Eddie eventually got changed much to my delight. He then went downstairs to check out, while Mark took me by the shoulder and ushered me the way we’d come the opposite night to the van. Again, he opened the back doors and put me inside but instead of closing it he handed me a passport. It had my picture inside but it was registered under the name ‘Belle Tawna’. I looked up at Mark. “That’s your name now” he told me. “We’re taking you to the airport. We’ll get on the plane with you and when we land we’ll leave you with Mr. Black and leave with a fat wad of cash each” he smirked. “So you better sit tight” he added as Eddie turned the corner.

The doors closed on me again and I heard the doors close as Mark and Eddie got in the front. I pulled at my clothes. Miraculously they fitted reasonably well but this wasn’t my style it was….the word came to me, and I understood at last. Slut.

I felt the van begin to move. The beginning of the rest of my life.