Criminal Minds (Fox Meridian Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

idea of bulldozing,’ Eaves said, ‘your idea of surgical must be verging on the Machiavellian. I’ll see to it.’
    ~~~
    ‘Above average health, no physical defects,’ Sister Anne said, her eyes on a virtual display. ‘You may wish to work on your stamina a little, but it’s not poor. Quite good physical flexibility. You’d make a good professional.’
    Marie flashed her a grin while working her way into her white-and-red uniform. ‘Thanks. I’m not sure I have the mindset, but it’s nice to know I have something to fall back on if the acting doesn’t work.’ She paused in the middle of pulling her skirt on. ‘To be honest, there was a time when it was looking likely. I moved to New York expecting it all to be easy… Kind of stupid. I was lucky and got a job before I had to sell myself to get food.’
    Settling her tunic over the skirt, Marie picked up the wimple and peered at it. ‘How does this work?’
    ‘There’s a clip under the brim. Settle it where you want it, and then clip it into your hair.’
    ‘Oh.’ Marie fiddled to get the headdress in place and said, ‘So, not that I should be shocked, but… no panties?’
    Anne smirked. ‘It’s thematic. Just remember how short the skirt is at the back when you need to bend over. Not flashing the room when you do is part of the training. Teaches an element of deportment. And we do make exceptions for various reasons; we’re not stupid.’
    Marie fixed the wimple and turned to Anne for approval. It was Naomi who spoke, however, as she walked into the clinic. ‘You look perfect, Marie. A proper novice. You read the briefing material I sent?’
    ‘Yes, Sister Naomi,’ Marie replied.
    Naomi smiled. ‘Very good. I have to admit I’ll be fascinated to see how you get on. Now, you have your class schedule for the morning. Sister Demeter will find you at lunch and introduce herself and the other members of your dorm. You’ll have a chance to settle in with them a little during chores.’
    ‘And then it’s back to classes before the evening meal, right?’
    ‘Classes and then evening prayers, then you get to eat and then you’re free until midnight prayers and bed.’
    ‘And up at eight for morning prayers,’ Anne said. ‘Be thankful this isn’t a classic nunnery. It’s hard work here, but it’s not killing.’
    Naomi nodded. ‘Come, Marie, I’ll walk you to your first class. That way you won’t get glared at by the instructor.’
    Marie checked her schedule: etiquette was first on the list. It would not hurt to learn some since she knew a lot more about how to behave on the street than in high society. She waited to get outside the clinic before she spoke. ‘How much does it cost to do your basic course if you aren’t a novice, Sister Superior?’
    ‘It’s a thirty-two week, full-time course, five days a week, and we charge four thousand dollars.’
    ‘Thirty-two weeks?’
    ‘We cover a number of skills aside from sexual technique and professional behaviour. You can get more specific courses from other agencies which are shorter, but would require later study if you wish to progress in the profession. A graduate from our school can generally go into any aspect of sex work they wish rather than starting out at the bottom and working up.’
    ‘I think it’s more the other skills that I’d be interested in, like etiquette, and I’ve got the money, but thirty-two weeks…’
    ‘Talk to Sam. He is a good instructor and he could certainly help.’
    Marie smiled. ‘That’s a great idea. Thank you, Sister Naomi.’
    Naomi smiled back, more of a grin. ‘I am, as they say, here to help.’ And for some reason the comment made Marie’s cheeks flare red.
    ~~~
    Fox squeezed the bridge of her nose as the conference room faded around her and she was left at her desk in her office. There was a mild headache digging itself in behind her eyes, but she did not want to take anything for it unless it got worse.
    ‘Belle has some very mild