pattie cake

"Let's see the video."  I almost didn't recognize Violet's professional-sounding voice.  

There was an uncomfortable silence until Gabe said, "She's trustworthy."

"Not a word to anyone about what you're going to see."

"Obviously.  But I can't do my job if you don't give me all the evidence."  A hint of her ghetto accent came back, but she impressively kept her cool.

A loud sigh.  "Fine."  I heard some shuffling and another sigh.  

"Just carrying a memory stick around in your pocket like it's nothing?  And no encryption or passcode at all?  No wonder you got hacked."

Gabe cleared his throat and I imagined the glare he was shooting Violet.

"What's she talking about?"

Another awkward silence.  "You've gotta do a better job with security, man... um... sir?  That stick should be under lock and key at all times.  Shit gets out, you're screwed."  Now she sounded like herself again, though somehow maintained a level of professionalism.

Before he had the chance to respond, the video started playing.

I know this must be confusing for you.  Credit cards maxed, checking accounts dry, the safe empty.  All your money is gone.  You're lucky you still have a business, but rest assured, fuck with any kids again, I'll take that from you, too.  

Do NOT look for me or contact law enforcement authorities. Even if you try, you will fail... You'll NEVER find me. And if you ignore my warning, I'll ensure that everyone in your family - everyone in the world - will see what’s in this video.

My body sat frozen in place.  This was too familiar... the voice... the words...  I knew that now a hotel room was popping up on the screen, naked old man standing beside the bed, folded over belt in his hand as a young woman lay naked before him.  Her long blue hair hid her face, but nobody would be looking at her face anyway, because her legs were spread wide, exposing her most intimate regions. 

"You're such a naughty little whore," Winters sneered, slapping the belt down and causing a shriek that was all too real.  "If I didn't see your ID to prove it, I'd never believe you were 17 years old with the slutty way you dress."  

Now I felt the remnants of breakfast in my throat, quickly hanging up the phone and bolting to the restroom, reaching the toilet just in time to get rid of my stomach contents.

Did this mean Violet was hired to find... me?????