Grin widening, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “There’s no shame. No shame at all. I remember exactly what you like.”

Trepidation gave way to well-being. He understood her. He knew what she wanted. The last few months had been filled with people telling her what she needed. “Thanks. I don’t have much money.”

“Your money is no good here, sweet Avery. I’m going to hook you right up.”

Her next memories were muddled by the drugs she’d taken that night. She remembered the first rush of relief that had whisked through her system as the drugs took effect. Her vision blurred. And then came a tremendous sense of regret. She had worked so hard and had tossed it away. She wanted to leave. But as she tried to stand and move toward the door, Walker stopped her and tied her hands. She blacked out.

Avery stood very still, allowing herself to really peer into the darkness and remember what had happened to her. For so long, she had avoided it, but she knew now doing so could mean a killer went free.

From a distance, she heard men talking and then felt a rough hand move over her body, squeezing her breast, and she pushed it away. “Get off me.”

“Not yet, Avery.”

She’d barely had time to sort out the stranger’s voice before Walker said, “This one is better than the other one I promised. This should square us up.”

“Yes, it does.”

“I’ll leave you two alone.” A door opened and closed. Walker had abandoned her.

The man held her face in his hands, and when she opened her mouth to scream, he shoved plastic in her mouth, cramming the wad to the back of her throat before he tied a gag around her mouth. “No, no, no,” he said.

Her nostrils flared. She shook her head as her breathing quickly grew labored.

“Relax. Save your breath.”

Avery’s heart beat hard against her chest as she stared up at his masked face. He pushed up her dress, shoved inside her, his excitement growing as she weakened. When he had finished, he quickly dressed and left her. She tried to control her nostril breathing. Tried not to panic. But she hyperventilated. Grew dizzy. Began to choke. Die.

“Avery!”

Avery coughed, and when she focused on Jordan’s face, tears welled and spilled down her cheeks. “I’m sorry.”

“I know. I know. I’ll call an ambulance. Who put the plastic down your throat?” Avery could see Jordan struggling to contain her anger. Jordan’s little sister needed help, and someone had taken advantage of her weakness.

“I don’t know.” Her voice sounded hoarse, scratched.

“Did Walker do it?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe a friend of his.”

“Did you get any names?”

“No,” she cried. “I just remember Walker handing me the needle and tying me up. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”