The Meeting

Shawna sat across from Brady, knees tight, trying to put words to the way Viktor made her skin crawl. Brady listened, nodding, leaning in like he cared. Then the door clicked. Viktor stepped inside and shut it behind him, that smirk already spread across his face. Shawna's stomach dropped. Brady didn't look surprised. That's when she knew. They were both in on it. Viktor wanted to fuck her, and Brady was the bait. She stood up fast. Said she'd quit. Viktor laughed. Told her no one else would hire her. Not after the way she dressed, not after the way she acted around the office. Brady added that one afternoon on her back was better than months on the street. Shawna's throat tightened. She looked from one man to the other, the exit suddenly feeling miles away.