Dirty Hands

"Hello?"

He was outside, walking around one of the many running trails that circled the university. Somehow, he hadn't been able to make the call from the desk. There was the sense of being watched, along with the feeling that he was somehow violating Ash's privacy. At least here, he had a chance to see who might be watching him—this strange benefactor who both reserved and mutilated books on his behalf.

"Hello," said the voice on the other side. To his surprise, it was a woman's voice. "Say your name."

"Justin," he answered. "Who are you?"

"I'm your guide," said the stranger. "You're hoping to learn about the Bitter Elm, yes?"

There was something about her voice. An accent, perhaps—a tinge of something European. French? But not quite. Belgian, perhaps. He imagined dark hair and dark eyes, a heart-shaped face and dark lips.

"I've heard a few stories, here and there," he said, which was an exaggeration. He had heard exactly one story—from Dr. Alman, late one night—about a club where anything could happen and nothing was taboo.

"Your submissive... Her name is Ash Clark?"

"Yes, that's correct."

It was, and yet it wasn't. He'd never thought of her that way before. Ever since he and his mentor had parted ways, he had seen Ash partly as that mentor figure. In spite of her youthful appearance, she was still several years his senior; she had been a dedicated member of the lifestyle since before he ever came of age. She knew things and knew people, and he'd learned more from her in these scant few months than in all the rest of his life.

"She is known to us," said the voice.

"She's a member?"

"She's a slave."

A young woman sprinted past, a flash of long legs and shapely buttocks and sweat gleaming. Justin glanced over his shoulder and moved off the path, walking on the grass alongside.

"What does that mean?" he said.

"Ask her."

"But what should I ask her?"

"You want to become a member, do you not?"

He hesitated. Was anyone watching him now? What was he getting himself into?

"Goodbye, Dr. Townsend."

"Wait—yes! Yes, I do."

"To become a member, you must be welcomed by a submissive. She can arrange the introduction. Ask her."

The call disconnected.