David pushed out his cheek a little bit at the sight of the coffee maker. They were out of French Vanilla again. He was hoping to have some at work because his partner wasn’t letting him have any at home. “We have too much sugar in your diet, dear.” She said, “Let’s try to cut back together, ok? Just for a little bit?” He huffed, pushed the buttons for green tea instead, and pulled up his notes on his tablet while the machine whirred and poured the transparent yellow liquid into his mug.

David was a tall, 34 year old man. The decade of working in the FBI had aged him poorly. His brown hair had begun to thin and turn grey, crows feet had begun forming around eyes, and his shoulders. He had lasik surgery a few years ago, but still liked to wear his grandfather’s brown rectangle glasses. He was wearing his favourite pastel yellow shirt and chestnut brown pants. He normally had a goatee, but shaved it last weekend. He likes to do it every few months for hygienic reasons. 

Ms Jessica Rondal Saunders, the notes said, over top a picture of her mugshot. Arrested for trespassing on government offices. She was apprehended with a small Bluetooth-enabled transmitter device. It does not appear to be for recording. The coffee machine dinged, and he retrieved his mug, had a sip, and proceeded to walk down the white plastered walls of the facility towards the detention center. He had read the case log a dozen times; he wasn’t learning anything new, as he reviewed his notes but something about this case was perplexing. As a behavioural analyst, he had seen a lot of normal-seeming people have drastic changes before, but usually there would be a cause, a stressor, something dramatic in their lives. Jessica had none of those. She was a bright 24-year-old woman, a loving and well knit family. She had recently graduated from the Rothman School of Business and even recently landed a job at a hot business startup called Calia Corp. He didn’t fully understand the company, but they seem to specialize in business communication and productivity tools. Your Purpose Defined. The usual silicon valley word salad, he thought, but there’s nothing there that would explain why she drove 2,000 miles across state lines and snuck into an FBI office. This was his third time interviewing her. His boss was pressuring him to find out what the device was supposed to do, but he was stuck on the question of why she was doing it at all.

He eventually made his way to the interrogation block, where a portly looking guard sat at a desk behind bullet proof glass. “David Thomlinson, BA unit. Here for Inmate 25216, Ms Jessica Saunders.” He said as he passed his tablet through a hole in the glass, and held up the badge with all the warmth and enthusiasm as a teenager saying “present” during class attendance. The guard looked over the documentation quickly, chuckled, and pushed a button, opening the sliding bar doors into the rest of the corridor. “Your lovebird’s in room 12-C. Apparently, she’s been asking when you were coming by all morning.”

“I thought I made it clear that I wanted a few minutes in the room before she was sent in.” David tried to maintain a straight face, but his right eye couldn’t help but wink a little.

“Yeah, but she was very insistent, asked the Warden if she could come right away and I guess Mr Dryfus’ heart of stone cracked a bit for her,” the guard said, handing the tablet back through the glass. “It’ll be fine, the cameras are on, and she hasn’t moved a muscle since we sat her down. Besides, she’s 70 pounds soaking wet. A big guy like you can handle her.”

“Thank you.” He said, taking the tablet back. “Tell Mr Dryfus I’ll be having a word with him later about who he’s supposed to answer to.” 

The guard said something pithy like “Will do.” Or “have fun.” But it barely registered to David.The whole exchange put him off balance. He wanted to be there when she entered the room to maintain a power dynamic. She was always being brought to him so that she would feel, on some level, that he was the destination. If she wanted out of this situation, she would have to come to him with the answers he was looking for. Now, he was coming to her, and she would watch him flip through his notes and set up for the interview, noticing any fumble or flaw, while she sat perfect and poised, waiting for him to start. He could pivot; he could get past this, but it upset him that he was starting on the backfoot.

