Darkness cracked open with pain.
Jack gasped awake, wrists zip-tied behind a rusted chair. His jacket was gone. His mouth tasted like blood and plastic.
Concrete walls. A dripping pipe. Bare bulb swinging above.
Vesper stood a few feet away, humming softly, wearing his coat.
He groaned. “You're really into role reversal, huh?"
She smiled without humor. “Welcome to the control group."
“You drugged me."
“Sedative. Mild neural suppressant. No long-term damage… unless you count humiliation."
Jack twisted his arms. “I counted betrayal."
She walked over, knelt beside him. “You still have your voice. I debated gagging you."
“How generous."
Vesper held up a remote. “These control the electrodes I've placed on your arms, thighs, and neck. Field strength is variable. Calibrated to your bi
