“Nobody held a gun to my head. I’m doing this because I want to. We have to do this together – you and I – to keep our women safe. Our community safe.”
He nodded. “Tell you what. You have to be prepared to fight as well. Self-defence. I’ll give you a few tapes and books. Please study them. Learn how to save yourself from harm. Maybe next week I can show you a thing or two, but the material I have in the car will prepare you for all you need to know.”
The two spent a further twenty minutes at the scene. They looked at access routes, houses in the distance, smoke from the factory chimneys and chirping birds. Something moved then.
Smith reached for the gun, like a policeman ready for anything. There it was again. A rat the size of a domesticated cat feasting on decaying matter. He shooed it away, feeling like the world’s biggest idiot. Feriyal didn’t think this was anything to laugh about. It could have been a close encounter with the killer.
It could have been worse. How could anyone keep their guard down, especially at a time like this? There was nothing else. Not at that time.
“Let’s go back. You can have the self-defence stuff when we reach the car. Please go through it with a fine-tooth comb. Start tonight if you can. Rather be safe than have someone take you by surprise. Just remember, no matter how big or strong your opponent is, you can bring him down.””
“Yes. Let’s leave now. I’ve seen enough. Those poor women. I can’t imagine the fear that tore through them when he snuffed their lives. They lost the fight to live and their families lost a breadwinner.”
The drive back to her office was quiet. Smith concentrated on the road and Feriyal perused the books he had offered her. They reached the newspaper building just as Shane was walking to his car.
“Hello there. How was the meeting? Sorry I couldn’t make it.” Shane said he would not have been productive in any case. There was a lot on his plate. “Are you both all right? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“We’re fine. Serial killer discussions can be draining. I’ve had a long day. Feriyal looks exhausted too. Anyway. I’m off. Pleasant evening to you both.” He put his car into gear and took off down the road.
“I’m run off my feet, Shane. A long day in court. Then this meeting with Smith. Don’t feel like supper. Do you mind if we have a quiet night?”
“That’s fine. I know I’m going to bed as soon as we reach home. Are you going to join me?”
“Not tonight. I want to finish some work first. Shouldn’t take long. Then I’ll curl up with you.” Feriyal planned to start reading about how she could get herself out of a dangerous situation; to be prepared when danger crossed her path; to feel safe.
***
It was time to leave her comfort zone; prepare herself for the role she would undertake. There was only one person who could groom her; the only person who would not judge her.
“Hi there. How are you?” She could feel her heart racing. “I was thinking about you. Would be great if we could meet for coffee. You know, kinda take our mind off things.”
“Nice to hear from you, Feriyal. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m finding my feet again. One step at a time.” Shyla was losing her mind. She hadn’t made any money since the attack. Being at home with the children and her husband didn’t help matters either. “Yes. Coffee sounds good. In fact, why don’t we make this a lunch meeting?”
“Excellent idea. I’d love to have a bit of a girl chat. How about 2pm today? Does Full Circle in Musgrave sound good to you?”
“I’ve always wanted to go there. Yes. See you in a bit.” She ended the call. This assignment came with rules. Smith reminded her about this each time they met. Shane too. Feriyal could not afford to take any risks. It was a thin line between life and death. Shyla, on the other hand, was becoming a friend. She would never break the trust Feriyal had in her. Or would she sell her out for the right price? For a good reason?
“Hey, you made it.” A wave of relief swept over Feriyal. “I was afraid you were gonna pull out on me at the last second. Not sure why, but just a feeling I had.” Her stomach rumbled. She hadn’t had breakfast. There hadn’t been any time to sit down with Shane. He had to catch a flight to Cape Town. She had to tie up some loose ends in the office. Neither had the time to enjoy fresh croissants with strawberry jam and cream.
“I’m starving. Can we order now, please? Or do you want to look at the menu?”
“You look like you could do with some nourishment. Are you on a starvation diet? There are rings around your eyes. What’s going on?” Shyla called the waiter over. “But it’s good to see you again. Thanks for inviting me.”
“Me on a diet? No ways. I love my food. Haven’t been eating well these last few days. Work is hectic.” She fixed her gaze on Shyla. “I’m going to have the butternut soup. Tried it before and it made me weak at the knees.”
“I’m not much of a soup person. Can you recommend something else for me?” She scanned the menu. “Oh wait. It’s going to be the fragrant butter chicken and basmati rice for me. Full of spices and filling too.”
“Waiter.” Feriyal waved him over to their table. “We’re ready to place our orders. Butternut soup for me. Homemade bread on the side and a cocktail juice. My friend is
having the butter chicken. And to drink?” She glanced at Shyla.
“A Coke and then a latte to follow. Thanks.” Shyla was a true Indian, but she had a weakness for coffee.
“What have you been up to since we last saw each other?” Feriyal was trying to make small talk. She had to play her cards right; move inch by inch towards her goal. “It’s been horrible. I’ve been enveloped by fear since that creep tried to grab me. The sad part is I haven’t been making any money.” She stopped when the waiter approached with their drinks. She winked a thank you to him and then sipped her coffee. It was bitter. She emptied a sachet of brown sugar into her cup, stirred, then sipped again. “I have to overcome this. The only way to do it is to face my fears. I am going back to work next week.”
