“Do what I say, Carmen. Trust me.”
A few more breaths issued from her. The eyes slowly closed. She nodded.
* * *
Pants on, shirt draped over my shoulder, I pushed Carmen ahead of me back to the pavilion. Her legs were untied, the thongs’ deep marks still evident. Brambles, weeds, and tiny sticks still clung to her matted hair. Larry spotted us.
“f**k. What happened here?”
“Just get her ready. She won’t be any problem now.” I handed the inverted “t” yoke bar to Larry.
Larry gave Carmen the once over. “Uh, shouldn’t we get her cleaned up?”
“No. She goes out as is. And no blindfold.”
Larry paused. “Are you sure? With what we have planned?”
“I want her to see them see her.”
I left Carmen to Larry, all my focus on the stage. An edge in Irena’s voice hinted that all was not well. Bids
