Episode 19

IRINA PRESENTED THE “Hanks & Co.” BRAND — Hank’s brand — from its inception to its evident growth in the market and its “branches.”

"We have headquarters in Paris, Italy, Holland, and we want to open one in Brazil," she walked across the stage with a certain charisma, articulating her voice well. "That's why we’ve opened a large selection process to fill the employee staff. So, speaking more about the Industrial Seamstress position…"

In the auditorium, Camila's heart pounded in her chest, and her mind raced with the possibilities of helping her family with the salary. The more Irina spoke, the more she wanted to be selected. Attentive, she released her breath slowly — maintaining self-control.

"Now, let's do a group dynamic to relieve everyone's tension," Irina went to a small table and picked up a whiteboard marker, continuing: "I want you all to form a semicircle here, in front of me."

Once the girls formed a semicircle, Irina took the resumes received during the screening. She left the paperwork in reserve, right there. She raised the marker — also known as a brush — for everyone to pay attention.

"Each one of you will give a characteristic to this object here," she began. "But it will work as follows: for example, I give a characteristic or definition to this object, and I pass it on to the next person, who will repeat what I said and give another characteristic… Anyway. Did you understand?"

Everyone nodded, a little curious about the dynamic.

"I’ll start…" Irina smiled. For a moment, it seemed like she had no intention of selecting any of them for slave labor an ocean away. "This brush is useful."

She moved on to the next candidate. Camila waited anxiously for her turn — it was the third. As soon as it was her turn, she dictated the three characteristics already mentioned and added one more. It was a funny dynamic, even.

The next stage, which is the elimination stage, was the group interview. Irina called out the names of the candidates randomly. Camila was the fifth candidate called, and the interview went well — Irina asked about her availability, who she lived with, and asked her to describe her experience with industrial sewing machines.

"Well…" Irina stood up. "You will receive an email with a positive or negative result within seven days at the latest. Thank you very much for your participation."

The girls left. Irina dismissed the freelance receptionist. They preferred to make the decision inside the office, in the warehouse. Ruy was analyzing the photos until he picked up one of Camila.

"This one here," he showed it to her.

"Her?" Irina frowned. "Camila?"

"That's right. She has good experience. She's good. From what I saw, she's desperate to get a job."

"I noticed it too," Irina agreed, picking up the photo and said, mockingly: "I like desperate people."

…****…

HANK RECEIVED THE PHOTOS of the pre-approved candidates from Ruy and Irina. Out of ten, he only wanted to choose five. He scrolled quickly until he reached Camila's photo. He liked her right away. He called Irina, putting her on speakerphone.

"Irina?"

"Did you see the photos?"

"Yes, I did." He zoomed in on Camila's photo. "What's this girl's name again?"

"Her name is Camila. She’s twenty-six years old."

"Interesting," he swiped the photos to the side. "Select those five that I sent you. I'm going to need to sell a few of them."

"Sell them?" On the other end of the line, Irina was surprised.

"Of course." Hank shrugged as he spun in his chair. "You know girls are a bargaining chip for some acquaintances of ours."

"And what criteria did you use this time? Beauty or experience in the area?"

"Both," Hank paused, fiddling with his pen. "You never know what kind of irrefutable offer I'm going to get."

"I understand," Irina played with a strand of hair, asking: "How long are we going to stay here?"

"I'm thinking of a different way to escape suspicion," Hank pondered. "In the meantime, wait a little longer to call the girls."

"Hmm…" Irina nodded.

"And I want you to do me a favor."

"Go ahead."

…****…

AURA WALKED SLOWLY along the sidewalk. She stopped in front of the police station, checking the address Hank had given her. She stood there, watching discreetly, under her sunglasses. Her cell phone rang. As soon as she saw who it was, she made a disapproving pout.

"What's up, Irina?"

"Hank asked me to guarantee him that you're not doing anything stupid," she said dryly from the other end of the line. "Are you doing something stupid, Aura?"

"Even if I were, neither you, much less he, would be able to do anything," Aura shrugged, her tone sarcastic. "Have you forgotten that you're in the Northeast?"

"No, honey, I haven't forgotten," Irina retorted sarcastically. "I just don't want to be disturbed while I'm here securing another shipment to increase revenue."

"Oh, okay."

"Where are you in Sao Paulo right now?"

"I’m in front of the police station he asked me to come to the other day. Only I'm not doing anything. Guarantee him that, please. And don't get on my nerves."

Aura hung up. She took one last look, going her own way.

…****…

PEDRO HENRIQUE ARRIVED at the hotel Janine had last passed through. He went to a young man who is certainly the hotel receptionist.

"Good afternoon," Pedro smiled cordially.

"Good afternoon," the young man replied. "Did you make a reservation at this hotel?"

"No, I didn’t. I just need to ask you a question."

"Well then?"

"Have you always worked during this time?"

"No. I changed exactly three months ago," the young man frowned. "Can I ask why you ask?"

Pedro Henrique took Janine's photo from his jacket pocket and discreetly placed it on the counter.

"Do you remember this young lady?"

"Hmm…" The young man frowned as he looked at the photo. "I remember her, yes. She came through here and left about two hours later, and checked out."

"Two hours later, and she checked out?" Pedro Henrique tilted his head to the side, watching the young man.

"I thought it was unusual, but at least the accommodation was paid for."

"Can you tell me if it was paid for in cash or by card?"

"First, I need to know who you are."

Pedro Henrique's expression was now enigmatic. He took out a wad of euros and placed it in the young man's hand.

"I'm a private detective," he said in a measured, firm tone, showing no reaction. He seemed dangerous. "This young lady disappeared around here. I need to find her."

The young man took the wad of money and pocketed it.

"What you need to know…" he acted naturally.

"The name she used to register. Janine de Freitas. See if that checks out, please, on the date of…" Pedro mentioned the date of her stay.

The young man typed something on the computer.

"I found it," he said. "Janine de Freitas."

"Do you have the payment method?"

"It was in cash."

"Hmm…" Pedro drummed his fingers on the counter. "Can you send me that list by email?"

"You're putting me at risk…" the young man looked from side to side.

"Please…" Pedro discreetly placed another wad of cash in the young man's hand.

"Give me a minute," he pocketed the wad of cash. It was equivalent to his salary.

…****…

THE SUN WAS DISAPPEARING BELOW THE HORIZON as Hugo walked alone along the seashore. The waves crashed at his bare feet, the breeze touched his face. He soon spotted a couple on the sand, sitting and caressing each other. He remembered Luis, and how quickly their fling had to end. The first time, it was Hugo's move to Rio. The second time, Luis's move to Lisbon.

Although a little frustrated that — apparently — his love life was all or nothing, Hugo remained calm. He remembered how much he liked Luis, and it was mutual, but the pace of their lives couldn't slow down because of a romance that was uncertain. If it's meant to be, fate can promote another reunion — this time, through Europe.

Hugo didn't even realize how far he had walked along the sand. The sun had already set. The sky was still orange. He stood there, still, thinking about the next few days of vacation… Whether it would be worth traveling to another state, or even taking a short trip through Europe… because he had good money for that.

"Hugo?"

The familiar voice snapped him out of his abstractions. When he turned to see who it was, his heart softened.

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