Let's shut this door ...

Gunnar was relieved to see that Dr. Hammer was not at all as severe as her name suggested. She was a tall prim woman with glasses, yet she was gifted with a body so boldy curvy that it strained against her neat clothes in interesting ways and places.

As she ented, Miss Hooker rose to greet her, then said "Let's shut this door ... " Leaning back agianst the door, she quietly shut it, blocking out the mild ongoing commotion outside, and the office suddenly felt very private. "Now, Mr. Hart, what I have to tell you is confidential, do you understand?"

"Sure."

"We here at Butcher do whatever it takes to find someone an appropriate occupation and livelihood. Sometimes that means considering careeers that are -- let's say, not one hundred percent legal. But don't worry -- to the extent that our job search includes crime, we prefer to stick with what might be called, ah ... victimless crimes."

"Victimless crimes?"

"Yes, crimes in which unusal services are made available and no one is really harmed. Now ... Dr. Hammer, you have had the opportunity to review certain files from Mr. Hart's stay in Loving Kindness Hospital, is that correct?"

"That is most correct," Dr. Hammer said with a faint yet charming German accent, "and to anticipate your next question, Miss Hooker, RAIP has had a truly phenomenal effect upon him!"

"You see, Mr. Hart," Miss Hooker continued pleasantly, "sometimes women have need of ... companionship, and it would appear that you may have ... shall we say ... " She somehow managed to look embarrassed and shameless all at once. " ... a lot to offer a woman ... !"

Gunnar was fascinated. "Are you saying you want me to be an escort?"

"Yes, Mr. Hart. I believe that is your best course of action at present."