He spoke again, his voice softer. “So, here we have the beautiful young cultured, wealthy widow, Mrs. Jeffery Ryan kneeling naked before old Simon Ruben in her very own bedroom.” He paused and sighed, “You are beautiful, Mrs. Ryan, especially on your knees and naked.” The color rose to her cheeks. He sipped his Scotch. “What are you thinking, Mrs. Ryan? What are you feeling? What do you want?” He leaned forward and spoke even more softly, “You can be honest with me now. No need to say what you think I want to hear. No threat of the rats and the cage. No harm to your sister-in-law. I want an honest answer. There’s nothing to fear.”
Kathy wasn’t sure what she should say. The man was obviously deranged and could fly into a violent fit with no provocation. But she decided to speak the truth.
