Sinners and Saints (4 page)

“
That would be great.”

Vylette got comfy in the oversized style chair, closed her ey
es and let Lissa work her magic.

Chap
ter 7

“I am done.” Filled her ears followed by a soft nudge in the arm. She opened her eyes and was face to face with the perky smiling stylist.

“
You looked like you needed some rest, so I just did your make up while you napped.”

“
Thank you. How do I look?”

“
See for yourself.”

Lissa moved her upright and spun her to face the mirror. The reflection showed a young woman with long spiral brown hair, big dark eyes highlighted in neutral colors with glossy full lips. She barely recognized herself. She could fe
el the amount of make up on her face, but it looked as if she were barely wearing any.

“
Wow, you're a miracle worker, Lissa.”

“
Not really. I had good features to work with. Now, come on, I think Mrs. Travine is on her way.”

“
Thank you, and I am sorry for earlier.”

“
Don't worry about it, hun, I was brought in with Mrs. Travine. Everyone here is so willing to help because we have all been where you are— scared, alone and confused. It does get better I promise.”

She
shot her gaze to the tiny woman. “What is your story?”

Lissa just smiled and shook her head. “
Nice try, but until after tomorrow I can't tell you.”

“
Okay, tell me this, does everyone here have the same story?”

“
No, and that's all I am saying. Now, get out of that chair, here comes Mrs. Travine.”

Sh
e had just gotten her feet on the floor when Mrs. Travine's pleasant face came into view.

“
You look very nice.”

“
Thank you.”

“
Are you ready for the shoot?”

“
I guess as ready as I can be.”

“
Well then, shall we go?”

She motioned with her arm.
“After you.”

Still not knowing what was to come and the overwhelming need to get home, she felt a bit safer. The flames of what she thought were to be her hell, slowly faded, leaving a small space of peace. As she followed Mrs. Travine through the huge enclosure, walk
ing through this door and that to get to different places, she looked at the lavish place with new eyes. Where she once saw shadows of deceit that lurked in dark corners, she now only saw empty spaces. For the first time since she arrived, her eyes didn't roam every nook and cranny expecting potential Johns or worse to jump out and grab her and her heart slipped into a pace of just above normal.

I am happy I am not going to be thrown out for the pleasure of some unknown hard on
, but I still can't wait to get home. If Mr. Buchanan is telling the truth, tomorrow I will find out when that day will be.

The flashing of lights was a dead giveaway that they had made it
to the shooting area. There was a cute tiny brunette posing playfully for the camera in the far corner, the short paunchy photographer murmured commands and constantly flicked his camera. This room, like the others was enormous, but plain in comparison. There was little furniture and no windows. Shields, blinds and camera props split the room in two. The backside where she stood, was made into a small waiting area while the rest of this half, was devoted to storing anything a photographer needed and the other half was dedicated to the picture area. Mrs. Travine's quiet, sweet voice caught her attention.

“
Have a seat, Christoph will be with you in a few moments.”

Taking a seat on the plush couch,
Vylette said, “Thank you.” She reached out and stopped the woman from leaving.

“
Where do I go from here? You know, when I am finished.”

“
Back to your room to change into the workout outfit that is lying on your bed. When you have that on, hit the speaker button and I will show you to the gym. You will be attending a workout-self defense class.”

“
Okay...Um...Speaker button? I admit I wasn't paying attention, but where is that located?”

“
There are several actually. You have one by the door, one by your bed just above the nightstand and one in your bathing room.”

“
Oh, uh...okay. Thank you.”

“
Anytime. I will be here if you need anything. I am the one assigned to you.”

“
Hold on, assigned? What does that mean?”

“
It means I am responsible for helping you with...anything you might need to be comfortable here. Speaking of which, how is the rib?”

“
As long as I don't move too much or too fast, it’s okay.”

“
Wonderful. After you passed out last night, I snuck in and applied some topical medicine to help you feel better. It helps with pain and speeds up healing. Just so you know the rib is just bruised not cracked.”

“
Uh...thank you...I think. I mean I am grateful for the help, but at the same time it’s kinda creepy you were in my room while I was sleeping.”

“
Actually, Vylette, I was in your room almost all night, watching over you.”

Scratching her head, “
You were, why?”

“
When you arrived yesterday, you were hurt. Mr. Buchanan said you had been beaten and were cradling your ribs, so I stayed and watched over you to be sure you were alright. You could have had internal bleeding.”

“
Well, I guess that makes me feel a little better since you were more like a nurse than a warden.”

“
I assure you, it was for your own safety.”

“
I believe you.” She narrowed her eyes a moment later and asked, “Oh hey, how did you know my name? I don't remember telling any of you.”

“
You didn't, but we know quite a bit about you.”

Before she could question the
women further, she left with a coy smile on her face.

“
Next!” Sounded from behind her and she turned to see Christoph motioning her forward. “Today, lady! I have much to do.”

She rushed over and stood where he indicated.

“First, you will be sitting behind this desk...”

