Back downstairs, the officer led Chris to a well-appointed bathroom. "You first need to take a shower and clean yourself up before we go. I will come back for you in a few minutes." With that, he existed and she was alone.
Chris was still trying to rationalize what had happened. Yes, she had lost her virginity to me. But she had only consented to that to prevent being brutally raped. She told herself what she had done was justified. But she could not help feeling dirty. And the water from the shower could not wash it away. As the water washed over her, she sunk to the floor and sobbed uncontrollably.
By the time he returned for her, she had composed herself. She was out of the shower and had dried. The officer led her back to his office. There, Chris saw a new wardrobe laid out for her on the desk. He explained, "The client has been informed of your relative inexperience. We can actually use that as an asset here by portraying you as the wholesome, 'good girl.: Chris dressed in a skirt that flowed loosely around her knees and a modest button-down blouse. A bra and panties were included. The shoes still had heels but were much easier for her to maneuver in.
"Sit down," he began politely. "I will fill you in on the details. You will address the client as 'Carlos.' He is from Venezuela. Tomorrow, we are closing a deal to sell them weapons. We think spending time with you can put him in a mood to pay our full asking price. That is your mission."
"First, you and I will join him for dinner. Then, I will leave and you will accompany him to his suite. I will return in the morning to pick you up and close our deal. Any questions?"
To Chris, it was clear what was happening. She had only come to this country to help people in small churches. Now she was being forced into prostitution. But she responded to the officer by just shaking her head, "No."
The two of them made their way out of the building and were driven back into the city. They stopped at what Chris had heard to be one of the most upscale dining establishments in the area. When they entered, Carlos was already there. Joining them at the table, the officer sat across from him and motioned Chris to sit at his side. When the waiter came, Carlos presumed to order for her. Otherwise, Chris was largely ignored as the two men engaged in animated discussion. She was not sure but assumed it was about their business.
When the dinner was over, the officer stood up from the table. "Well, I will be heading out," he began. "I will see you two in the morning." As he turned to walk away, Chris desperately wanted to follow him. But she knew that was not an option.
Her "date" had basically ignored her throughout dinner. Now that they were alone, he put his arm around her and bluntly asked, "So, dearest. I understand that you were a virgin until very recently."
Taken aback by the query, Chris looked away and responded, "Yes."
Pulling her toward him with the arm around her shoulder, his other hand began to fondle her chest. "That is so sexy," he continued. "I am so much looking forward to our time together here.'
Carlos arose from the table. Taking Chris by the hand, he led her to the elevator. When the doors opened, they entered and he pushed "P" for the penthouse. As they ascended, Chris felt her heart beating faster. Her breathing became labored. The elevator stopped and the door opened to the most elegant surroundings she had ever seen. As they stepped out, she told herself, "This is wrong. It goes against every moral principle that I have lived by." But what choice did she have? Silently, Carlos reached over and kissed her passionately. She kissed him back.
Carlos immediately led her toward his bedroom. He sat on the side of the bed as she stood awkwardly in front of him. Leaning back on his elbows, he inquired, "So how old are you, again?"
