Maid

Ginger called me one evening.

• Good evening, Teyla. I'd like to entrust you with an important mission. You're going to my associate's house tonight. She likes to borrow a girl or two for a period of time at her discretion. This time it will be you. You'll go alone without protection. She wouldn't tolerate a cautious gesture, but don't worry, it's always gone well. She can be violent, but I trust you. Is that okay with you? Obviously, you'll be paid.
• Of course, Ms. Drake. I trust you. I'll go anywhere you want. You'll be proud of me. I'll do whatever she asks.

She nodded and handed me a package.

• Well, take this package. Inside is the outfit, the script, the address—in short, everything you need to prepare.

I left the office intrigued and eager to prove myself to Ginger. I stayed at the agency until the evening. When I got ready, I looked at myself in the mirror.

Indeed, I understood that it wouldn't be ordinary, but I liked this outfit that promised to fulfill a fantasy that came back to me. In the taxi that was taking me, this dress clearly had an effect on the taxi driver, who often looked in his rearview mirror. I amused myself by crossing my legs so he could admire the spectacle. His reaction proved to me that he was more than interested. Men definitely wouldn't change; it was so easy to manipulate them.

He stopped in front of the gate of the large building, which was in a luxurious neighborhood on the outskirts of London. I rang a bell to let me know when it was open. I walked a long way when I saw two mastiffs charging at me. I fell to my knees in terror when a voice spoke up.

• Rex, Tumba, Teyla at heel.

The dogs froze and headed towards a woman of about 30. Given the order, I knelt at her feet. She stroked my hair.

• That's right, my dear, you understand quickly.

She turned around and took a few steps.

• Follow me, the three of you. Teyla stood and took three steps behind me.

I stood up, brushing off the dust from the gravel on the driveway. Watched by the two Great Danes who followed us, I wasn't reassured by the growls they were emitting at me. A door opened by a butler closed behind the three of us.