she ask why?"

That's an odd question. From assassination to surveillance, anyone would want an explanation but not in this case. "She didn't. I think she knows why."

"You think?"

"I mean I know, she knows why. She knows what she has to do." It's not the first time but this time is a little different. "I told her to take pictures, everywhere she goes, everyone she has contact with." It's not hard to understand why. There's no need to kill the target if someone else wants to. "Who do you think did it?" It would be easy to find out if…

"a lot of people"

Oh. Well, that's not so easy to find out. One person can't do much either. It will be hard to follow even if there is a virus out there. This is New York. There are still lots of people on the streets. People here don't care. "Should we get more …"

"I assume you got his name. Did you tell her not to do anything to him? I don't want any"

"I'll call her right now." Hanging up is rude but it's necessary. "Shit!" She's right. He might have failed to do anything other than scare the living daylights out of Brie but that psycho might not let him off so easily. That wasn't the right moment to kill him. She has a good reason too if she did. She didn't because she wants to torture him first. She's going to cut his…oh no. Where is she? As much as he deserves it, it would be too soon. They're going to know it's her. "Pick up!"

Darkness hovers overhead. Evening breeze feels nice. It would be better if it's cooler though. Despite the craziness, city lights below are still as beautiful as it was. Life is still good…not for everyone. There she is again, standing silently but impatiently at the doorway, clearly wanting to show how she feels before going back into the bedroom. This is important. "yes...mhm...no, nothin...mhm...Oh. Really. You believe him?" Obviously not. Trust requires more than having the same goal. He could be lying. He could have his own reasons. "okay, bye." Hmm. That was unexpected. What's also unexpected is finding the lights off in the bedroom. Sleeping already? pretending obviously. This will wake her up. One light will do and a kiss and …

"stoppp"

God, she feels so good. "mmm"

"I have to work tomorrow. You shouldn't have called me if you're busy."

She's cute when she whines. "Sorry. Okay?" Apology isn't necessary but it is a powerful word that can change the mood of this moment. It might not be enough though. Maybe giving her an advice can. Besides, she needs to know since she travels a lot. She needs to be aware that hotels aren't as safe as she thinks it is.

"Where was this?"

It seems that she have missed the point. Does she think that it can't happen in an expensive hotel? Just because it's not on the news doesn't mean those types of situations never happened. It means the hotel did a good job of covering it up. Still so naïve. It can happen anywhere. Crazies are everywhere. "So be careful, wherever you go, who you talk to, be aware. Okay? There are a lot of crazies out there now."

"You mean like you."

Me? So damn pretty, but god damn, no brains. What a dumb thing to say. Did she forget how her life used to be? Not everyone has the opportunity to be a model, even with the good looks and body. No money, no connection, no photoshoot, no contract. Did she think she can make it without my help?

"ah!...stop…AH!"

She deserves to be tickled. So damn cute when she giggles. "Crazy enough for you?"

"you're crazy!"

You have no idea, darlin.

"about me"

Oh. Well, that's not true but if it makes her feel good, then…"Yes, I am." Now, that's more like it. The kiss feels good. Her body feels even better. Such a tease. All that just to get me to admit it. All that just to create this moment. Looks like she has changed, no longer the same girl who's only here to do what is expected of her. I like it. "mmm" God, she smells so good. Now let me just take that off and…what now? She must want something since she's not allowing me to. What could she possibly want now that she can buy everything that she couldn't afford before? Problems? "What's wrong?"

"I…"

I…what?

"I'm worried."

About?

"I'm worried someone might…find out."

Oh. Is that all? No one will know unless she wants to. It's up to her. Doesn't she know that by now?

"Lately, there are reporters, paparrazis, people waiting outside my place. They're following me everywhere. I don't know if anyone followed me here. If they did, they're going to know and you know how they like to make up stories, even if weren't true. I don't know what will happen."

Ohh. She wants out…for good. Why now after all these years? Because so many people have been exposed recently? Because her popularity recently soared? How dare you! Anyone else would not be putting up with this bullshit. She should know her place. She should know it's not up to her. Does she not know that or does she think that she's now in a position where she can say no? Being friends with celebrities might not get you that far, darlin. It certainly won't get you off this, not until I say so. "You don't need to worry. Nowadays, no one trust the media. Anyone can make up things. Ever heard of the crazy Qs?" She should. God damn got all the crazies out.

"But they do. They posted a picture of me hanging out with this guy and now everyone thinks we're dating."

"You're not?"

"You see, even you believed it."

Good point. It seems that she has learned a lot over the years. Having the opportunity to travel, see different places, meet people with different cultures, backgrounds and experiences can change the way one thinks. She got smarter. Bravo.

"I'm NOT."

Clearly, she's disgusted. Good. That's good. It's good that she knows what's good for her. Being with that untalented, below average looking prick will surely ruin her and not just her image. But what about others? "They also said you and your girlfriends are more than just…friends."

"That's not truuue!"

Young sexy women in bikinis playfully hugging and kissing even if it's just on the cheek can cause one to wonder. No explanation is necessary though. She can be with whoever she wants. She knows that.

"That's too bad." Not funny? It is. Her friends are pretty good looking. She might not have found that funny but she should know that's not a bad thing. "You don't need to worry. I think you should keep doing what you're doing. Let them think what they want. The more they're interested, the more popular you'll get and someday, you'll be as popular as Cara and Hans and " What? What's that look for? Don't think that's possible? Well, it all depends on what she's willing to do. She should know how it works. People aren't interested in normalcy these days. The crazier the story gets, the more attention it gets. She knows that. Isn't that why she posted a video of herself in a bikini while jumping off a cliff so she can attract more followers?

"But what if"

…

What if..? Oh darlin. Did you really think this would work? Say it. Say this will be the last time. Say you want out. I dare you. Say it! No? Okay, then "They will never find out. I promise. Don't worry. Okay?" Anything else? If not, then let's continue. She can say no but she should know what the consequences would be if she refuses. She knows what is expected of her prior to coming. Certainly, it's not just to talk about what she's been doing. That's it. Take it all off. It's not the first time. There's no need to turn off the lights. There's no need for the blanket. It's not cold in here. There are no cameras in here. It has been a while but there's no need to be shy. Wider. Wider. Very nice. Sexier than ever. That's it. Just let me. This isn't going to be forever. You can still have a life. You want respect. I can give you that. Want the lights off? No problem. You want to be loved? That's easy to do. We can do what lovers do. Certainly using force won't feel this good.

"nmm…nmm…uhn…uhnn"

That a girl. Just play along. Looks like she has learned a few things from acting classes. Never has she been this believable. Maybe she finally understood that this isn't that bad, that it could be worse. Maybe she has finally come to realize how fortunate she is to have me instead of a man…like Brie is with now.