Business was brisk at the house tonight although a bit strained. I simply could not relax to play hostess well and refused a snifter of brandy as I wished to retain a clear head. I found that I was eyeing regular customers with suspicion. Every man was a potential murderer,here, stalking my doves.<br/><br/>Shrieks from upstairs let me know that once again Michael Thomas had taken his preference for rough sex to that level tonight, but I snapped,<br/><br/>"Gustav, go up and show Mr. Thomas out,, finished or not and his money stays here. No refunds."<br/><br/>When Gustav started to argue, I held up a hand and mounted the stairs myself.<br/><br/>"Out, out, out, you swine. You are hurting her!" I scolded.<br/><br/>"I paid," he snarled. "and she likes it."<br/><br/>I looked at Sophia, bleeding from the corner of her lovely rosebud mouth. Her eye was swelling and tears streaked her delicate face.<br/><br/>"Like it or not, you have ruined her for the rest of the week. Now, get out. Sadie's will accomodate your baser needs but my girls will not." I threw his clothes at him. Gustav stood behind me  and gestured with his thumb for Mr. Thomas to exit.<br/><br/>As the two men left, I could hear Mr. Thomas whining to Gustav,<br/>"Not finishing is unnatural. I likes it rough and that old besom will pay."<br/>Gustav's voice answered and then the door slammed shut.<br/><br/>As I sunk down on Sophia's featherbed, I took her hand in mine, patting it,<br/>"What is this world coming to?" I asked the air.<br/><br/>Sophia's dainty voice, laced with concern, inquired,<br/>"Mother Annalise? are you well?"