”The spike in her last comment was unmistakable, but I had absolutely no interest in giving her anything for free. With my contacts, I had done my b...est to make sure that Amy and Ruth would get some good legal support, while I had also made sure that none of the money used could be tracked back to me. I had followed their case a bit, so I knew that Ruth would have to serve some time in a low security institution. She would also be well compensated because the system had failed and her probation. ” “If you really think you're up to it, Sir.” He gently corrected me. “A-” he pushed the underwear back into my mouth and moved behind me again. I heard the click of the metal as he picked up his belt. He brought it down in a skilled motion, once, twice, three times, in quick succession. This time I couldn't hold back the tears, they pricked my eyes and started to fall. The speed of the strikes preventing me from recovering between blows. I found myself grateful for the makeshift gag, it. The wind whipped at her robe, driving leaves and rubbish between the gap of the door and jamb.She couldn’t see anything, so opened the door slightly wider to allow her head and shoulders through. She peered into the darkness and reflected light from the window, but shadows were all that were there to be seen until, a darker shadow from the blackness of the night moved. Suddenly, two luminous eyes fixed Jan in the doorway, staring intently back at her.The wolf took a step closer, its head. The family let us eat in peace before pestering us with questions. Betty provided us with a big platter of chicken fingers, Buffalo wings, breaded mushrooms, and French fries. She even provided two types of dip to go with the meal. It was fantastic and the three of us told her so. I had two beers with my meal and I was feeling pretty good by the time that the dishes were cleared away.The family had sat quietly while I told them about our encounter with the sabre-tooth cat, our finding the ramp.