Stephanie Steele
Chapter 21

Red Hill Spar was a luxury spar where humans came to relax and indulge in their every sexual fantasy safe in the knowledge that they were keeping within the law as all the sexual partners for hire were androids specially built and licensed for such activities.

There were many spars like it in Paradise and they were big business. Red Hill was considered by far the best and was certainly the most popular. Their vid ad played on many buildings across the city, a sultry female voice stating – “Make it legal. Use and abuse an android and not a human. Try our Cyber Dolls for all your sexual needs and fantasies. Men, woman, children of all ages and skin colour for your ultimate pleasure.”

Androids were originally created for human sexual pleasure to try and negate the increasing rise in sex crimes. They did for a while, but there were a certain section of humans who wanted the genuine article, skin on skin, so to speak. So there were some who thought that to be able to live out any sexual fantasy with an android including violence and even killing them, although technically you couldn’t kill an android, but hey, would lead to the belief by these perpetrators of deviation that they could carry out such vile activities on actual humans. Sex crimes had risen again but there was no directly relatable proof that spars like Red Hill had been complicit in their rise.

Red Hill Spar existed on several levels.

Ground Floor: Bar, Massage rooms and Sauna

Here you could relax with a drink or two with your chosen Doll. Some people preferred to have a conversation and get to know them first, like a proper date, but safe in the knowledge that it would end with one hundred percent certainty in sex, should they choose to. The massage and sauna rooms were exclusively for relaxation and well being. No sexual activity was permitted in these areas.

Lower Level: Pool and Whirlpool Tub

Again these areas were restricted to ‘Getting To Know You’ activities. The Dolls were fully waterproof so they could join you in a swim or a playful plunge in the whirlpool tub. A lot of people didn’t like to jump right into sex and preferred the slow approach, building up steadily, enjoying the experience in their own time. You booked blocks of time as well as choices of Dolls.

Upper Level 1: Suites

This was where the sexual activities took place. The business level of the spar. A lot of people plunged straight into this, checking into a luxurious en suite room for overnight stays or just for an hour or two with their chosen Doll. The rooms were well used and there was an army of cleaners at the ready to change bed linen and dispose of any spillages as soon as the room was vacated, as the rooms were in constant use.

Upper Level 2: Recreational Rooms

This was where the serious action took place with the big spenders. These were rooms for your hard core aficionado. Here, anything goes. You could act out any fantasy. You could be violent and beat up your Doll, or have your Doll beat you up if that was how you got your kicks. Lots of bondage took place here. There were various apparatus to tie up and suspend your Doll or yourself and many sex toys for pleasure or pain. This was also where a lot of Dolls got damaged and there was a constant demand for replacements. Some people liked to kill their Dolls. Of course you had to pay the cost of a replacement but this service was very popular.

The reception area was very minimalistic considering the opulence of the spar itself. Freddy swiped Vern Kalarjian’s members card across the plate on the front door which allowed him access. He was wearing a suit and looked like he belonged. He didn’t feel like it. The shirt collar dug into his neck and the tie was too restrictive. “How did people wear these things all day?” He complained to himself.

The spar vid ad played quietly on a holo screen on a wall opposite the reception desk where Cheryl the android receptionist greeted him with a warm smile. “Afternoon sir, do you have an appointment?”

Freddy smiled back, trying to act like he belonged in a place like this. “Vernon Kalarjian. Two thirty.” He handed over the members card with a nervy hand and hoped they didn’t keep photos of their members on file.

Cheryl checked him in on the computer and handed him back the card. “Zoe’s on her way to escort you to your suite.”

“Erm . . . actually . . .” He leaned towards her to speak quieter. “I was hoping you may have something special.”

“Every experience here is special sir.”

He leaned closer. “I mean, alive. Not one of your Dolls. Real skin so to speak. The younger the better. I heard you can do that.” He couldn’t believe he was doing this.

If she was shocked she didn’t show it. She just said coolly. “I’m afraid you’ve been misinformed Mister Kalarjian. What you’re asking is illegal. That is the whole point of the Dolls. Whatever you require they can provide.”

“My mistake, sorry.” He could feel his cheeks burning. But he had to ask the question. That was the point of this. To replace out, if anything, what was going on. He and Steele may be onto nothing and the fact that the mayor, Edwards and Mia’s father all had memberships here may have been just coincidence. After all, there was nothing illegal about what Red Hill did. Like Cheryl said, that was the point of the place.

