A PIERCING SCREAM, a female voice, startled Linda from a deep sleep. Her shoulders ached. The burning on her back brought the night rushing back. Above her, draped over the meat hook, her hands taped together looked like she was praying. She looked down at her half-n***d body, with stripes and welts that looked like movie scenes of whippings. Behind her, the door opened.
A PIERCING SCREAM,“Good morning, Ms. Russell. Did you have a good sleep?” Richemartel spoke as though nothing strange had affected him.
“Let me down.”
He walked around her, inspecting her bare back and chest. “You look like you"ve hurt yourself. Now are you ready to answer my question?”
“Go to hell.” He laughed, a mirthless sound filling the stale air. “Why are you doing this?”
“Well, I must say you"re not what I expe