He opened the door to a small barren room. White walls, no windows aside from in the door itself, two classroom style plastic chairs, and a square metal table bolted to the floor. On the side of the table opposite of the door, a metal ring juts out, just large enough to fit a pair of handcuffs through. In this case, those handcuffs were tethering Jessica Saunders to the table. She sat poised, her legs crossed and her back straight. Her long auburn that usually flowed past her shoulders was done up in a pony tail. She clearly would be more comfortable in a blouse and skirt then the button up orange jumpsuit she was forced to wear, but she made the best of it by wearing one that was one size too small and loosening up the top few buttons.

 “Hello, Ms Saunders.” David said as he placed his mug on the table. “Did you sleep well?”

“It was a bit chilly, but that’s ok!” Jessica said with a pleased smile. “The girl running the commissary lent me her headphones and mp3 player, so I was able to listen to the calming waves of the ocean.”

Another person bending the rules for her, he thought as he unlocked her handcuffs. “Did you always like listening to white noises to fall asleep?”

“Not always, but Calia always talks about the value of focus and visualization.”

“Calia, the CEO of your company?” David asked, taking his seat across from her. She nodded enthusiastically. He flipped through his notes on his tablet. Calia had come up a few times in the previous interviews. David had seen videos of her giving lectures at business conferences and interviews. She seemed to be a pleasant and charming individual, always coming off as warm but professional. Thinking about it more, a lot of Calia’s mannerisms reminded him of Jessica. The way she crossed her legs as she sat, the way she emphasised certain words. “Do you work closely with her?” He asked, still looking at his notes.

“Oh no, she’s a very busy woman, and I’m not important enough.” She still had that smile on her face and a pep in her voice as she spoke. “But that’s ok. Hopefully one day I’ll be good enough to work with her.” He was dumbfounded. She was dressing herself down, but with a chipper smile. He had seen plenty of cases of people obsessing over a cult leader figure, but usually when they spoke about their relationship the followers were either elated to be close to their leader, or depressed and self loathing. Jessica on the other hand seemed perfectly content with the fact that she was just a cog in the machine. He took a sip of his tea.

“Oh, you didn’t get coffee today?” She asked him, tapping her toe as if keeping time to a song.

“No, they were out.” He regretted answering it as soon as it came out of his mouth. He shouldn’t let her control the conversation. Something about her was getting under his skin today.

“That’s too bad.” She frowned. “It’s important to treat yourself.”

“Really? Is that something Calia told you as well?”

“Not directly. She talks more about self care. But I didn’t mean youuuu, I meannnt…you you?” She tapped her finger with each “you.”

“Me, specifically? I need to treat myself?” He was taken aback by this, but he tried not to show it. Maybe he can use this to get back on track.

“Oh yes.Self care looks different for everyone, and you, you need little treats.”

“Why do you think I need little treats?”

“Because it’s how you tell yourself you are doing a good job. You work all day dealing with tough cases and a cold work environment, only to come home and take care of your family or friends or your girllllfriend?” She tilted her head as if she was looking for an answer. When his eyes widened in response she simply continued “Yeah, I thought so. You are so helpful to so many people, but I think you’ve been so helpful for so long that they’ve all stopped saying thank you, so you thank yourself, in little ways, don’t you?” She tilted her head again, looking for that answer. He broke her gaze to look down at his notes. Where was this coming from? He pulled up her background…She took a couple of classes in psychology in undergrad, but she was reading him like a trained psychologist. Did she learn this at Calia Corp? No, she’s only been there a few months, how could she-

“Hey, David?” He looked up to see her leaning over the table, her hand reaching out for his. His mind was racing. She smells lovely, where had she gotten perfume? Her bra was peaking out of her jumper. Were those buttons always undone? She put her hand on his, and took a deep breath. He couldn’t help but match her breath. “I really like talking with you.”

His shoulders relaxed a bit. He was still shaken, but it felt a bit safer looking into her eyes. “I know it’s your job, but it’s still very nice. You are a very good listener, and I think you want what’s best for me. You don’t think I’m a hardened criminal, do you?” In his mind he wanted to say he wanted to find the person who put her in this situation, that he wanted to protect her, but all he could manage was “No, no of course not.”

