Relaxing back in my chair, I listen closely as she explains her issue; taking note of not just her words, but the inflection to them, the way she expresses herself and her body language.<br/><br/>The contradiction between word and movement couldn’t be clearer to me if she’d pointed them out for herself, and the turn of phrase that she used when she described this Dianne du Monde spoke of a clear confliction that was deep seated.<br/><br/>I allowed Jaclyn to build up her emotions, as she described her woes, interested how quickly that she needed the protection of her cup to hide behind, before declaring her willingness to do as she is told for her blackmailer. That it is immediately followed with a shiver of what appeared to be a memory, and soft panting, suggested to me the addiction she spoke of was one of her own making.<br/><br/>Her final statement offered the perfect opportunity to interject.<br/><br/><strong>“Well, fortunately for you, you’d be unable to comply if she calls you here,”</strong>I smiled gently, meeting her gaze confidently with my own clear blue eyes.<strong>“In the safety of this room, the only person you need worry about following is myself—and that is only so I can guide you the way that will help you with your problems.”</strong><br/><br/>Reaching out to take a cookie, I break it in two and bring a piece up to my lips to nibble it a little; the crumbs falling from my fingers almost suggestive of the ‘crumbling’ state that this Du Monde had left Jaclyn in.<br/><br/><strong>“Perhaps it would be better to get certain things out of the way, so we can delve deeper into this for you,”</strong>I suggested, keeping my tone kind, and understanding, but with an undertone of surety of my actions at all times.<strong>“What exactly was is that Ms du Monde was blackmailing you with? And what things has she had you do, to date?”</strong><br/>