Perfect Pitch

Rene's world seemed to tilt in slow motion and then freeze. She had to take a moment to comprehend and digest just what it was she was hearing. Did Aisha really just threaten to blackmail her? Was she really being threatened into being Aisha’s slave so she wouldn’t turn her in for stealing the money? “But I'm 45 years old and not exactly skinny either,” was all Renee could finally say. “I've always been attracted to older women, not that you look your age and not that 45 is old. And no, you're not skinny but you're just right. I like them just right and healthy-looking,” Aisha smiled seductively. “Aisha, you're absolutely gorgeous and I'm beyond flattered that one as beautiful as you could have any interest in me, but you don't have to threaten me with blackmail. As long as we're exclusive, you've got me. If you're willing to get rid of anything that shows me leaving with the bag of money, I'll cook your food, I'll clean your place, and I'll be your playmate any day. We can still split the money and get a place of our own too, can't we?” “But I like it here. People don't usually get luxury apartments because they would prefer a house.” “Well, the doctor did. She says this is just temporary after her divorce and that she wants to be able to quickly hop outside with trash and have a yard for her daughter to play in.” “She's a doctor. She's got money. Remember?” Aisha said, nodding toward the bag of money. “She can afford to make temporary extravagant moves.” “Aisha, think about it. I can't stay here forever. Even if I didn't need to go to stores and doctors from time to time, I would go out of my fucking mind if I could never go anywhere.” “Oh, but you can go out,” said Aisha. “You can go out on the balcony, but only when I'm with you.” Renee felt increasingly uncomfortable. What the fuck was going on here? “I don't understand. I said I'm willing to give you what you want, yet you want to turn me into some kind of prisoner held against my will and threatened with incriminating evidence? I don't get it. What's the point?” Aisha leaned in close to Renee and said, “Power and control.” “I still don't get it. Are you saying these things are only fun for you if you make me feel like I'm forced to give in to you or something?” “Haha, you'll see. I'm just playing with you, really. Of course we’ll get you out of here, but we need to wait. It's too risky to move you right now. We need to let things die down a bit and then we'll get you out of here in the middle of the night or really early in the morning when the doctor isn’t likely to be coming and going.” “How long and what do we do in the meantime?” Renee asked. “We just sit tight and enjoy each other. I'll take the money and get us a place.” “Without me even seeing it first?” Aisha laughed. “There is such a thing as the internet, you know. Plus, I can always take pictures.” Renee thought a moment but the whole thing still felt weird. She was beginning to regret trusting Aisha. Perhaps she should have simply taken the money and left altogether. She could have gone to her friend's place and said it simply wasn't working out but that it was okay because she won some money on a scratch ticket and it was enough for a down payment on a new place as soon as she could find one. Aisha spoke again. “I can't begin hunting tomorrow because I have a lot to do, and as I said, we should wait a bit before we move you anyway.” “How long?” “Not long. Just a couple of weeks or so.” “Okay, but I don't want the money going anywhere until we agree to get a place that we both like.” “Okay, we'll play it your way, but remember. No taking off with or without the money or else…” “I really don't appreciate being threatened,” Renee said. “I understand it's part of the game but it's not necessary.” Aisha laughed. “Take off your clothes, slave.”