1.Preview

“I have here a contract under which you agree to become my slave. It’s not legal, of course, but I thought our little arrangement should be attended with some formality. A contract is simply a promise enforceable in a court of law. But the bond between us is deeper than any laws. You’re making a promise to me and whether legal or not I expect you to keep your word.”

At that, he placed the paper in front of her and handed her a pen. She stared at it. It was on white bond paper and appeared to have been printed. At the top in large letters were the words “Contract of Slavery.” The language beneath it was brief, yet stark:

I, Linda Gerich, hereby agree to become the slave of Manfred Owen. Henceforth he will be my Owner and Master and I will obey him unconditionally in all things. I will obey any and all rules he sets out for me or be liable for punishment in any manner he decides. His rights over me shall be complete and absolute, while as against him I shall have no rights at all, being a mere chattel. I further recognize this agreement as irrevocable, and that I shall be Manfred Owen’s slave for life unless and until he shall release me. I have read and understood this document

There followed a line for her signature. She read it and looked up at him.

“Well?” he asked.

She looked down again at the document. The language merely formalized the understanding she had from her earlier discussions with Manny, brief though they were. Only it was a bit shocking to see it stated thus in black in white. She stared at it for a few more seconds, then picked up the pen and signed. As soon as she had he grabbed the “Contract” and put it away in his desk.

“Take off your shoes and your dress.”