Just to know you better. For example, what is your favorite color?

It was such an unexpected question that she wasnt sure she had heard him correctly at first. Purple, she said.

Ah, yes. Thats a favorite of mine, too. And what is your favorite food?

Her stomach seemed to buckle at the thought of it, and the answer came out of her mouth right away. Cheeseburgers.

Im more of a shrimp man myself, he said. His voice was overly cheerful; he was loving every moment of this.

Do you have a boyfriend? he asked.

She wasnt sure what to say. The truth of the matter was that she didnt. Not really. Jeremy Branch didnt count…did he? Still, she figured she should answer with what she thought he wanted to hear.

No.

Really? A girl as pretty as you? Well…have you ever kissed a boy?

Yes.

Have you ever had sex with a boy?

The question made her angry for reasons she did not fully understand. It was private and certainly not something she wanted to share with a man that had abducted her…a man she had never even seen.

Where are my parents? she asked.

Well get to that later, Mercy. You have my word. But you need to answer my questions first. Now tell me, Mercy. Have you had sex with a boy?

Yes.

Hmm, he said. It sounded almost sensual and made Mercy feel dirty. Slowly, he started to back away from the door. The last thing shed expected to feel in this situation was shame. And with each new question he asked her, the feeling was worse.

Did you like it? he asked. And before she could answer him, he kept going. Oh, I bet you did. I bet you loved it. How did you take it?

Mercy started to weep. She balled her fists to her eyes and slowly slid down against the wall, sinking to the floor.

Its okay, you know? he said. His voice was quiet, reasoning. I had no delusions. Youre beautiful. Im sure many boys were tripping over themselves for a chance to be with you. I did not think I would be the first.

The first? she thought. So he does plan on raping me…

But you know what, Mercy? Im sure between you and I, we can find something you havent done with a boy. I mean, there are lots of things we can do. Im sure we can think of something.

Everything went quiet then. Mercy wasnt sure, but she thought she could hear him breathing heavily.

If he comes in now, I wont be able to fight him. Im too weak, Im too

Something slammed hard into the side of the door outside. The reverberation coursed through her bones.