If this is the first Shelacta Tale you have read, please go the appendix to learn about this world.
Eighth Tale: Rout of a Pimp
Piotr (called Peter throughout this tale) was one of the pimps running the brothel where Eva, Aurora, Camille, Gida and Larissa were enslaved by their illegal status and debt to the people smugglers. He had been caught during the raid on the brothel and deported back to his 'own' country which wasn't his own, but was the country shown on his forged paperwork.
Peter had an advantage over the other pimps. Unlike them, who were distinctive and flashy dressers, Peter appeared to be a nondescript person who would be difficult to notice. He could act and always merged into a crowd as a good spy should. He had been a spy under the old communist regime; a well paid spy. Now he was a 'businessman' and his business was selling women's bodies and blackmail.
He was looking for his former employees. As illegals he could force them back into slavery by threatening disclosure to the authorities. Not that Peter would do the disclosing – the closest he'd come would be an anonymous tip-off. Peter paid people to disclose illegals who wouldn't pay in money or services.
Peter was sure that some of 'his' prostitutes would still be in the town, if not as prostitutes then in jobs that asked no questions. So far he had been looking for a week and asking around. He had found out that the Smith householder had grown by a couple of young women. It was worth checking. He cycled past the Smith house twice a day at regular times as if going to and from a shift at the local factory. After three days his patience was rewarded by a sight of Eva in a maid's uniform opening the door to the postman. He had found at least one of his missing employees.
Peter had the habit of caution. He continued to cycle past the Smiths' house for three more days and thought her saw Gida as well. Two in one house was a good omen. He would approach the mistress of the house tomorrow.
Unfortunately for Peter he had made two mistakes. The first was in relying on his tradecraft without making allowances for the skills of others. Gida had been a spy too. Nearly one in ten adults in their country had been employed at least part time as spies on each other. The second mistake was assuming that the women would not be on their guard.
The women were almost free of care because their work permits were nearly granted. They knew how close they were and how important it was not to be caught before they were in the country legally. They were taking extra care in the last few weeks.
Gida had exposed herself deliberately. The women thought that the cyclist was Peter. His reaction to a glimpse of Gida was revealing. His cycling lost rhythm and the bike wobbled as he saw her. That was enough. The women knew that he was Peter. Sooner or later he would approach the Smiths.
A few days later, Peter, dressed very differently but still inconspicuously, knocked on the Smiths' front door. Eva answered the door in her maid's uniform.
"You!" she hissed dramatically. The others thought she was overacting. Peter thought it a natural reaction.
"I would like to talk to Mrs Smith, please, Eva, if that is still your name. I know she is in."
"I will ask if she wishes to see you," said Eva formally as if recovering her poise. "What name shall I give her?"
"Mr Peter Jones. Here is my card."
Peter handed over a card with that name on it. It appeared to identify him as an investigating officer of the Immigration Service.
"I will ask her, Mr Jones," Eva said emphasising the 'Jones' as if she didn't believe it.
Eva left Peter in the doorway. She returned in less than a minute.
"Mrs Smith will see you, Mr 'Jones'. Please follow me."
Eva shut the door behind them and walked into the front reception room. Mrs Smith, Mona, stood up from an armchair beside a screen dividing the room. There was a deep armchair with its back to the screen. The other chairs were cluttered with piles of clothing. A large shawl was draped over the screen.
"Please take a seat, Mr Jones," said Mona, indicating the vacant chair. "Please forgive the clutter. Eva and I were sorting for the next Church jumble sale."
Peter sat down. He sank deep into the chair. It seemed to be in a reclining position and would be difficult to get up from. Eva stood slightly to his side and behind him.
"What can I do for the Immigration Service, Mr Jones?" Mona asked.
"It is about Eva. I have reason to believe that she is in this country illegally. Did you know that?"
"She might have been before I employed her, Mr Jones. I didn't ask. Now she is here with a limited work permit. While she remains in my employment she has a right to stay. Her papers are in order and on file at the local office. I presume you are NOT from the local office, Mr Jones?"
Peter didn't notice Eva lift the shawl from the screen and spread it wide between her hands.
"No, Mrs Smith. I am from headquarters. I only investigate multiple cases such as yours. While Eva might have the papers you say, the other women in this house do not have them."
"And what are you going to do about these non-existent women, Mr Jones?"
"I would have to report them to my superiors, Mrs Smith. They will be deported. You and Mr Smith will be prosecuted, unless..."
"Unless what, Mr Jones?"
"Unless you and I and the women can come to some arrangement."
"Ah. I thought you might suggest 'some arrangement'. I don't think I like the idea of an 'arrangement' Mr Jones."
"Eva?" Mona asked. "Would you want me to come to an arrangement with Mr Jones?"