That evening, Liyana sits in the room, staring at the wall. After Thulisiwe left, the only other disturbance had been from the guard who brought her a sandwich and Coke. As she watches the sun slip away through the small, high window, the door bursts open. A man strolls into the room, startling her to her feet. It is the man who paid Aunt Dalia the night before. He wears an expensive grey suit that does nothing to hide his massive frame.

“Liyana,” he says, a Cheshire-cat smile revealing a perfect set of teeth, “I am told that your name refers to rain.”

“Who are you?”

“Oh, how rude of me,” he offers his hand, “you can call me Beast.”

“I want to go home,” she sobs, ignoring his gesture.

“Look at how pretty you are. I’m sure you are going to make it rain money tonight,” he chuckles at his own joke.

“Please sir. Uhm … Mr Beast. Dalia is my aunt; this must be a mistake.”

“This is no mistake. I paid Dalia handsomely to deliver you,” he wags a finger at her. “And from what I hear, your family doesn’t even have the money to buy your freedom. Do they?”

He waits for her to shake her head before he continues, “Then you are going to work for it. You’ll need to be dressed in something better.”

“I don’t have any other clothes,” Liyana’s shoulders drop.

“I know, Sweetheart,” he turns to the door. “Bring it in Big Mike!”

The corridor guard lumbers in, carrying a skimpy silver dress and black heels. Liyana shakes her head.

“I don’t have time for this,” Beast lifts his blazer to reveal the weapon tucked into his pants. “Don’t be shy, put on the dress.”

Hesitantly, she takes the items from Big Mike and begins to undress. When her simple orange dress is off, Big Mike snatches it away.

“You will get this in the morning,” he says.

The silver dress is uncomfortable, hanging loose over her petite figure. After climbing into the heels, Beast advances towards her and pats her Afro into place.

“Perfect,” he purrs, “now we can go up.”

Big Mike lifts her off her feet and throws her over his shoulder before she has a chance to protest.

“The first night is the hardest, but you just have to relax,” Beast lectures as they leave the room, “I can take very good care of you, Liyana. If you behave, you will get only the finest treatment. If you go against me, I will sell you off, like Dalia suggested.”

“The police will be looking for me,” Liyana counters defiantly.

They take the stairs and emerge in the bar. The scent of alcohol, cheap perfume and cigarette smoke hangs thick in the air. Liyana watches as different girls are taken to a podium and auctioned to the highest bidder for the night. As soon as a girl is bought, the buyer is given a key and she is led back to the lower level. Big Mike plants her beside the podium and she watches as Thulisiwe is rented to a menacing, chubby man. Beast takes hold of Liyana’s chin and forces her to look in the direction of a corner table.

“There are your police superheroes and they are looking right at you,” he whispers before he ushers her onto the podium.

Indeed, the corner table is surrounded by formal looking men, some bold enough to dress in their navy police uniforms. Her heart sinks as Beast announces her name to the crowd, introducing her as a ‘fresh new arrival’. When he asks for bids, the corner table bursts to life and the police push forward one of their own.

“Give her to Junior!” they erupt in a chant.

The young policeman gingerly makes his way to the front and takes Liyana’s hand. When Liyana glances at Beast, the charm he portrayed before is overshadowed by a stern look. Frightened, she follows Junior to collect the key from Big Mike and lets him lead her back to the darkness she came from.

***

Tell us: What would you do if you were in Liyana’s place?