It wasn’t long before Zoe appeared and Freddy’s embarrassment was increased. Zoe was a small ten year old Chinese girl with blue streaks in her hair who beamed at Freddy like they were old friends. “Vern, hi.”

Freddy was shocked. It hadn’t occurred to him that Zoe would be a child Doll. He’d pictured a cute twenty something with big tits and nice ass. Someone he could get intimate with. Now, that thought just made him feel sick. This was bad. But he couldn’t just leave. He had to go through with this no matter how wretched it made him feel. That was the plan.

“Is everything alright?” Cheryl asked.

“Is Zoe the same age as my previous choice? She looks a little young.” He hoped against all hopes that there’d been a mistake.

Cheryl accessed the computer and smiled at him. “Yes, same age. Ten year old as requested. Have a good time.”

Freddy tried not to look too distressed as Zoe linked his arm and guided him to a door. “Come with me. We’re going to have lots of fun today.” Zoe said with bubbly enthusiasm. She barely reached his chest height.

Zoe led Freddy to a corridor where they took the elevator to upper level one, never leaving go of his arm. He looked at the child out the corner of his eye. She saw and giggled a childish giggle.

Oh Jesus! He thought. Why the fuck did I agree to this? This is so fucked up!

“Am I to your satisfaction Vern? I’m sorry I was your second choice but I’m sure I can make up for any disappointment.” Her voice was high pitched and had a tinge of a Chinese accent.

NO IT WAS FUCKING NOT TO MY SATISFACTION! He wanted to shout. But instead kept his shit together. He didn’t want to raise any suspicions. “Yes.”

She seemed pleased.

The lift stopped with a gentle bump and the doors pinged open slowly. Zoe took his hand and led him along a carpeted corridor decorated in a warm terracotta. The touch of her hand made him feel dirty and disgusting. He just wanted this over as soon as possible. Vases of flowers stood on small tables every few feet, their fragrance filling the corridor with a fresh scent. The flowers were imported of course. Probably from somewhere in Europe where the smog wasn’t as bad as here. He felt nauseous.

Ahead of them a white girl of about eighteen with blonde shoulder length hair left a room with a middle-aged black man. The door hadn’t closed fully and he could see inside. He glanced many Cyber Dolls of differing ages and ethnicities all standing in neat rows as if waiting for orders.

The man nodded a greeting to Freddy. Freddy nodded back, because that was the thing he thought he should do. The man behaved as if this was normal behaviour but Freddy was disturbed at having been seen in the company of the young girl. What did the man think of him being with the infant? As he didn’t have any reaction he assumed he thought it was okay.

“You been a member long?” The man asked.

Freddy didn’t want to have a conversation but couldn’t ignore him. “Not long.” He just wanted to get to his suite.

“You tried the whirlpool yet?”

Stop talking to me! “Not yet.”

“It’s amazing. You should try it.”

Just go away, please! “I will, next time.”

The man looked at Zoe and back to him. Freddy gave him a crooked smile. He was nearly sick in his mouth but he forced it down and tried to act cool.

“Nice choice. I had one similar last week but I prefer the older ones. I like to have something to hold.” The man motioned towards the blonde by his side with huge breasts. “Know what I mean?” He winked at him.

Freddy smiled in agreement and was relieved when the man entered a room and closed the door.

They continued to the suite Vern had booked. Zoe swiped her hand across a holo recognition plate on the door and politely stood back to let him enter first.

Freddy was stunned at how luxurious it was. A king size bed took centre stage straight opposite the door. White satin sheets were pulled back ready for the next occupant. There was a dressing table to one side and to the other a red leather sofa. The carpet was a deep scarlet. Laid on the bed were two matching bath robes, one pink, one blue, and beside the bed matching pairs of slippers.

“We upgraded you for the inconvenience you’ve suffered.” She went to a small fridge he hadn’t noticed. “Can I offer you a drink?”

Freddy closed the door. “No, let’s get straight down to business. I’m in a hurry.” He couldn’t believe he had said that.

“Of course.” She sat on the bed and proceeded to remove her clothes. “Is this alright?”

He laughed, trying desperately to cover his embarrassment and shock. “No, stop.” He hoped he hadn’t sounded too abrupt.

“Is anything wrong? I haven’t displeased you have I?”

“No.” He said quickly.

She patted the bed for him to sit and let out a little giggle.