“I’m so proud of you. We can’t allow men to intimidate us. You do what you have to do. You need to exercise more caution, but at least you’re taking the first step to recovery.” Feriyal spoke reassuring words. While she didn’t condone prostitution, she respected women who tried to earn a living for their families. Whether it was a low-paying office job or the flesh trade, it didn’t matter. When she heard how much Shyla took home each month, she leant towards the sex trade. It brought in good money.
Tax-free too.
“Thanks. It does mean a lot to find someone who understands my predicament.” Shyla dropped her gaze. A tear blemished her cheek. “I’m so tired of trading my body for money. Every day, I pray for something better. My husband knows it is our only means to survive, but how will our children react? How will they understand? What will I say?”
“Sssh. Something will come your way. I can’t tell you when or how, but I do know prayers are answered.” She squeezed the distraught woman’s hands. “I was sacked from my dream job not too long ago. It was just my mum and me. Before I could give her the bad news, she became ill. Then she died. There was no money to bury her. My mother would have been given a pauper’s burial if my neighbours hadn’t stepped in to help.”
“Oh my girl. You’ve had it bad. I’m so sorry about your mother’s passing.” She blew her nose into a serviette. It sounded like someone was playing the trumpet. “Sorry about that. I get all snotty when I’m emotional.”
Feriyal smiled. “That’s all right. I get that way too sometimes.”
“How did you come right? You look like you have everything you could ever want.”
“I met my boyfriend at a media conference. Something happened. We kissed. Just one kiss, then it all went dry. He heard about me becoming jobless and offered me some temporary work at his newspaper. When my mum passed away, he asked me to live with him. Shane’s good to me and I give thanks for having him in my life.” Feriyal remembered the change since she had moved
in with him. Her taste in food; her dress; her confidence. However, she was the same gentle girl who had been raised by a single parent. “You see, I’m not the product of a wealthy family. I don’t have anything to my name. He shares whatever he has with me.”
The food arrived. The aromas of Indian spices and earthy butternut mesmerised the women. For that moment, they forgot about the pain and fear in their lives. They ate to satisfy their hunger. They ate to feed the souls of their worlds.
“That was divine. This place is an absolute winner. Now for dessert I’ll order for us Mozart cake. Trust me on this.” Feriyal ordered two portions of the rich and wicked cake.
“Well, if my hips grow any bigger and my clients do not want my services anymore, I’m going to blame you.” Shyla threw back her head and laughed. She looked beautiful and content; the way any mother and wife should feel.
“Well, if it comes to that, it’s going to be their loss. But I’m sure it won’t. Men must love your sincerity and good heart too.” She had to ask the big favour before it was too late. “Remember the assignment I mentioned the last time?
Well, it’s time to submit my proposal, but I don’t think I can deliver. Hate to do this to you, but would you mind taking me into your world? Please?”
“You can’t be serious. Is this really an assignment or are you thinking about becoming one?” Shyla searched for answers in Feriyal’s innocent eyes. “Don’t throw away your life. What is the real reason?”
“It’s the truth. We hear about women being abused in the sex industry all the time. My colleagues and I decided it would be a good idea to research why women choose this way of life. Now I know why you do it. You also know about the dangers, because you had first-hand experience. If my request is making you feel uncomfortable, I will not persist.”
“Okay. Why don’t you come with me on Monday? Stay out of sight, but listen to how I talk to my clients. The questions they ask me. I’ll also elaborate on anything you want. Deal?”
“Oh you’re a star. Thank you. I’ll be at your place on Monday. It’s going to be an adventure.” Feriyal was thrilled. This had gone well. In one day and one weekend, she would have the groundwork to formulate a plan of action.
***
“Babe, I’m sorry. I missed my flight back home. The earliest one I can get is mid-morning tomorrow. The thought of you sleeping alone in our bed is killing me.” Shane never wanted to spend time away from Feriyal. Tonight was the first time he was going to be away from her; the first time since they had become housemates. Lovers. “I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. I understand. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. I’ll be fine on my own. Miss me like mad tonight and make up for it when you see me tomorrow.”
“Oh you’re the best, babe. I love you.”
“I love you more. Thank you for having me in your life.” She ended the call.
Shane’s absence was a blessing. She could use the time to do a bit of research. Scan the escort services section in the classifieds section of the newspaper. Surf the net. Find the perfect way to draft the advertisement she planned to place in the paper. Look at the options of where she could work from. Speak to Smith one last time. She was going to turn down the offer to have someone watch over her safety. The modern palm-sized cell phone was more than enough.
Was this really happening?
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Hello Charmaine. How are you?” Feriyal trusted her. She was the only person who knew about ‘things’ in the office, but kept it to herself. Instead of office gossip, she indulged in psychics, tarot cards, tea leaf readings and the crystal ball.
“Shane missed his flight last night. He’s only coming back later today.”
“Morning dear. I heard about the delay. Sorry about that. Did you have a pleasant night? Can’t be easy to be on your own in a different place?” She was the only one who knew about their living arrangements.
