Jony had stepped outside the barn to clear his head. He hadn’t expected spending his evening torturing someone, and he had no appetite for wet work. Dahlia, however, seemed to be enjoying herself. He could hear the captive’s screams thirty yards away.

I’ve been out here long enough. She probably misses me, Jony thought.

He turned toward the direction of the barn, but then stopped when he noticed a black silhouette approaching; it was Dahlia, whom he could barely see in the darkness.

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“Mum?” Jony asked.

Dahlia came close and caressed the side of Jony’s face with her fingers.

Jony’s heart raced, and his body tensed.

She was so close that her lips were almost touching his ear.

“He knows nothing. Take care of him, and see me when you’re finished,” Dahlia whispered.

Jony felt excited and sick simultaneously.

This is a test, he thought. If I’m going to stay in her good graces, I need to eliminate this man.

Jony walked into the barn, dreading his next move.