Who are Daja & Diamond?

The story began on a steamy summer afternoon about one year ago. Diamond shielded her eyes as she exited her office building into the bright sunshine. Out for a  quick lunch break, she had about 20 minutes before her next meeting. That was just enough time to stand in line, grab a deli salad and drink, and begin her meal as she raced back to her office. 

She was dressed for the weather, but this heat was not much different from what she experienced in childhood. It really didn't bother her much. This was one of the reasons that she was one of the visible few on the sidewalks of the city on this day.

As she reached the door of the deli, Diamond peered through the windows to gauge the length of the line. This would tell her how much time she'd have to enjoy her meal as she made her way back to the office. A glare obscured her view of the interior of the little deli, but her effort to orient her eyes brought her vision to a young lady who was approaching her from behind. Diamond saw the woman stand behind her for a few moments, and she slowed her momentum into the deli to allow the woman to speak.

"I watched you walk over here," the woman said. "You're pretty. Have you thought about modeling?"

Diamond slowly turned to look directly at the young lady. She was a younger woman, but she spoke with a level of confidence with others that could only come from experience. The youth that should have been present in her face was muted by a certain weariness in her eyes. She returned Diamond's gaze, but did not wait for an answer.

"Yeah, you look really pretty. Are you from here?"  She paused, a questioning look appearing on her face. "I have a connection for you. It's an opportunity. I work for this local agency."

Diamond watched the woman silently, noticing the moment when the uneasiness began to appear in her eyes. The woman looked from Diamond's face to Diamond's left down the sidewalk. Her eyes drifted briefly to street over Diamond's shoulder. She then looked back to Diamond and said, "You ok? You need some help? I know some people. Call this number."

Diamond adopted a relaxed posture. She wanted to look casual to anyone who was watching them. But, with a very even tone, looking directly into the woman's eyes, Diamond said, "Give me your card. I'm going to give you mine. I will help you when you are ready."

The woman made a slight movement with her shoulders, as if to turn away. But a puzzled look came over her face. It only lasted a moment before the hardness returned. The woman said, "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm trying to help you. It's easy money."

"Look at me," Diamond said. "I know what is happening. I used to be here. Where is he? Behind me? Down the street? In the car?"

Before the woman could turn to leave, Diamond smiled. She wanted anyone watching to think that this was a normal interaction between a regular office worker and sidewalk solicitor. She quickly reached into her pocket and grabbed a card. With her other hand, she pushed her palm towards the woman, to give an obvious indication that she was rejecting the offer. She wanted it all to look normal.

"Give me your card. Take this card. Don't ask what it's about. Don't even read it. Just keep it. Use it when you are ready. I will be there."

Anger flashed briefly on the woman's face. Then, it went blank again. A flash of understanding shone briefly in her eyes. She looked down briefly at Diamond's feet. Then, she straightened her back to move away.

Diamond reached out and took the paper in the woman's hand.  She stuffed her card in its place. The young woman balled up the card in her hand but did not toss it to the ground. 

At that moment, another woman pushed open the deli door and began to walk away to Diamond's left. The young woman turned after her. She glared at Diamond as she walked away. Diamond heard her say, "You look pretty. You should think about modeling."

***

This morning, Diamond received the call.

"My name is Daja. You said you'd help me."

"Where can we meet," Diamond asked. 

"You tell me. I just want to talk."

(Diamond and Daja are meeting for the second time in one year.)

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This fictitious story, about the SRG figurettes, is drawn from a true-life story that is well-known within the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force. For more information on the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, see www.mdhumantrafficking.org