Short stories

You shall not kill

The announcement in the newspaper didn’t say much about the job, but Marisa insisted to go. No agent represented her and she hadn’t any money. But she really wanted to work. She refused to stay near the phone twiddling her thumbs, hoping for an interesting call. She should make things happen. The young woman wanted action.

“A cosmetics company’s looking for a new face for its new line of beauty products. Experience required. Take an appointment for a photo shoot.”

It was her dreamed job! Searching in all the photos she had, she forged a fictional portfolio. A simple lie wasn’t going to get her into trouble. And she certainly wouldn’t be the first in the business to do so! She donned her long black hair in a bun more or less tight and dropped a few strands around her face and her neck. Her makeup was slightly and she chose one of her most beautiful dresses. She went to the address given in the newspaper. She had no appointment, but she made up an excuse. She was very nervous, but confident. She entered a local with a high ceiling. A man was looking into a lens to adjust the angle of the photo. The young woman cleared her throat, making him jump. She laughed.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t want to scare you.”

“I guess I was too concentrated on my adjustment. You’re here for the job?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have a portfolio of previous photo shoots?”

She grinned, handing him what he was asking her. He nodded.

“I don’t really have time to take a look,” the photographer replied, undressing her with his eyes. “So I’ll take your word for it.”

He put the portfolio on the table behind him.

“Your name?”

“Marisa Del Toro. And can I ask yours?”

“Douglas McNeil. You know what kind of photos we need?”

She shook her head, smiling. She imagined a photo shoot with other candidates, but they were alone in the room. The young woman asked why there was nobody else. He smirked, replying:

“It’s lunchtime. No appointment at that time.”

“Oh… Well, I can come back later because I don’t have an appointment.”

“Why since you’re already here. Make yourself at home.”

“Where can I put my stuff?”

He pointed at a table in a corner of the room. She left her bag and jacket, looking around her. The young woman decided to play in the big league. She remembered a conversation between two women in public restrooms. They were discussing about a friend who had seduced a man for a job. Marisa would do the same. Ensuring that the photographer was still preparing his equipment for the session, she rushed into a cab without making a noise. Then she completely undressed. When she pulled out, totally naked, she took off the pin from her hair before heading to the sofa. Except that the photographer was looking now. Slowly lifting her head, she could read surprise in his eyes. She tried to act as if everything was normal. He mumbled something before clearing his throat and gave her a position to take. It didn’t go as he had planned. She gave him a little smile, still looking at him. He was handsome. With a trembling hand, he moved the machine slightly. He nervously asked her why she was naked. She replied with a small smile on her lips:

“I’m not ashamed of my body. So why should I hide it? Does it bother you?”

“N-No…”

“Do you share my opinion? Do you find me attractive?”