Lilith - TI3 Read Free Page A

aren’t meant for normal people’s consumption."
     
    "Normal people. I like that. And what am I?"
     
    "No offense intended, but you’re a prostitute. It's just a fact. So are you interested? I'll pay you $250 now and another $250 when I drop you off in a few hours."
     
    "That's a whole lotta money for just listening." Belinda said, growing suspicious.
     
    "For some. I can afford it. Are you interested or not?"
     
    Shrugging, Belinda climbed into the car and buckled the seat belt.
     
    "It's your money, so I guess it's your time. I ain't doing nothing more than listen though."
     
    When the driver nodded, the prostitute leaned back and closed her eyes for a few seconds.
     
    At least the car is warm, she thought as they pulled away from the curb.
     
    "So, where to and what do you feel like talking about?" she asked.
     
    "Someplace quiet... secluded. We'll talk then. Do you want to pick a spot or should I?"
     
    Belinda shifted sideways and stared at the man. She could barely make out his features. Gloves concealed his hands, making it impossible to tell if he wore a ring, particularly a wedding band.
     
    "Have you decided on anywhere?" he asked, interrupting her thoughts.
     
    "No. You decide, as long as you bring me back here. It'll save me from having to give directions."
     
    "As you wish."
     
    For several minutes they rode in silence while the driver drove through the partially abandoned streets. Finally, turning down a narrow dirt road, they eventually ended up in the driveway of a small brick house with a 'wrap around' porch.
     
    "My place," was all he said.
     
    "You don't think that's a little dangerous, bringing a stranger to your house?"
     
    "Do you remember how we got here?"
     
    "Not really."
     
    "Then I don't see the problem. Is there one?"
     
    "No, it doesn't bother me."
     
    "Good! Come on in and I'll make us a warm drink."
     
    Belinda followed the strange man into the house. A small fire burned brightly in the hearth, protected by glass doors. Without turning on the lights, he removed his jacket and walked toward the kitchen.
     
    "Make yourself at home. I'll be right back."
     
    Removing her own jacket, Belinda tossed it on a chair and walked over to the fire. The faint smell of burning wood and the crackling was seductive, making her temporarily forget where she was. Only the sound of quiet footsteps brought her back to reality. Turning she watched as her host put a tray on the coffee table and noticed he still wore tight, brown leather gloves.
     
    "Coffee. I hope you don't mind. I never drink alcohol."
     
    "That's fine. I've had more than enough for both of us." Belinda laughed.
     
    "Good! Please have a seat. There's sugar and cream on the tray if you want them."
     
    As he motioned to a recliner near the fire, he turned to face Belinda. It was the first time the prostitute got a good look at the man.
     
    Handing her the cup, he sat in his chair and leaned back, staring into the flames. The prostitute waited for him to start talking, but soon realized the man was lost in thought. Glancing around she noticed the room was sparsely furnished. There were no pictures or paintings on the walls, no items on the tables, nothing to gave away anything personal about him or his life. It was almost as if he had no identity. Minutes passed into over an hour. Belinda felt drowsy. Shifting her position, she leaned her head against the headrest. Blinking several times, she rubbed her eyes wearily and thought the warm room must be affecting her. The man hadn't spoken since offering her the coffee so she decided a short nap wouldn't hurt anything. He'd wake her up when he was ready to talk.
     
    Looking up from the flames, the man stood and walked over to the prostitute. Assured that she was asleep, he quietly left the room, only to return a few moments later carrying something in his gloved hand. Holding the object up toward the light, he watched a small stream of fluid squirt into the air. Then he