The Key

“You know what, the deal is off! I thought you would have taken this seriously since 20k is a lot of money for you, but you have been not focused on this session the entire time we have been here, Annie!” Derrick’s jaw is clenched, and I can tell his angry. 

I scrunch my nose; he’s right. No matter what I do I can’t concentrate. 

“I’m sorry,” I say, looking up at him, “I have a lot on my mind. “He stares at me, and his face softens.

“You told me you were smart, and I know you need the money, but I actually need to pass the class for you to get paid.” He sighs, drumming his pencil on the desk. His eyes are deep green, and his hair is pushed back. He looks preppy but in a sad tormented way.

Holy shit, am I checking Derrick out?

“I know, I am sorry. Let’s go over it again. I promise I can pay attention now.”

He flashes me a smile and looks at his book, pointing back to the question.

When I first read that letter, I couldn’t focus on anything. My lively hood could literally be in shambles. I don’t know who wrote that letter, but I need to find out. When I am done here with Derrick, I am going to call Bert and ask him to take me to the company. They have to have some sort of solution for problems like these, right?

The afternoon passes quickly and Derrick smiles, shutting his book, “See, Audrey, you just needed to relax. Hanging out with a gorgeous guy fixes any woman’s bad mood.” He grins, runs his fingers through his hair like a model, and winks at me.

I smirk, “You’re right, do you know where I can find one?” 

Derrick gasps and places his hand over his heart, “You wound me!” he teases, “How about next session we go to my place?”

I feel my palms become sweaty, “Your place? You don’t live on campus?” I question.

Derrick chuckles and shakes his head, “No, I have a condo close by. It was my graduation present.”

My mouth opens wide. Derrick’s family is rich, everyone knows that but an entire condo for a graduation present?!

“I promise, I don’t bite. They’ll be food, and obviously WIFI. It will be more comfortable. I live alone so quieter too.”

I look around. The library is quiet; what’s his game?

“Sure, text me the address. When do you want to meet again?” I ask, jotting down my number and passing it to him. He smiles and takes the paper, “Tomorrow evening?”

I think but shake my head, “Evenings are my time to study,” I lie.

He laughs, “Audrey, that’s exactly what we are doing.”

He’s right and I need a way out of this. I have to still work. I hope the company will know what to do. I can’t afford not to work. Even this 20k Derrick is promising would be a nice nest egg but I made 20k in a week once. He’s offering that for 4 months.

“I’m sorry, but I have a whole system. I need to do afternoons or mornings.” I hold firm.

He smirks and leans back into his chair, “Fine, tomorrow afternoon at 4?”

I think it over and nod, “Yeah, that’s fine as long as we are finished by 6.”

He flashes his smile again, nodding, and stands up, “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll text you my address in a bit.”

“See you tomorrow,” I say. Derrick walks away and I immediately pull out my phone and text Bert, asking if he is available to pick me up now and take me to the office. I don’t care that I don’t have an appointment; this is an emergency.

“Be there in 20,” Is his response and I sigh in relief. They have to be able to help. I am sure this happens often. I know it has happened to a few clients. I never asked about this kind of thing. I never stopped to think someone would try to exploit me.

I pack my bag and walk out of the library to the parking lot and wait, anxiously. The limo pulls up and Bert rolls down his window, I open the door and slide in.

“What’s the emergency?! what happened?!” he asks, concerned.

Bert is always looking out for me and in a world where I have no one who does, I am thankful for Bert. I reach into my bag and hand him the envelope. He looks it over, opens it, and retrieves the letter. His body tenses and I can see his eye’s become wider as he reads

“Where was this? When did it come?”

I sigh, “Yesterday morning, it was on my dorm door, but I just opened it a few hours ago. What do you think of it?” I ask

Bert puts the limo in drive as he looks at me in the rear-view mirror, “I am not sure. I don’t think we have ever had a case like this. We need to see Mr. Moxin. Clients get blackmailed but I have never heard of an escort who has.”

My heart beats faster and he pulls out of the parking lot, “Do you think Mr. Moxin will know what to do?”

Bert sighs, “I don’t know. We’ll find out. I called ahead and he is expecting you.”

“What is he like?” I ask. I have never met the big boss. Only the lower employees and his receptionist. He has always been the mystery behind the company. I have always been curious about him and today my curiosity will be fulfilled. 

“He’s a character. I think you’ll like him.” Bert smiles, “He also takes the safety of his employees very seriously. Let’s see what he says, okay?”

I nod but I feel so nervous. I took this job for a reason. What if I have to quit? What if I get expelled? I am already in so much debt, I can’t afford to apply to a new school. Not to mention, Autumn Brown is highly ranked.

This isn’t just a job; it’s the key to my future.