Eric walks as the guard cleans her, and when he comes into her view, leaning over her, she closes her eyes. “I hope it’s okay we removed your clothes. I figured you would be more comfortable like this. Don’t worry, we’ve treated you with the utmost respect.”

Lynell wants to argue, scream at Eric to look at the slices on her left hand and arm. But she manages to keep her mouth shut and hears the guard toss the rag away and walk off.

“Maybe they went too far earlier, with the knife. But I wanted to give you a glimpse of what you’re facing.” Eric must be leaning close to her because his breath brushes her face. She turns away only for his fingers to grip her chin and pull her back toward him. She keeps her eyes squeezed shut. “I’m not Alan. I gave you a choice. I will give you the option to defend yourself and your dignity. But in the end, I’ll take whatever measures necessary. Are we clear?”

Lynell opens her eyes, glaring at him. He smiles in response and lets go of her face. He steps back, and she watches him pace. Out of the corner of her eye she sees the guard setting up some sort of machine, untangling wires and organizing them carefully.

“I’m sorry about your current situation. But we had no choice but to restrain you, which I’m sure you understand.” He looks at her periodically as he walks, his hands still firmly held behind his back. “Zach threw a fit that rivaled his tantrums as a child. He wanted me to spare you and take you back up to your room, but you understand why I can’t do that. You give me no reason to trust you. Chance after chance and you still disappoint me. So, this is where we are. I’m going to leave, but know there’s a monitor on your heart.” He steps closer as he says this, gesturing to the guard.

Lynell turns to see him holding two wires with small, silver circles on the ends. He sticks them on her chest, working quickly while Eric talks. “It will keep track of your heart rate. If it slows too much, signaling sleep, then it will send a vicious shock through your body. It is very painful, I’ve been told. So, I advise against sleeping.”

The guard attaches five more wires to her throat, chest, and below her ribs. Lynell’s eyes burn and she looks down to try and get a glimpse of the heart monitor, catching sight of her body for the first time. Blood and bruises paint her skin, but she can’t lift her head enough to see how bad the damage is.

Eric steps closer to the door, the guard following behind, and places his hand on the handle. “Someone will be back to question you soon. Take this time to truly think about your position here.” Eric sighs and drops his head, shaking it slightly. “I honestly did hope it wouldn't get here. I wanted to trust you, Lynell.” Eric looks up and shrugs. “I still hope you’ll surprise me.”