The next couple of days passed in a blur. Zeke hadn’t come back. My performance was affected and it attracted Mr. Black’s attention. When I was found curled in a ball five minutes before I was due on stage, Mr. Black came and found me. “Get out there” he demanded, he was losing money after all. Silently I shook my head.

At that he grabbed my arm and pulled me to my feet. He pulled me to his office that was just up the hall, I’d never been there before and it filled me with dread. He locked the door behind him with a click and walked to where I was standing, just inside the door.

His hand caught my throat easily because even in myheels he was a head taller than me. He pushed me with very little effort against the wall. Anger flared in his eyes and I shook with fear. “Remember what you are” he hissed. “You will do as your told or pay the consequences” His hand tightened slightly and breathing became difficult. I struggled to draw each breath.