Freddy shuffled uncomfortably. “I’ve got an unusual request.” He said quietly as if someone might overhear.

“I can accommodate any position or technique you require. I can display any emotion you want. I am programmed to accept any request.” She leaned back on her hands, pointing her non-existent breasts at him.

Freddy wavered. “I erm . . . I like my partner turned off.” He waited for her reaction.

She cocked her head to one side and raised an eyebrow. “I don’t understand.”

“I want to power you down so you’re not awake.” He lowered his head to emphasise his next words. “I’m very shy.”

She sat up straight. The idea wasn’t favourable to her. “You would have to open my access port.” She seemed concerned. “There are some very delicate components in there.”

Freddy sat beside her and held her tiny hand in his. “I’m a computer expert. I brought the right tools.” He pulled a small bag of tools from his pocket and showed her. “You said you’re programmed to accept any request.” He reminded her as he stroked her hand.

She giggled again and turned her back to him. “Please remember to reactivate me afterwards.”

Freddy removed the tool he needed from the small bag and had her access port open in no time.

“Have fun Vern.”

“I will, thanks.” His mouth was twisted in a half grimace.

He placed the tool inside her and powered her down. It took several seconds for her to fully go to sleep but once she was he snapped closed the access port and lay her on the bed. He let out a huge lungful of air. He held his head in his hands and took a few deep breaths trying to calm himself. After a minute he had recovered. He gathered his tools and headed for the door.

Freddy rushed into the reception area breathing hard. Cheryl was still at the desk. “Come quick. There’s something wrong with Zoe. She went mental and she shut down completely.” He blurted, putting on his best distressed voice.

Cheryl walked quickly to assist him. He held the door open for her and pretended to follow her. “She just stopped working. I don’t know what’s wrong with her.”

Instead, he dashed to the entrance, swiped the members card across the plate and dashed back just as Cheryl came to replace him. “Oh sorry, did you want me to come?” He pushed through the doorway, guiding her in front of him to prevent her seeing the main entrance door was now opening. He looked back over his shoulder and just saw Steele through the inch of gap in the door before it closed.

Steele went straight to the computer and had no trouble accessing it as Cheryl had left it logged on. She began searching the database for clues, not sure what she was looking for.

Freddy followed Cheryl into the suite. Zoe was still lying in her inactive state on the bed, looking like she was asleep. Cheryl was just a receptionist so had no idea what was wrong with Zoe. “I do apologise for this Mister Kalarjian. We’ll get you a new companion right away.” She turned for the door.

“What do you think is wrong with her? One minute we were talking and then she just went all funny and fell on the bed.” Freddy had to stall her and give Steele time to replace what they were looking for.

“The maintenance team will replace whatever it is. If you’d like to follow me back to the reception we can sort another companion.” She left. Freddy hesitated, wondering what else he could do to delay their return to reception. It hit him. He bolted out the door and after Cheryl.

She was just passing the room where some of the Dolls were stored when he caught up with her. “Actually, we’re here aren’t we? This is where you keep the companions.” He pointed to the door the middle-aged man and young girl had emerged from earlier. “I’d like to choose one up close.”

She took a moment to process. “Of course.” She unlocked the door to allow them inside.

Steele was still searching the computer but was now sitting in front of the screen. She had found files on the mayor, the chief and Mia’s father. The files detailed their previous appointments, selection of Dolls and the other services they’d taken advantage of. There was nothing unusual or incriminating. She searched through inventories, the complete list of Dolls available and even the employment records of every employee, the majority of whom were androids. What was she not seeing? Was all three being members just a happy coincidence? Perhaps. An electronic beep caught her attention. She looked up and standing at the door was a delivery man holding his electronic delivery tab wanting to be let in.

Freddy was taking his time choosing a new Doll, or rather not choosing. He pretended he liked a tall black girl in her twenties and gave her a thorough examination. Next a flat-chested red head with boyish qualities caught his eye. He avoided the children but then thought that’s what he should be looking at. That’s what Vern would have done and he was supposed to be Vern. With much reluctance he stared checking out the girls about the age of Zoe. He noticed that Cheryl was growing more and more conscious of the time he was taking.

“I really must get back to reception Mister Kalarjian. Other guests may need my assistance. I shouldn’t have left the desk unattended.” She headed to the door.

