The Collar
A collar seems such an insignificant thing.
A simple strip of leather or steel, or in some cases a choker of silver or gold filigree; the wearing of a collar changes a person’s life. The collar denotes servitude, ownership, submission, an abrogation of will.
Helen’s collar was of gleaming stainless steel. Simple, elegant, apart from the large ring set into the front. The lock was invisible, seamless. It could be opened only by the holder of a complex electronic key. Always visible, it denoted her status as a slave.
Helen’s descent into slavery had been gradual, inevitable. The spoilt only daughter of indulgent parents, she had lived a life of luxury and leisure. Her beauty had opened all doors to her, men had competed for the privilege of escorting her, treating her, spoiling her. Occasionally, very occasionally, they would be rewarded by a night in her bed. She was the ultimate princess. She maxed out her credit cards, knowing that daddy would pay. Her clothes and jewellery were the finest possible, her car a limited edition sports car.
Then daddy stopped paying!
He father had warned her on a number of occasions, but she pooh-poohed the idea that he would carry out his threats. Letters of demand arrived! Final demands! Summonses! Her car was repossessed, clothing and jewellery sold. Her debts were still massive!
Hugh was one of her major creditors, a jeweller, a handsome man in his fifties. She had spurned his romantic approaches with disdain. After all, he was a mere artisan. He quietly bought up all her debt, a small fortune!
“You have thirty days to settle your debts! In full! If not…”
The threat was there. She went to her father, her mother, her uncle. All of them gave her the same answer. “You got yourself into this, now you can get yourself out of it.”
On the thirtieth day she went to him, to beg for more time. He was implacable. His desk was clear, a gleaming acreage of polished wood, marred by only three items. A sheaf of papers, headed
CONTRACT OF SERVITUDE, a gold fountain pen, and a gleaming steel collar.
“Your choice is very simple. You can pay your debts, in full, now! If not, you will be arrested on charges of drug use, fraud and theft. The minimum sentence will be twenty five years in prison.”
She went pale, gasping. “I can’t pay, you know that! The drugs were just for fun, recreation! Everyone uses! I can’t go to jail! I would die!”
“There is one other option.” He pushed the contract toward her. “You can sign this contract and become my slave for life. You will become my property, for me to use in whatever way I wish. For the rest of your life, or until you become worthless.”
She took several deep breaths, then leafed through the document. “This is ridiculous! Obscene! You can’t do this!”
He nodded, silently. He pressed the button on his desk. “Miss Dawson, ask the police to come in please?”
“No! Wait! I can’t go to jail! Please, can we negotiate?”
“The police are waiting.”
She gave a shuddering sob. Her hand shook as she picked up the pen, scrawled her signature.
He pushed back his chair. “Come here! Kneel here!” He pointed to the floor between his feet.
She obeyed, her short skirt riding up to reveal her thighs. Her eyes were streaming tears. He picked up the collar, fitting it around her neck. It was snug, comfortable. There was a soft click and a buzz as he joined the ends.
She sobbed bitterly. He lifted her chin.
“Considering that you are already in the correct position, you might as well commence with your duties.”
Slowly he unbuckled his belt.