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“I assume they’ll drug you once they get here, and keep you drugged for the entire voyage. These small freighters spend weeks upon weeks at sea, going from port to port, and the crew needs its recreation.

“I inspected your accommodations - it’s a lovely bunk on a lower deck, close to all of the new friends you’re going to make. If it helps, think of yourself as a ‘hostess,’ or the ‘entertainment director.’

“Enjoy the soft ropes while you can. You’ll be switched to steel shackles once aboard, and the gag won’t be necessary - or practical - after leaving port. None of them speak English anyway.

“After a few voyages and some crew changes, you’ll be rather worn out, and they’ll put you ashore. Don’t worry, they’ll find you a… protector to ease your transition back to dry land. Do you speak Albanian?

“I’m going to go tell Jimmy that I have a new playmate for him, that he’s been so good for Aunty that he deserves a little… release. Of course, his hood and gag are locked on.

“I’ve been your secretary for five years, now, and even this discovery surprised me. You’re quite the liar and dissembler, aren’t you - a nice, tight little closet you’ve built for yourself?

“Secret’s out, now… Janie. Time for me to share, as well. Have you ever wondered how I could afford nice things on this paltry salary? It’s easy when you have a side hustle - in my case, as a professional dominatrix.

“Janie’s - sorry, Jimmy’s - back at my place, safe, sound and under my control. Actually, it’s not technically my place anymore. I signed the sale paperwork this afternoon.

“Technically, she’s not *in* the house, either. She’s bound and gagged - just like you are here - in my new van. Remember the lottery winner her in town last month? It was moi.

“I claimed the prize through layers of multiple LLCs, totally concealing my identity. It’s amazing what a crooked lawyer can do. Passports, identities, the whole kit and caboodle.

“Eventually, you’ll be found and untied. By then, I could have taken Janie anywhere - next door or around the world. This is goodbye, forever, Sis.

“It broke my heart to tell her that you dropped out to backpack across Europe with a girl you met online. Don’t worry, I have your phone and texted your Mommy the same story.

“She’s still a little upset that your Aunty wasn’t paying close enough attention to your… extracurricular… activities. ‘I sent him to live with you so he’d stay *out* of trouble,’ were her exact words.

“Telling her that she should be happy you didn’t get someone pregnant wasn’t as helpful as I’d hoped. At least the texts are keeping her at bay. Much later, when I can trust you, maybe I’ll let her talk to Jimmy.

“Janie, however, is here to stay… and stay. Janie’s going to pleasure Aunty in ways Jimmy never could. After all, your tongue is *so* much bigger than your… other… down *there*.

“Now that Aunty’s summer vacation from the library has started, we can get away to her cabin. You didn’t know about the cabin, did you? No one does, not even Mommy. It’s Aunty’s… secret… place.

Joanna’s look of admonishment combined with incredulity has proved one thing that you’re capable of…..