Chapter 4: Positive reinforcement
Dr. Thomas Harris sat at his desk doing paperwork. His girls were actually partially in a Gymnastics meet a few towns over. Some of the meets the girls thought they were in, were either cover for their bandit activities. Sometimes the 'meets' were a prop to bind them closer to his therapeutic goals.
Miranda was given a first place trophy. The trophy to Miranda represented the therapy was working and she should continue working with Dr. Harris.
Sadie had been given the second place trophy more than once. Thomas knew of Sadie’s overbearing mother and the neverending push for perfection. Second place increased the noise in her head. Sadie’s desired to be the best and through Dr. Harris’s technique she would achieve it.
Vanessa however was a different story. She just wanted to be a good friend and teammate. She wanted to support her friends. Dr. Harris had added the noise to Vanessa's mind. A feeling of homesickness and self doubt. The east coast was a long way from her familiar San Francisco.
Dr. Harris had given Vanessa a first place team trophy to instill the loyalty to both of her friends. It reinforced her need to follow through with their system of training.
He could of course just make them brainless fuck toys, like Lauren or Debbie. That didn't seem as fun. He enjoyed the thrill.
His thoughts were broken by a woman walking through his gymnasium. She looked lost. He got people looking to join the gym from time to time. He even had flyers made up.
"Excuse me, miss? Can I help you?" He called out. She stopped. He noticed, she was rolling a suitcase behind her as she approached.
"I'm sorry if I'm bothering you," she started. "I'm looking for Vanessa Kim. She is my daughter. " Li Hsu said with a smile.
Li Hsu was a short, slightly plump Chinese woman. She had shoulder length black hair, glasses, a red silk button up blouse, comfy linen pants and comfortable shoes. She was a warm smile and she spoke with the same happiness that Vanessa did.
Thomas looked up eyeing the situation. She was plump with curves in the right places. She bowed slightly as she introduced herself. Her glasses slid down ever so slightly as she did.
"It's wonderful to meet you Mrs. Kim." Thomas started. "I'm afraid Vanessa isn't here. The team is at a meet right now" he said rising .
His eyes roved over the woman in front of him. He could see the curves of her body under her clothing. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Kim. I didn't mean to stare. You are much to young to be Vanessa's mother. I would have thought sister." Thomas said with a smile.
Li Hsu blushed at his words. It had been a few years since anyone flirted with her. "I came straight from the airport. I wanted to surprise Vanessa. If I knew she was at a meet, I would have gone there." She said apologetic. "I will leave your to your work." And turned to leave.
"Mrs. Kim, before you go is there anything you would like to know about our fine gym?" Thomas asked as the wheels in his head turned with ideas.
"Of course, it's only natural to want to know more about where your daughter spends her time." He said with a charming smile.
Li Hsu paused, her back still turned to Thomas. She turned to face him, her cheeks still flushed from the compliment. "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to know more about where Vanessa trains." She said, her voice soft and uncertain.
Thomas took a step closer, his eyes scanning her body, taking in every curve. "I assure you, Mrs. Kim, your daughter is in good hands. Our training program is one of the best in the country." He said, his voice low and sultry.
"Since Vanessa's father ran away with that blonde slut, I have strived be a positive supportive force in my daughter’s life" she said with conviction.