Miso looked at me and asked, "Did you enjoy yourself Mr. Thousan?"
"Yes, we had a little trouble at first, but the things went very smoothly. She is a lovely woman, I am surprised she remained a virgin so long."
"Yes, there are many women who live very protected lives," he said.
"And yet they are willing to give their virginity to a stranger?"
"They are well compensated for it, if you recall your fee."
"But she doesn't get all of it does she?" I asked.
"Well, I am not really permitted to discuss the details of our business transactions, but please rest assured she is paid more than she could earn doing anything else."
"I guess I'll have to take your word on that."
"Please follow me, we will return to the dining room where you can complete your research in taste. The set up will be the same unless you would like something different," he said, leading me to the door back into the corridor.
Following him I replied, "You know, if I could have some vodka or something like that, something to sip between tastes."
"Of course, do you have any preference..."
"No, surprise me."
"A surprise, well, I'll tell our bartender and see if he can surprise you."
"And you know, it was kind of dim in the room..."
"We keep the light levels low so not to detract from the ambiance," he replied, interrupting me.
"Oh nothing so bright at that, I was thinking maybe a candle or something... yes a candle would be nice, I would like to see the light from it flicker on her body."
"A candle?"
"Yes a candle, is there a problem?"
"Well I'm not sure, I'd..."
"Look Miso, for as much as I have paid here so far tonight I think you can afford a candle, or if not, put it on my bill," I said forcefully. "And keep in mind, I still have to figure out the tip I will leave."
"Yes of course sir, I'd didn't mean we wouldn't do it, I was just wondering where I'd find one, but now that I think about it, I know just where to go," he said opening the door back into the room where I had dined earlier. "If you could wait here, I'll bring the candle," he said, rushing out of the door.
I stood by the door waiting for Miso to return while watching over toward the chair where I sat and first tasted the woman. The woman... I didn't even know her name. Here I was about to do something, possibly risking my life for a woman whose name I didn't even know. So far things were working out okay, but the real danger would come very soon.
In a few moments Miso returned, opening the door and carrying the candle. He walked over to the counter where I could see her waiting for me, and placed the candle near her. He looked back to me and said, "I think everything is ready Mr. Thousan."