105 :: Finding Naomi
Marram drove slowly through the industrial estate. Passed prefab corrugated buildings with open doors. Open all day. Open all night.
Mariam drove slowly down London road. She passed Tinsley House behind the trees. Hidden from view like the work done there also hidden from view. No one on the road. She slowed to look down the track to the right. No one there. At the roundabout she turned right into Gatwick road. Still no one. She turned back onto the track from the Gatwick Road end. An old route with hedgerow like in the pictures in the travel guides. She saw Naomi there. Ahead on the road. She slowed. Naomi pressed into the hedge on the passenger side waiting for the car to pass. A worried look on her face when Mariam stopped and opened the window.
Hello. (Mariam)
Hello. (Naomi)
Mariam held up her Skroll. Naomi took out her iPass.
My name is Mariam. I know a little about you.. I am from Tinsley House. Can I tell you a story. (Mariam)
Naomi said nothing. She did not move closer. She did not move away.
The man you are going to meet is called Hank. He thinks he can keep you as his sex worker. He can not. He does not have the money. He is not clever enough. You will be back in Tinsley House in six months. Or worse. You might be on the street. Then you will not have any friends. Right now you have one friend. Me. I can be your friend. I can take you to a place of refuge. There will be friends there too. (Mariam)
Naomi stood still. She read the words Mariam had spoken. She made no reply.
This is your story. Hop in the car for friends. Keep walking for a master. A bastard master. Both ways will be hard. Hardship is better with friends. (Mariam)
Naomi still did not move. She still did not reply.
I will take you to him. I will show you his home. I will show you his real life. Then you choose. (Mariam)
Naomi nodded. She got into the car. They drove in silence for the few minutes it took them to drive to the Grayhound pub.
106 :: The argument
Mariam and Naomi sat in the car. Mariam opened her Skrolll. She sheared for...
The Au Pair