She nodded her head, and he followed along. “Right, and I want you to know that it’s very sweet. It would be so easy to just lock me up and throw away the key, but you are such a good boy. You want to help others, don’t you?”

“Yes. Don't we all though?”

She smiled wryly. He had never seen this side of her. “No, sweetie. That's not what I want. I want to win. I want to do the things people thought I couldn't. I want everyone who ever looked at sweet little Jessica and paid her no mind to realize they made a mistake.” She climbed onto the table, one hand still on his hand. With other she reached out to cup his chin, literally holding his gaze. He felt his penis pushing against his pants. Everything she said was raising alarm bells. This didn't fit with the calm placid Jessica he had interviewed before. Was that all an act? Was she just luring him in? Why did that excite him so much? “David, can I tell you a secret?” He couldn't respond. All he could do was stare into her eyes. They were such a beautiful shade of brown. With the slightest movement of her wrist, she pushed his chin up and down, and leaned in close, her lips almost touching his ears. “The cameras in this room aren't working.”

He pulled back, trying to regain composure. “How could you possibly know that?”

“Because my friends at Calia Corp’s IT department hacked them. They're looping in the recording from our last session. And thanks to that silly little warden Dryfus, there are no guards assigned to rounds of the interrogation room. Just that fat bozo at the desk.” She slid her legs through her arms so she was sitting on the edge of the table, looking down on David. She dangled her feet in front of him. “Sweetie, these shoes are so uncomfortable. Could you take them off for me?” He absentmindedly began untying her shoe laces as he stared up at her. “Why would he do that?”

“Sublte suggestions here and there. Telling him I like this room because it's closer to the hall, whispers that I heard some of the other inmates are planning a fight in the cafeteria. He of course was eating out of my hand. He wants to be in control of every situation and be the big strong warden, but that makes it so easy to play into his ego.” As he pulled the shoe off her foot, she rested it on his crotch. David shuddered a little bit. “And disgusting, to be honest. He's such a gross and evil man. It was so hard kissing up to him.” She began gently rubbing the bulge in his pants. He was paralyzed. He knew this was wrong, he knew he should tell her to stop, but just as he was about to push back again she smiled at him. “Not like you though. You are such a honest and sweet man, so I won't play any tricks on you.” With that he turned beat red and couldn't help but smile. He did manage to work up the nerve to ask “So what do you plan to do with me? Why go through all this trouble to get me alone?”

“Reward you, of course.” She rubbed the ball of her foot along his shaft, and he let out a moan. “I'm going to give you the treats you've been so desperate for. I'm going to show you that someone will appreciate your hard work.” Her tone began to shift. She still had that bubblegum sweetness to her, but she was less playful and more calm, almost reassuring. “But first, I want you to do something for me, sweetie.”

“Anything.” He couldn’t break eye contact with her. In fact, he had trouble perceiving anything but her. He couldn’t tell you the colour of the walls behind her, he could only see her face. He didn’t hear the air conditioning anymore, only her voice.

“I am going to count backwards from 10, and you might feel sleepy, but no matter what happens, don’t close your eyes until I say one, alright?”

He didn’t fully understand. How could anyone be tired right now? “Of course, Ms Saunders.”

“And call me Jessica from now on.”

“Of course, Jessica.” His mouth never fully closed, as if a rope in his mouth had snapped and his jaw hung loose.”

“Such a good boy. 10. You feel nice and relaxed listening to me. You know I want what’s best for you. 9. Each breath you take you breath in my perfume, a scent that fills you with happiness. 8. As you breathe out, you breathe out all those silly concerns and worries. All that’s left is happiness. Is me.” He sighed warmly. Hypnosis. That’s how she changed so abruptly. Conditioning over a few months to turn her from a mild mannered young woman to…”7. Your eyes might start getting heavy as you feel so calm and relaxed, but you won’t close your eyes.” …into this beautiful goddess. He felt his eyes getting heavy but he promised her he’d keep them open. All that mattered was keeping his promise. If he could do that, he could be her good boy. “6. Your arms are so heavy, you can just let them rest. 5. It’s hard to keep your thoughts straight, but that’s ok. Just let them go. 4. I’ll keep track of your thoughts for you. Just listen to my voice.” She was so good to him. Good for him. “3. We’re somewhere far away from here. A blank space where no one and nothing can find us. 2. You can just drift along and follow my voice to sleep. 1.”

