A Charitable Man

Hailey's still got dumpster juice on her when this shiny town car rolls up. Some older suit named Derek pops out, crouches down, and actually looks her in the eye. Says he wants to get her clean and fed. She should probably tell him to fuck off, but something in his voice feels real, so she takes his hand. Big house. Marble everywhere. He points her toward the shower like it's no big deal. Hot water hits her skin and the street grime swirls down the drain. When she steps out in just a towel, the guy's already laid out a spread—cherries, pastries, the works. She stuffs her face and spills the story: kicked out at 18, shitty boyfriend, car crash, no job, streets. Derek nods, says he made bank in real estate and gets off on helping girls like her. Offers a couple weeks under his roof. Sounds perfect until he adds the catch.