Chapter Nine

Cecilia

How long had I been tied to this chair?

When had I last taken a drink of water or eaten any food?

How much time had passed since I did the unthinkable, urinating all over myself?

The answers weren’t coming.

Based on the fact the urine was now cooled, time had passed.

I had new uncertainties, not of starving to death or even dying of dehydration. I had new fears of living. My limbs were so numb, I was afraid they would never recover. And if they did, if I did, what would happen to me?

There was no reason to doubt my mother’s promise, but her concern was a simple kidnapping for ransom. I’d given the men’s words a lot of thought. What was happening to me wasn’t a simple kidnapping.

While my experience with the dark web was limited to movies, books, and television shows, that limited knowledge filled me with dread.

Who would be the highest bidder?

What would that person want from me?

I faded in and out of consciousness.

“Drink, dear.”