Im a quick study, she said, trying to sound confident but not cocky. If I know whats expected of me, I can hit the ground running.

Rico looked at Elodie.

I told you this one had potential, she said.

What kind of experience do you have? he asked.

Doing this for money? Hannah said. None. But Ive had more than a few dates with older guys who were generous gift givers if I was liberal with my affection. Is this all that different?

Rico scrunched up his face as if she was a complicated algebra problem he was trying to solve.

Im going to be straight with you, Hannah, he said. I dont like to waste my time. You seem like you can handle yourself but if youre not down for what I tell you next, this is the time to bail. I drop you off back at the corner, we go our separate ways, and everyone lives their lives. No hard feelings.

Hannah nodded her understanding. He continued without asking for a reply.

Theres a lot of money to be made here. But if I lay this out for you and you say youre cool, and then back out, we will have a problem. The next step involves my boss, who talks to his bosses. They dont like hiccups. They dont like troublemakers. If they get upset with me, I get upset with you and thats no good for anybody. Am I making myself clear?

Crystal, she replied, embracing the shiver of excited trepidation spinning up her spine. It was a rare thing for herto feel something intensely. She allowed herself to get lost in it for a second, to let the tingling sensation called fear consume her.

Good, Rico said, snapping her out of it. Heres the short version. I introduce you to my boss. He runs a full background check on you to make sure youre cool. Its way more than a wand and ID check. Some of our clients are big-time and they dont want any complications. Are you going to be able to pass a background check, Hannah?

Absolutely, she lied.

Any check they did would reveal not only that her adoptive parents had been murdered by her serial killer father, but that her half-sister was a criminal profiler who was cozy with the LAPD. That was likely an insurmountable hurdle to pass, which made it crucial to get as much intel out of this meeting as possible.

Excellent, he said. Assuming youre right, youll be paired with a few of our more experienced, less…demanding clients. Theyll give us reviews based on your skill and enthusiasm. Consider it a probationary period. Assuming that goes well, youll be allowed to start dating whales. Thats where the big money is. You might even be asked to spend a few long weekends at our Big House.

Big House? she repeated, trying to project girlish enthusiasm.