The building was pulsing and thrumming with every beat of the music. The tremors are almost too much for the thin rotted walls. The smell of shimmer and sex permeated the air, low moans and the rhythmic thuds lingered in her ears.

Yet, not all the sounds were that of pleasure and bliss. Harsh hoarse shouts of anger, the hushed whispers of scheming men and women, and the sound of coins being scattered, she heard them all. The sharp ache behind her eyes pulled her from an uneasy rest.

The bed underneath her was hard and lumpy, her pillow smelling of mildew and sweat. The sheets soiled and musty from months old spills, dirt, and blood felt rough on top of her bare body. Just barely opening her eyes caused her headache to flare, and the beam of light that pierced her eyes came from her door, left ajar from her last customer.

Looking at the night stand near her head brought a sense of relief. The customer left a full cup of water and a single silver coin for her. That was a big tip. Far too much for the service she had given the night before. It wouldn't have been unusual to wake up to no tip at all.

Sitting up slowly, she lifted the cup to her lips and noticed a folded scrap of paper sticking to the bottom of the cup. It was wet with condensation from the cup.

What?

She looked closer at the wooden cup in her hand. Not only was the water cold, it was also clean. The water smelled clean, and wasn't cloudy in the slightest. She sat a moment in silence and gave a thought of gratitude and took small sips as she unfolded the note. Warmth and hope bloomed in her chest as she read its contents, the ink smudged from the water.

I purchased your contract. Be ready for pick up tomorrow night.