Page 74 of Two Favors Repaid

“I’m sorry, Stephen. I’m so sorry. I didn’t think. I’ll do better. I need …”

“I know what you need. Your hole is dripping, waiting to be filled up, bitch. But this is a punishment. I am not going to let you come.” He punctuated each word with a slap—it seemed he was done with the belt.

As horrible as listening to this was, Emma hoped they kept going. That they got so involved in the game they forgot all about her.

And then she heard Crazy Stacey say something that chilled her.

“Why don’t we go play with her?”

Emma held her breath.

“I don’t think you deserve to play. But maybe I do. Maybe you’ll stay right where you are and just listen to the fun I’m having. What do you think of that?”

“No, Stephen, you said we’d get to play together.”

“Tonight you’ll stay right where you are while I go see our friend. And don’t even think of touching yourself. You’ll find relief when I choose and not a moment before.”

Emma tugged on the handcuff reflexively.

Because one never knows when a solid pipe is going to simply crack.

She winced at the pain in her bruised wrist.

She waited for Crazy Stacey to say something, anything, to keep Ford from making good on his threat, but other than a sniffled whimper, the woman was silent. And then her door opened and Ford’s enormous shape filled her doorway.

“Guess what, Emma,” his voice boomed, sounding almost jovial and like the doctor she used to know, “we get to play together now.”

And even though Emma wanted to remain silent, she couldn’t help the words from coming out.

“No. Please, Ford, let me go. You’ll never hear from me again. I promise.”

Ford smiled. She got the sense her fear pleased him immensely.

Start thinking, Emma, start thinking.

“I don’t want to play,” she said.

“Good. It wouldn’t be as much fun for me if you did. Melody out there likes to play,” he said, waving dismissively towards the kitchen.

Not Crazy Stacey, then. Melody.

“That can be okay sometimes. But not as much fun as playing on my own.”

“How did the two of you meet?” Emma asked. It was a stupid question, but she would ask anything if it would delay what she knew was coming.

Ford looked at her cunningly. He seemed to know exactly what she was doing.

“It’s a long story, angel. Not sure we have time for that now. Maybe when we’re done, if you ask me nicely, I’ll tell you all about it.”

He laughed at his own joke and at her evident panic. He grabbed her leg. Emma kicked out with her other leg, but he caught her easily, dragging her body down so she was lying on the disgusting mattress. Emma whimpered in pain as her cuffed arm was stretched taught.

While immobilizing her with his body weight, Ford fiddled for something in his pocket and came out with a small key.

He’s going to let me loose. This is my chance.

Then he put the key back in his pocket. His eyes twinkled.

“I think this first time, we’ll do it just like this. If it hurts, feel free to scream,” he whispered.