w brutality of the man she had once tried to call

ht," she said, her voic

control snapped. He swung his hand, the heav

the blow wa

n. She tasted blood. She didn't cry out. She slowly turned her head

ar of blood from the corner of he

t made him take an involuntary step back. He

d. "Take her to her

he arms. She didn't fight them. Wasting energy

aircase and pushed her inside her old

looked down at the perfectly manicur

e door. "Enjoy your new accommodations, Ana. You'll be on yo

s Con

d silent, h

dy had all your bank accounts frozen. You have nothi

laughter followed, th

th

e swept the room. The heavy oak furniture. The silk wallpaper

rate and dange

o tear, ripping the flat sheet and duvet cover into long, wide strips. The expensive fabric tore with a satisfying,

he heavy bed away from the wall and tied one end securely around

ropped it, watching it uncoil in the darkness unti

ou

e leg over the windowsill, then the other. The cool night wind whipped at

th and began her descent, the rough cloth burning her pa

flooring of the terrace. S

stone staircase that led down to the gardens, and me

in hand, watching the dark figure disappear into the gardens

the phone

to know-our little bir

o pick her up. Once you have her...