Candace pushed past the door of a small storefront that read “Acupuncture and health” and found herself in a tiny, empty lobby. There were a few chairs but no receptionist or customers. Along the wall, there was one glass door that shielded the other side with a reflective mirror. The door looked strong and foreboding. Alongside the ominous glass and metal door, there was a doorbell and the moment before Candace touched it, the door began buzzing. The buzzing caused a metal bolt to free itself with a loud snap, then she nervously pushed the door open. Before she was even past the transom, Candace was greeted by a large woman in her forties.
“You Candy?” The tough woman inquired with a thick Russian accent.
“Ummm…. Yes?”
“Are you or aren’t you?”
“Yes, I’m Candace.”
“No, you’re Candy,” she said, gruffly looking the girl over. “Take off that sweatshirt.”
Balking for a second, Candace took off her hoodie. The woman looked at her face then her body.
“Sam was right, you’re a little cutie. Are you at least eighteen? Can’t have no underage girls working here. Show me your ID.”