“Little Lyn . . . or maybe Little Lynell? You never did get the chance to finish it.”

The words hit her from every angle. Her skull throbs. She flinches and shifts, tipping to the side. With a jolt, she remembers she fell asleep sitting up, and her eyes fly open, back straightening so she doesn’t fall over.

Eric is standing above her, illuminated by yellow light and flanked by two guards. Lynell recognizes them, though she doesn’t know their names. The skinnier one seems tense, a muscle twitching in his cheek every time Eric moves without warning.

“I wonder if my dear brother called you ‘Little Lynell.’ What else did he write to you? I’d love to hear it.”

It’s a feeble attempt at taunting. She can hear something close to boredom in his voice, though his face is tired, eyes a noticeable pink. She desperately wants to continue sleeping. But Eric won’t let that happen. Maybe he’ll strap her to another machine that shocks her awake.

She can’t say she’d mind it. Then she could let unconsciousness take her as often as it wants, just so she can feel that shot of electricity course through her body.

“Well?” Eric demands, snapping loudly in front of Lynell’s face. The guard flinches. Lynell groans, the sound too sharp in her already clouded mind. “Oh, I’m sorry. Feeling a bit hungover?”

Lynell glares at him and rubs her eyes.

“I’m sorry to return you to this room. But I really had no other choice.”

She pushes her hand down and leans on it to scoot back.

“Oh, come on. You can’t be mad at me!” Eric says. He raises his hands to either side. “I mean, what do you expect when a stranger breaks into my house trying to steal my property?”

“Anna is not your property,” Lynell says. Her voice is like claws dragging against her throat. She coughs and lets her head lull back against the headboard. “And neither am I.”

“No, you’re right. You’re my guest,” Eric says. The familiar tone of sick pleasure starts to make its way back into his voice, though with less energy. He steps forward and sits on the edge of the metal bed frame. “Would you like some breakfast? I had my cook make chicken and waffles.”

Lynell sneers, her upper lip shaking with the effort. “Eat a dick, Eric.”

Eric cocks his head, his mouth opening in feigned shock. “Language! I won’t have my niece speak like that.” Eric stands and turns to the guards, his hands folded behind his back. “I’ll leave you alone,” he says. He walks slowly, heel to toe, as if calculating each movement. “But if you start to become a problem, I’ll station a few guards in here to keep you under control. If you behave, they’ll stay right outside.” He gestures to the door, and Lynell leans to the side, seeing two other men outside standing with their back to the wall, like statues. “If you begin to test my patience, I’ll bring in some of my more creative men. Maybe you can have a reunion with Reggie.” He steps out of the room and turns to look at her again. For a second, she sees a flash of Zach in his face, like a sick reminder that her cousin is dead, and Eric is still here. “I suggest ending it quickly and giving me the letter. It’s what’s best for us all.”