She had just enough time to catch the suit jacked he tossed to her before the buttons pelted her in the eye.

“...Put this on. This first set is for a professional look. Slip on the coat and have a seat. Smile and think of a real estate agent or something and own that look.”

As fast as she could, she threw on the coat and did as she was told.

Flash after flash, outfit change after outfit change, she smiled, posed and stood statue still as the hours went on. Finally after scenes from 'office work' to 'club night' the shoot was over and she was changing back into the jeans and shirt she started with. Christoph approached her with his hand out.

“
It was nice working with you. You have been one of the easiest and most photogenic girls I have ever shot and I thank you for that. Makes this go a lot smoother.”

She shook his hand.
“Thank you and your welcome. To be honest, I just wanted it to be over as quickly as possible. I have never been a ham for the camera.”

“
Really? Well you worked like a pro. I have more photos to take so I will see you later.”

With that, she stood staring at his back as he motioned on the next girl and went about his work. Taking one last look, she turned and headed back through the maze to find her room and onto the next activ
ity.

One step closer to finding out the truth and getting the hell out of here
.

Chapter 8

She was just rounding the corner to head up the stairs when she ran head long into Mr. Buchanan.

“Oh, I am sorry, Mr. Buchanan. I was...”

A sliver of heat swam ac
ross her skin when his hands held her in place to keep her from falling. Her heart, jockeying for a faster rhythm, had her head almost spinning and her mind went numb and stupid when her eyes met his. Her words swirled in her brain looking for the connection to get to her mouth, but all speech failed her. The next second, he released her and she went from idiot to sane as her mind and mouth found the right path and her heart went back to normal.

What the hell?

His smile, bright and friendly, threatened to steal her sanity once more. If not for his voice she would melted into a pool of goo around his feet.

“
Are you alright?”

“
Y-yes.” She took a step back and a breath. “I was in a hurry and I wasn't paying attention.”

“
Same here. Where are you off to?”

“
My room. I have to change and go to the gym.”

“
Oh, self defense class. Great! Do you mind if I walk you to your room?”

“
Uh...Sure.”

“
Wonderful. Lead the way.”

My God, I can feel the heat radiating off him. Is he smuggling a heater in that suit, geez.

She took the steps carefully as he sidled in next to her, matching her pace.

“
Are you feeling better? Earlier in the salon...I know you said...I just wanted to be sure.”

“
For now. If it turns out you're lying to me, I have to warn you it will be a lot worse.”

“
Sounds fair. Are you getting along well with Mrs. Travine?”

“
Yes. Since our little chat anyway.”

“
You know, I assigned her to you for a reason.”

“
Why is that? Did she do something wrong? Did she need punishing?”

His laugh was deep and soft in
his chest and sounded completely normal given the circumstances. She looked at him as he spoke and noticed the light flicker back into his eyes as the conversation went on.

“
No, quite the opposite. I assigned her to you because of the way I saw you act when I first got you. I didn't need to see the bruises and blood on you to know you have a fighter spirit. Mrs. Travine was the very same way. She got it a lot worse and for much longer than you did, but she never caved and she never quit trying to escape, even after she got here. It's funny, she is the reason we have such good security.”

“
Really? I am sorry to hear that she endured such a thing. She seems so mild, I wouldn't have guessed. Does she know that you are telling me this? I mean, I don't want to say anything...”

“
She is perfectly fine with me sharing it with you. Do you know she came to me last night and begged me to let her tell you the truth. Out of all the sixty-five women we have here, you are the luckiest one. You are not hooked on anything, you haven't been forced to do things even the devil would say 'yea, that's just wrong' and you are not permanently disfigured. You were very lucky I showed up when I did.”

“
I agree that I am very fortunate to have not been subjected to the things these other women have, but what does that have to do with telling me the truth?”

“
Because when we brought you in, you were lucid, still full of hope and life. A lot of these girls are so beaten down that their souls are shredded and torn and the only thing they hope for is a quick death to release them from the hell they are living.”

She stopped just outside her door and turned to face him.

“I still don't understand? What do you have planned for us? I mean you saved us from that hell, but to what end? You told me to trust you, but you haven't let me leave either.”

Again she lost her breath when he reached and placed a hand on her cheek, softly stroking it with his thumb.

“Tomorrow. You will understand tomorrow.”

“
Why tomorrow. Why can't you just tell me now?”

“
I am sorry. All is not in place just yet.”

“
And....What? A moonbeam will shine in just the right angle on a frogs ass and all will be right with world?”

There it was, the fullness of shine in his eyes when he smiled and laughed at her joke.

“That is a new one. I love it. Please, just be a bit more patient. I know it’s frustrating now, but tomorrow you will understand and yes, all will be right with the world...even for you.”

She cross
ed her arms over her chest. “Fine. Don't take this the wrong, it’s nice and all here, but whatever gets me the hell out of here.”

“
No offense taken. Now off to change before you are late. I will let Mrs. Travine know you are about ready.”

“
Fine.”

Mr.
Buchanan headed down the stairs and after taking a last look, she went into her room.