The next morning the two women barely acknowledged one another, preferring to avert their eyes as they passed in the corridors; but by mid-morning Helen walked up to Judith's desk at a point when they were alone and wordlessly placed the now washed and dried underwear quietly on her desk. Judith quickly covered them with her hands, and said quietly: "Thank you. I'll have yours here tomorrow." Helen wandered off without another word, but as Judith watched her retreating back, brunette hair flowing down to cover her shoulders, she wondered what lay in store for them that evening.
By the time James called them into his office in the late afternoon, both women already felt drained of energy, mouths dry, stomachs fluttering. The experience of the previous evening had succeeded in filling them with apprehension. He, on the other hand, was confident, friendly and engaging.
The office had also been changed: the women both noted with mounting dread that a large couch had been pulled into a corner, and he directed them to sit on it. This placed them alongside one another, like mannequins on display. He sat on the edge of the desk facing them, and seemed to tower above them. Alongside the couch were coffee tables, and again there were tumblers, liberally filled with Whisky. He waved at the drinks and spoke expansively: "Drink! Working hours are over. Time for fun!"
Predictably, the women had no comment, but obediently took small, cautious sips from the glass rims. "There really is no need to be afraid of me", he smiled, speaking softly. "This is going to be an adventure for us all. Of course it is out of your control – I understand that. But I would like it to be mutually enjoyable. In a strange way, that's really quite magnanimous of me, don't you think? I don't recall you being this considerate of me when you decided to steal my money."
It was obvious that the reminder had been used to emphasize the helplessness of their situation, but it probably was not necessary – they sat in subdued silence, and took another sip when he implied with a gesture that they should do so. Helen's resentment was clear, though, but James seemed not to notice. Instead he started to engage them in seemingly meaningless smalltalk. They discussed their respective jobs, answering his questions uncertainly. He moved the conversation onto their private lives, seeming quite kind and thoughtful; but the whisky was being consumed quickly now, and as the words seemed to flow more easily each woman became aware that it was having an effect. At some point James took out his video camera, holding it in his hands now, pointing it at each woman as she spoke, but it seemed less threatening.
James pulled up an office chair and faced the women directly. He leaned forward as he spoke. "In your own way, you are both very attractive women. You would agree with me, wouldn't you?"
Judith laughed selfconsciously. "Oh I wouldn't say that! Helen is, but I'm just plain."
"Don't be silly!", exclaimed Helen in a time-old ritual. "You look stunning. Your eyes are perfect."
"You don't need to say that!", dismissed Judith; but James stopped her. "No Helen – carry on. What makes Judith attractive?"
Helen spoke almost without thinking. "Well – she has beautiful hair, a nice curl, full body. My hair is so-o-o straight, I struggle to bring it to life. Her green eyes with that blonde colour – it catches everyone's eye." Realising what she had said, she suddenly, shyly stopped, and then both women broke out into girlish, silly laughter.
"Now it's your turn Judith. Do you find Helen attractive?"
Judith smiled and nodded. "Sure. How do you keep your body so trim? I have one slice of cake and I just bulge all over!"
