Hardy checks his analog watch. The pointers tell him it’s 7:12 P.M., making Luke twelve minutes late. Luke is never late. He’s always five minutes early to all classes, and last week he was knocking on Hardy’s door at 6:59.
Hardy is slightly disappointed. Luke was doing so well. Last week’s edging session was spectacular. The boy had surprised Hardy with his endurance. He followed Hardy’s orders word by word, even when it was clear desperation was consuming him.
Is Luke already regretting their contract? Hardy thought it would take at least a few more weeks of challenging scenes for him to consider giving up. Things haven’t even started getting difficult yet. If Luke shows up today, they will see whether Luke is as obedient as he needs to be.
At 7:15, his strident doorbell rings. Hardy
