Lured

The resort offering more money and perks than Tiffany can resist houses an evil secret.  Money exchanges hands for much more than room and board.  Quitting her steady job on a whim for what is promised to be a once in a lifetime experience, Tiffany loads up her car and heads out.  Stumbling upon a secretive erotic crime ring, she tries to find a way out of it, but the sly old woman in charge hired Tiffany for a very specific reason and she knows where the young woman is at all times. 

Excerpt:
Tiffany noticed the sign announcing the Jag’s Head Resort and turned onto a winding narrow road.  The resort, when she finally arrived at its gated entrance, was grand in scale.  Lit up like a fireworks display on a summer night in her home state of Oklahoma, the resort seemed grossly out of place in the wilderness.  Tiffany parked her car and opened the door.  The chimes dinged and clanged and a woman came out from behind the counter. 

“Welcome to Jag’s Head.” 

Tiffany shook the woman’s hand, and the woman greeted her none too warmly.  Tiffany’s shoes made an eerie sound as the heels clicked on each step of the back stairway.  This part of the resort was far from beautiful.  It was barren and reminded Tiffany of an old hospital slated for demolition. 

“You may unpack if you like.  Your work day will begin tomorrow.” 

******

“Today you will greet visitors.  When a woman with hair the color of late autumn leaves and eyes a brilliant blue comes to us, invite her to join you in the special suite.  Tell her how pretty she is and let her know that a handsome gentleman requests her company for the evening.” 

“Why?” 

“It is your job, my dear.” 

Tiffany personally waited on the young woman whose name was Jessica, not allowing her the chance to get away.  Mrs. Turnkey was too scary to risk going against her orders.  She helped her with her bag and showed her to the room which Mrs. Turnkey had specified. 

Jessica was so taken with the room that she did not hear the door close when Tiffany left.  She unpacked her small bag and lay upon the bed.  The dessert she had eaten had been much too filling, a rich strawberry and chocolate cream pie, and once the sugar rush had worn off Jessica fell asleep. 

Moments later, Mrs. Turnkey opened the door and a man in his late forties walked into the room.  “What do you think, Mr. Burris?” 

The man’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the beautiful woman.  “I think I hit the jackpot.”  This was beyond his imagination.  And she was his forever.  The deal had been made and Jessica’s fate was sealed. 

******

When morning came, Tiffany knocked on Jessica’s door to invite her to breakfast.  After several knocks and no response, she pounded on the door, waking Mrs. Turnkey in the room adjacent. 

In her robe, the old woman inquired innocently, “My dear, isn’t it a bit early for such ruckus?” 

“Did Jessica leave already?  It’s only seven.” 

The old lady yawned.  “Yes she did, dear.  She said to tell you thank you for your kindness.”  The woman went back into her room, closing and locking the door behind her, and smiling at Tiffany’s naivete.