Freddy tried to dawdle but he could see she meant for him to follow her. She stood with the door open looking at him. “How about the blonde?” He pointed to a blonde girl with shoulder length hair aged about ten or eleven.

“I’ll need to book her into the system first. So if you’ll follow me.” She urged. Freddy held back a moment, pretending to change his mind. He could see he had pushed his luck as far as he could and he would have to follow her back to reception.

At the lift he suggested taking the stairs. She declined. The lift came too quickly for his liking. He just hoped that Steele was finished downstairs.

Steele had no choice but to buzz in the delivery guy. He approached the desk with his device. “Emergency delivery from Cyber Corp. Sign here.” He presented his tab screen for her to sign.

Steele signed it. “What is it?”

“Twelve year old male. Where do you want it?” He said, waiting for an answer.

“You been here before?”

“You’re new aren’t you?” He shook his head. “I’ll stick it in the usual spot until one of your maintenance guys can put it in storage.” He said and headed back out to his vehicle.

The lift opened on the ground floor and Freddy pushed passed Cheryl to lead the way. After a few steps he bent down to tie his shoe lace, blocking the corridor so she couldn’t pass. He apologised and laughed loudly like he was sharing a joke, raising his voice so as to warn Steele of their imminent arrival.

Freddy’s warning indeed alerted Steele. She closed down the files she had opened, buzzed open the door and was on her way out when a photograph on the wall caught her attention. She stopped to look at it. The photo showed mayor Leonard shaking hands with a business suited man who looked important. A caption under the photo read:

MAYOR LEONARD CONGRATULATES NOEL CHANDLER, GLOBAL ENTERPRISES PRESIDENT, ON WINNING A NEW CONTRACT TO SUPPLY RED HILL SPAR

The door to the corridor was opening and she could hear Freddy’s voice. The outer door was now closing. Steele walked quickly to the entrance and turning her body sideways was just able to slip out the door before it closed behind her.

“I’m so sorry to cause so much trouble.” Freddy was saying to Cheryl as they entered the reception area. He was relieved not to see Steele there.

“It’s no trouble Mister Kalarjian.” Cheryl said as she took her seat behind the desk. “Now, let’s get Sequoia booked in for you.”

Freddy checked the time. “You know, I think I’ll skip this. I have an important appointment soon. I’ll call later to re-arrange.” And headed for the exit. Cheryl looked a little bemused. He swiped his card and the door opened for him. He left trying not to seem like he was in too much of a hurry. He passed the delivery man who was walking in a twelve year old male Doll and found Steele waiting in his cruiser parked in a tight spot they’d have to get out of with a vertical lift off.

Steele saw his pale features and stunned expression. “Everything alright?”

“Perfect. Everything went fine.” He didn’t want to talk about it and certainly wasn’t going to tell Steele he had been given a ten year old girl as a companion. That was a secret he’d take to the grave. He wiped his moist brow. “Can we go?”

She wondered about his behaviour. He was acting odd. Un-Freddy like. She brushed it aside. “I found something.” He looked at her as she continued. “Mia’s father was a customer at the spar two days before I found Mia at the sex house. The same day the mayor was there.”

“So what does that prove? We already know her father sold her.”

“Well, yeah, but it proves a link between them. Anyway, remember the company the mayor received payments from? Global Enterprises. They own Cyber Corp who manufacture and provide droids to the spar where the mayor, Edwards, Mia’s father and Noel Chandler were frequent customers. The Dolls they chose were all minors.”

Freddy was flustered. “Okay, but it’s legal with droids. Not my cup of tea but there you go. And who’s Noel Chandler?” His manner was brusque.

Steele looked at him without saying anything a moment.

He cleared his throat, pretending everything was okay. “Carry on.”

“He’s president of Global Enterprises. The mayor was in charge of dishing out droid manufacturing contracts to companies when they were out to tender. I’m betting that the mayor was taking backhanders from Global Enterprises in return for exclusive contracts to provide droids to the city’s spars, and I’m betting he did the same for those Frankenstein cops and the PD. That contract alone is worth millions. When we get back I want to check out the dates of those payments to the mayor to see if they correspond with Global being awarded contracts.”

“Okay, so there was a bit of corruption going on.” Freddy said, unconvinced she had found anything. “Mates do mates favours. What’s this got to do with the dead girls?”

“What’s Noel spelled backwards?” She said.

Freddy’s eyes widened. “Leon! Shit! You think it’s that simple?”

“We’ll replace out.”