Evening Out

Dave was on another course for work and the girls were next door on a sleepover with the neighbor’s girls. Julie saw the taxi pull up outside and she knew that the time had come. She had to go through with this whatever happened and she was afraid. He had said 8pm in the Cliff Top Hotel and that she should dress for the occasion. She was in her little black number with a scarlet stole wound around her throat and one end hanging down in front and the other, behind. Dave said that the outfit made her look like a sexy Bishop. She wore black hold up stockings and there were silver buckles on her black, court shoes. It all made a perfect ensemble with the small evening bag.

Nervously, she walked into the hotel restaurant and gave a name to the uniformed girl at the small desk. It seemed that the gentleman had already arrived and Julie, feeling like prey, was escorted to the table.

He did not stand up but he did smile in welcome and he extended a hand to indicate that she should sit. His voice was like treacle flowing over cut glass.

“I am so glad you could come.”

Julie said that she did not have much choice.

“Oh, let’s not be like that. Everything has consequences and, in the circumstances, I would say that an expensive dinner is a lot better than you might have expected.”

It was good food and wine but the evening was tense to say the very least. He alternated between his genial “mine host” manner and naked threats about sending the evidence which he had to her husband, the police, her boss and her church. Julie was desperate to explain her position – desperate for a way out.

“Look you know it was only once and you know I would have paid it back. You don’t have to make me sound like some master criminal. And I don’t see what it has to do with the church.”

It was all to no avail.

“You mind a stall at the annual church fete. Do you dip your fingers in the till there as well?

“And we are not talking petty cash are we?