“Had a pile of work to finish, so I didn’t feel alone at all. At the end, all I wanted was my bed.” Feriyal stepped away to switch on her computer. It took a while to start up most days. She swung around to face Charmaine again. “Don’t mean to be a bother. Just wondering if we have a budget to lease an apartment on a short-term basis?”
“Well, if it’s for business, yes, we do. The finance department can give you a list of properties we often rent out for our clients. They’ll give you a budget. Oh, you need to complete a request form as well. Shane must authorise it. It does sound like a lot, but we need all the documentation for the auditors.”
Damn. That was going to spike her plan. “Thanks. What would I do without you? You seem to know how everything works in this place. You’re a gold mine.” Flattery was going to get her everywhere. “And if I am not being too forward, I would love it if you could refer me to one of your trusted psychic readers.”
“Why certainly, Feriyal.” Her face lit up with joy. “I have just the person in mind. She has been accurate with all my readings and you won’t be disappointed. I’ll give Bonita a call to see when she can slot you in.”
“Great. Let’s see if she can see me later today. Just going to file some of my stories now.”
***
The next step was to shop for clothes; suitable attire to fit the role of a sex worker. There was a bit of money left over from the down payment Shane had given her, but where was she going to start? She remembered Shyla had looked elegant the first time she had met her. The police records showed the serial killer’s victims were well dressed. They wore smart shoes; shoes that had been placed next to their bodies in the sugarcane field. She approached a boutique store for the designer outfits.
It was a bit out of her price range, but it had to be done. Next was a trip to an adult store. There was one in Smith Street. It had an exquisite range of lingerie and toys. She had seen the entire range on the store’s website… but why would she need toys? She was not doing the dirty with them.
She raced into the store like a flash of lightning. It would have been embarrassing if someone she knew saw her. “Hi. Can you help me please? A few of us are throwing a bridal shower for a friend. We hope to add a bit of adult flavour to it as well.” Feriyal couldn’t admit she was shopping for herself.
The woman attendant smiled. She knew when someone was lying, but it was not her job to raise an eyebrow. “What do you have in mind?
We have sexy lingerie, aphrodisiacs, movies, massage oils and toys.”
“I… I’m not quite certain. Maybe lingerie and some oils as a starter. Do you have anything that shows you how to do a massage?”
“Yes, we do. These are our scented oils. I would recommend the ylang ylang. We also have feathers for light touching and teasing. The massage instruction comes in a DVD and a book form. Now for the lingerie. What size is your friend?”
“Well, she is my size. Same height, waistline and bust. In fact, we have similar tastes and we like the same colours too.” What a bloody lie!
There was no friend.
“Yes, she is. I thought as much. Come through.” The attendant showed Feriyal a range of corsets, fishnet stockings and suspenders. She suggested a pair of red, black and white stilettos to complement the outfits.
“Give me the three lingerie sets we discussed. I’ll take the massage book. The feathers and oils too. Thanks.”
The total amount for the items raised her blood pressure. She had to dip into her personal funds, but hoped to reclaim the money when the assignment was over. If it was completed.
***
“Where have you been hiding? I wanted to scoop you in my arms and kiss the life out of you. I just couldn’t find you.
Nobody could tell me either. ”
A deep voice made her hairs stand on ends. His voice. A familiar, beautiful voice she had grown to love. However, she didn’t want him. Not now. He couldn’t see what was in the shopping bags. She had forgotten all about Shane. Forgot he was due back from Cape Town today.
&nb
sp; “Hi stranger. Nice to have you back. Did you have a pleasant flight?”
“Yes, I did. I was coming home to you. Looks like you’ve been out shopping. Was it fun?”
“Oh yes. Bought some stuff for a friend. It’s her birthday soon. Haven’t seen her in a while. Wanted to spoil her.” Busted. Well, almost.
“Your friend is lucky to have you in her life. Are you planning to spoil me tonight?” He weaved his hands through her hair. It was late Friday afternoon and everyone had left to start the weekend. He kissed her on the lips. “There’ll be more later. Let’s go home now.”
“Great idea. Meet you downstairs. Just want to check my messages. Won’t be long. Promise.” Feriyal watched his muscled frame disappear down the staircase. When all was safe, she scrambled to find a spot to conceal her sinful items.
CHAPTER TWENTY
“Home at last.” Feriyal loved the warm feeling that ravaged her each time she stepped into their apartment. “I’m going to take a quick shower. Freshen up and then you can tell me all about your meeting.” She laced her hands through his hair and kissed him.
“Take your time. I’ll fix something for us to eat in the meantime.” He brushed away tresses of hair that hid her chocolate eyes. “Thank you for making me feel alive.”
She traipsed to the bedroom and turned the shower full blast. Her hair looked dishevelled. Her mind too. It all became too much. Trying to lure a serial killer into her web while pretending to be relaxed with Shane was taking its toll.
Fine bumps covered her body. The shower rained down. No restraint; free as the breeze. She pictured herself walking through a forest. It was serene; safe. Away from the concrete jungle; a place where she could let down her guard. Then it happened. She felt something on her shoulder. A hand. Her
bloodcurdling scream. “Nooo! Please don’t hurt me.” She
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