When the slabs of juice-dripping meat were placed in front of the men, Batya received a small, empty plate. Moskowitz sliced off a morsel of his steak and dropped it on her plate, while Pedro and the other men went on to suck on fatty bones, laughing and chatting, never acknowledging Batya’s presence. She took dainty bites of her tiny piece of meat, feeling more like a stray dog that had come begging than a desired high-class French courtesan. Recalling that Freda deducted the cost of the cakes Batya had eaten at the café, she decided it was better not to be charged for this sumptuous meal.

Lunch over, Moskowitz gestured to Batya to climb into the carriage of the two officers, who took her to a casita.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Midmorning, Batya was about to enter Moskowitz’s office to collect the newspapers when she stopped at the sound of Señor Rosenberg’s voice. She hadn’t seen him in a couple of weeks, had been anxious to receive more news of her family, but now, peeking in, she glimpsed him seated in the guest chair, seemingly in the middle of a friendly chat. Moskowitz laughed at something as Señor Rosenberg gestured with a lit cigarette.

No! Her heart beat so hard she heard it. Señor Rosenberg had betrayed her. Batya pressed her back against the wall, her head cocked to one side to hear better.

“Our profession is not for everyone,” Moskowitz said. “Yes, anyone can sell his wife’s services to make a few pesos, maybe recruit one more girl to work for him. But to be a successful businessman, one needs to be both shrewd and charismatic; seductive, while exercising self-control; a skilled manager and a comforter of hysterical females.” He paused. “You need to teach these girls manners, how to save their money, how to make something of themselves. It brings them joy, while you increase their value. It’s a profession that demands the whole of you—your character, your perseverance, and your expertise in many areas, from finance to personal hygiene.”

The hair stood on Batya’s arms. Was Señor Rosenberg becoming a caftan?

“You are very proud of your business,” he said.