His eyes finally closed. He barely moved as she got off the table and sat in his lap. “Thank you sweetie, you are such a good boy. When you are asleep like this, you can respond to everything with Yes, Jessica. Do you understand?” She caressed his neck, pushing him gently into her chest. “Yes, Jessica.” It came out of him like a sigh. “Good. I don’t want you to worry about anything right now. I just want you to relax and be happy. I told you before, you work so hard and do such a good job.” She guided his hand to her plump ass, and he began rubbing and squeezing it. “And when you do a good job, you should get treats, isn't that right?”

“Yes Jessica.” His cock was pressing up against his pants and her crotch. It twitched as she rubbed up and down on it. “And no one has ever treated you better than me, isn't that right?”

“Yes Jessica.”

“Can you say it for me? Can you say ‘No one treats me better than Jessica .”

“N-no one treats me better than Jessica.”

“Again, please. Don't hesitate this time.”

“No one treats me better than Jessica.”

“One more time.”

“No one treats me better than Jessica.”

“Such a good boy.” She kissed his forehead. It was euphoric. His cock began to leak precum as he couldn't stop himself from thrusting his hips. “Slow down sweety,” she said as she stopped grinding on him, “treats need to be earned. I want you to be a good boy and cum for me, but not before you really earn it, ok”

“Y-yes Jessica.” He slowed his breathing, but he was quivering. He wanted so badly to take his pants off and cum inside her, but he needed to please her. The thought of disappointing her was unbearable. She cradled him in her chest again. “I know, it's so hard and you are being such a good boy. I'll let you have your treat soon, as long as you keep doing what you're told. Do you remember the little device I had on me when I was arrested?”

“Yes Jessica”

“It's a Calia Whistler Mark II. It hacks into audio devices and plays very high pitched frequencies. Most people can't hear it consciously, but subconsciously it sends messages telling people to work harder and be more compliant. It's such a wonderful thing to have in the workplace, don't you think?”

“Yes Jessica.” As he nodded his head brushed against her exposed chest. She started grinding again. “Of course you do. A good boy like you wants everyone to be a good worker. You know what I think you should do?” She tilted his head up to meet her gaze again. His eyes were wide and wild, and it excited her. She paused for a moment, drinking in his desperation. She knew that if he could speak, he would be begging for her to tell him. “I think you should retrieve that device from evidence, and plant it near your boss’ office. That way everyone on your floor can be good, diligent workers. Don't you agree?”

“Yes Jessica.” He nodded along with her, his hungry, open mouth cracking into a smile. Another kiss on his forehead caused him to close his mouth for the first time since she took him to dreamland. He didn't notice he bit his lip so hard he drew blood. “And then, I want you to schedule another interview with me for next week.” She paused to look at him, and pouted her lip. “I know, I know sweetie, that's such a long time, but when you do we can have so much more fun. And after that, I want you to tell your boss you think you need to bring Calia in for questioning. A week after that, she'll arrive at your office, and you'll introduce her to your boss. I think after 2 weeks with the Whistler he will be able to see things her way. And then, and then sweetie, you can let me go, and I'll be free to give you treats whenever I want. Isn't that amazing?” She was picking up speed now. He could barely contain himself. “YesJessica” came out of his mouth as if it was one word. “There's just one more thing I need you to promise me, and then you can get your treat. You've been such a good boy and you really need it but I need you to understand something, ok?”

“YesJessica” 

‘From now on, you are my good boy. I'm the only one who can treat you right, so I'm the only one who can give you treats, isn't that right?”

