Way back, when I was practicing law and writing 'socially aware' Op Ed articles syndicated in major newspapers across Canada, I came across a Supreme Court case which caught my interest.
The argument?
"Does it make sense that prostitution is legal, but soliciting customers on the streets isn’t?”
It didn’t make sense.
It's like you can sell cars, but you can't show them in the store window.
So, I landed up talking to the Chief Crown Prosecutor in Ottawa.
He had pleaded the case.
And he had a better suggestion for an interviewee...
“Why don’t you interview the woman who spearheaded the case right up to the Supreme Court?
Vicky, the President of the Prostitutes Association of Canada."
Why not!
I made an appointment to interview the President . Next week, her place, 11 pm - after her working hours.
The day of the interview, I flew to Toronto, checked into the hotel and...
...got cold feet.
The voices in my head started cackling. “Don’t go. She’s probably head of a white slavery ring!”
A voice of reason cut off the voices. “You’re crazy or something? You came all this way only to go back with nothing in hand?”
At 10:30 pm, I forced myself to the reception desk of the hotel, explained the nature of my interview, and that I was scared shitless. I gave the receptionist Vicky's address, her name and tel. number, and gave firm orders to the night clerk.
“If I’m not back at the hotel by 3 am, call the police!
(Just like in the movies!)
Shortly before 11 pm, I was walking the streets of Vicki's neighborhood.
Dark.
Hardly anyone on them.
But, surprisingly, I didn't feel any fear.
What few people were on the street were all walking with a destination in mind.
Nobody just 'hanging out'.
To be frank, I have felt fear on the side streets of downtown Toronto or Montreal...
...but not here.
I rang the doorbell. Exactly on time. Vicky opened the door. And my entry into another world began.
