The estate had no proper office space, the former master having no concern for such things like paperwork that had nothing to do with buying human flesh. This left Marv with one of the private rooms to use for his work. A comfortable working environment to be sure, but one that often led to idleness and distraction.
Before he could start helping the people of the parish, he must get his estate in order. He started by interviewing the slaves. What he found had him puzzled.
The estate had no crafters or farmers. All were household slaves. But as he was the only occupant of the house other than themselves, they did little work. The servers in the fine dresses didn't do any work at all as far as he could see. He often saw them roaming the house joyfully in their nightdresses.
He thought of chastising them but remembered he was not here as a master, but as a servant for their eventual freedom. And it was nice to see them scamper around the house playing with each other, their skirts moving with their running legs.
His thoughts were interrupted by Mia who entered the room hissing her teeth. "Lazy harlots."
While Marv enjoyed the sight of the girls at play, Mia didn't.
"Let them have their fun, Mia."
"They need to get to work. They still haven't done what I told them."
"And what is that?"
Mia remembered herself and tightened her lips. Mia had been less than helpful as he conducted the interviews and wrote up the labor contracts. She always suggested he make the punishments for not complying harsher, the freedoms stricter. She was a harsh mistress indeed.
Then his next interviewee came in, Gail. She was the only slave he'd gotten to know other than Mia, as the two would clash constantly.
Gail had influence over the other slaves. She was a bright personality. With large bright brown eyes and a matching smile, Gail was a pleasant sight. A petite girl, her head barely came up to Mia's chest.
The two glared at each other. Before the matter could escalate, Marv motioned for her to take a seat. She did so with a flare of her far too short skirt. In that second Marv thought he saw...nothing. That couldn't be.
The side of Gail's lip turned up slightly. "What do you want to ask me?"
Marv cleared his throat. "Basic questions that will help me with your contract. What are your skills, history, desires?"
Girlishly, Gail played at pondering, her finger on her chin. "Well, sir, I've been here at the plantation all my life. I have all the right skills and being a good slave, I always desire to be of service. Before it was the master and now you."
"Yes, but how?"
"You haven't told me yet, sir." Gail leaned forward. "How can I serve you?"
Despite her petite stature, the tops of Gail's breasts drew his vision. They swelled as she breathed.
Again, he coughed at her apparent flirtations. And those breasts were getting closer as he hesitated to answer.
"Well, sir? Us girls have nothing to do if you don't give orders."
That was true, he thought while still starting deeply into Gail's creamy dark bosom. That would explain much. He should tell her what to do, tell her to—a scream came from Gail, snapping him out of his trance.
Mia had Gail by her hair, face contorted in anger. "I warned you!" Mia gave Gail another tug by her hair.
"That's enough, Mia!"
Mia turned her heated gaze to Marv who managed not to flinch. The heat in Mia's eyes subsided, but a spark took its place.
"This is your chance, sir. To show her who's master."
This was nothing Marv wanted to do. Instead, he found an escape.
"I still have much work to do and have not the time for this. Gail? Can you read and write?"