“Yes Jessica.”

You can still go home to that pretty little partner of yours. You can love her, kiss her, and take care of her, but your orgasasms? Only I can give you those. You can't even cum from masturbating. It simply doesn't compare. Only Jessica can give you treats, do you understand?”

“Yes Jessica.”

“Say it, only Jessica can give me treats.” She began to grind harder.

“Only Jessica can give me treats.”

“Again.”

“Only Jessica can give me treats.”

“Again, faster, sweetie.”

“OnlyJessicacangivemetreats.”

“That’s it, keep saying it.”

“OnlyJessicacangivemetreats.OnlyJessicacangivemetreats.” He kept repeating it over and over, almost without breathing.

“That’s a good boy. Keep saying it, I want you to cum telling the world that only I can give you treats.” She shoved his head between her breasts. He kept repeating his mantra. She flung her head back cackling. She wasn’t sure if she was more proud of herself or amused by him. This man thought he was in control, thought that he knew what was best for her. Now he doesn’t think at all. She knew Calia would be so proud of her. How easily he molded and manipulated him. She grabbed his hair and yanked his head back. He didn’t stop his mantras as she stared into his eyes, like an artist admiring her work. As a pièce de résistance, she kissed his neck. He couldn’t hold back anymore. “ONLY JESSICA CAN GIVE  ME TREATS.” She could feel the wetness through his pants and her jumpsuit. His breathing on her neck reminded her of a train coming into a station. “That’s right sweetie. And what treats you’ll get.” As she cradled his head, she turned her face away from him to hide her wicked smile. She reveled in her conquest for a moment before meeting his gaze again. “I’m going to count back up to 10 now. When I reach 10 you’ll be awake, relaxed. Some of this might be foggy, but you’ll remember how important it is that you bring the Whistler to your boss’ office, do you understand?”

“Yes Jessica.”

“Good. One… Two… Three. Thoughts starting to get clearer in your head” She stood up from the chair.his head dropped like a rag doll. “Four...Five…Six. You’re starting to become aware of your body again.” As she buttoned her jumpsuit up and sat back down in her chair, he sat up in his seat. His eyes were still droopy but the room started to come back into focus. ”Seven, eight. Starting to remember where you are. Nine, and 10. Refreshed and relaxed.” And he was. It had been such a pleasant interrogation. He glanced down at his tablet and realized he hadn’t taken many notes, but that was fine. He had developed a good rapport with her, and that was key for cracking a tough suspect. “David?” He looked up at her. She was looking expectedly at him. What were they talking about? He couldn’t quite remember. “I’m sorry Jessica, I think I’ve lost my train of thought…” It was at this point he noticed the wetness in his pants and felt flustered. “That’s ok David. It’s been a long session. Maybe we should stop for now?”

“Yes, yes I think that’s enough for now.” He was so grateful for the suggestion. “I’ll reschedule for another session…” He flipped over to his calendar. He had an open time in three days. Three days was department protocol, and he was still aware of the pressure to close this case but…maybe it would be better if he gave her more time to stew. He skipped ahead to next week. He would have to move some things around, but yes. A week from today sounded perfect. “..Next Thursday.”

“A week from today? Are you sure David? That feels like a long time.” She looked at him confused. He hesitated for a moment, but he couldn’t back down. He couldn’t let her feel like she was in control. “Yes Jessica. A week from today.”

“Alright, if that’s what you think is best.” She couldn’t stop herself from smiling. Truly, he was her perfect work of art. As he stood up, he used his tablet to cover his crotch. “I’ll have to restrain you again.”

“Of course.” She placed her hands on the table. He reattached the cuffs to her wrists, and walked to the door. He paused for a moment, before hitting the button for the intercom “Room C-12. We’re done here.” A minute later two guards arrived. As they escorted Jessica out of the room, they exchanged one last glance. In her eyes, he saw a naive, trusting girl he could save from herself. She saw a naive, trusting boy she could use to achieve her goals.