"I understand, dear. About your second query- that would require some intensive research. I don't have that information on hand."
Ashley quickly whipped out her checkbook and scribbled a check for $50,000. "Here's an advance on the grant," she said, handing it over to the doe-eyed scholar. "There's another $50,000 waiting if you can find how to get rid of the curse. Literally, anything on the topic will be helpful."
Bartholomew smoothened his mustache and leered at the check. "I don't know why this is important to you. It seems like a dead subject from a research perspective. However, Anthropology and Sociology are dying departments of Norwich University. Your generous contribution can be the revival we need. I'll assign a batch of interns for this task immediately."
"Perfect! I'm glad to contribute. Thanks so much." Ashley left the University in a hurry. Tessa was waiting for her at the mall.
****
"Wait, what now? Elijah asked you out?!" Tessa was almost screaming.
"Shh. You're making a scene. But, yes, he did ask me out. Technically."
"And you agreed?"
"Within a second. Is that weird?"
"Mm. No. But I am jealous. I've imagined a threesome between my boyfriend and Elijah one day. It happened in one of my dreams."
Ashley giggled and pinched Tessa playfully.
They were on the escalator to the sixth floor in East Norwich Mall. The sixth floor was the perfect area for designer clothes and accessories. Gucci, Prada, Halston, Tom Ford, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, and many others could be explored on the same day.
"No, I mean your brother and I just broke up," Ashley urged. "Don't you find it weird that I am moving on too fast? Aren't you worried he'll be upset if he finds out I'm dating someone expressly?"
Tessa shrugged. "He'll be fine. It's your life, after all. But to be fair, it serves him right for mistreating you. Jake can be a dick sometimes. I know. I grew up with him."
"How is he doing?"
"I'm not supposed to tell you, but my brother moved on faster than you. He's already got a new toy. This girl- Claire Fox."
"Claire Fox? Miss Norwich Claire Fox??"
"Oh, yeah. That Claire Fox." Tessa added with a grin, "But don't worry. You're prettier than her."
"Aww. It's fine. In fact, it's better this way. Still, I must ask- don't you think it's too early with Elijah? I mean, I barely know him. He could be a serial killer, for all we know."
"I don't think so. He has a good public record. Not even a parking ticket. Yeah, I checked the same day. Haha. Anyway, you gotta get some sex, sister, or you will fall off the wagon."
Tessa was being mischievous, but her words made sense. Ashley agreed to go out with Elijah immediately because she was nearing her breaking point. It had been forever since she had a man inside her.
"Oooh!" Tessa exclaimed. "Let's get some designer lingerie. I mean, for you. Elijah seems the kind of man who appreciates silk and satin. What do you say?"
"Oh, come on!" Ashley protested. Tessa tugged her arm and led her into an outlet of Agent Provocateur.
Guiscard, who maintained a thirty-second distance from them, had to stay outside.
The girls' duo browsed through the sections quickly. "Suspenders. Stockings, Hold Ups." Tessa murmured. "I think you already have a stock of this stuff. How about designer pasties with sheer thongs?"
"Are you kidding me? Do you really think Elijah likes that stuff?"
"Hey, calm down. I was kidding." They entered a corset section. "Ooh. There's some good stuff here."
Tessa picked out an item. "Ashley! How about this? It's a waspie. Waistless black corset. It'll look great on you." There was no response from Ashley. "Hey, you there?"
Tessa turned towards her friend. Ashley stood facing the other end of the row. Another woman stood there, dressed in leather pants and a jacket. She was tall, slightly muscular.
"What is it?"
"How often do you see muscular European women in the mall?"
"Do you think she's one of the abductors?"
"Possibly."
The woman caught the girls watching her. She casually moved towards them, acting as if she was interested in the lingerie.
There were footsteps behind them. Ashley turned around and saw another woman dressed in leather, inching slowly towards them.
"Uh-oh"
Before the two could walk away, the leather-clad women had blocked their paths.
The muscular woman spoke in a thick European accent, with a hand in her jacket. "I have a gun. If you don't come with us, I will shoot."
"Okay, okay!" Ashley said. "Where are you taking us?"
"Walk towards that lift." The other woman gestured towards an elevator ahead.
Ashley and Tessa quietly led the way and entered the elevator.
"If you shout or try to alert anybody, I will shoot," the woman reminded them.
The girls nodded. Ashley scanned the entry door before the elevator door closed shut, trying to find Guiscard. He was nowhere to be seen.