Chapter FortyA part of Valerie had wanted that crowbar to hit her skull, had even prayed for it to come down hard and finish her in an instant. But it is not so easy to wish for death, even when your circumstances are horrendous and have been so for an eternity. Even as she prayed for deliverance, another part of her rose up to fight against the assault. Bourbon had saved her, but making the effort—struggling to live—had woken her up and brought her back to herself.
No longer lost, not drifting, but once again fiercely clinging to the faith that she would—somehow, some way—get out of the root cellar and away from the disturbed man who had held her prisoner for so long.
Achille came in the next morning after the milking, as he always did, bringing her breakfast of fresh milk and toast wi
