Page 5 of A Raven Realized
The screams continued as he neared the end of the long, empty hall, but soon there were quick footsteps moving in his direction as well. Dr. Mickelson swung around the corner, and before the man had time to register what was happening, Simon wrenched his arm behind his back and pressed the sharp blade against his throat.
“I suggest you cooperate.”
The man held up his other hand in surrender.
Simon pushed him into the brightly lit room where he could finally see the source of the distress. A woman struggled against two men holding her down in a bathtub full of water. She screamed and begged for them to let her out.
The men froze when they saw Simon holding Dr. Mickelson. They had matching black eyes. Presumably from Ash’s visit. At least they’d suffered a bit of pain.
“Get her out of there, or all three of you will be corpses before the second hand rounds that clock.” He flicked his eyes to the clock that hung on the wall.
“Get her out,” Dr. Mickelson said, nodding urgently. They pulled her out of the tub with a slosh and set her on her feet, water running everywhere. Her whole body shook violently but her wailing stopped. A piece of cloth was tied around her head to keep her from seeing.
“Did you torture my sister, as well?” Simon growled.
“We’re not torturing her. We’re simply teaching her to control her emotions.”
A snarl ripped from Simon’s throat. “One more word out of you, and I will slit you from ear to ear. Do you understand me?”
He nodded frantically. Bullies always were cowards.
The woman’s hands were clasped tightly in front of her, and through the wet fabric that clung to her, he could see every part of her body. As could the other men in the room. His sister had surely been subjected to the same abuse.
Because of him.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. If he didn’t rein in his anger, he would kill every man in the place. He cursed under his breath and Dr. Mickelson flinched slightly. Oh, how he’d like to cut the man’s throat.
What in God’s name was he going to do now? This wasn’t supposed to be a rescue mission. He’d come for revenge. Looking at the poor woman, he understood now why Ash had warned him. He might not be able to get them all out. But seeing this one suffer right before his eyes, he couldn’t just leave her.
“Can you hear me, miss?”
She nodded, her movements erratic from her violent shivering.
“What’s your name?”
“M-Madelene.”
“You’re safe now, Madelene. Can you remove that blindfold?“
She reached back with her shaking fingers but didn’t seem to be able to untie the cloth.
“That’s alright. Just follow my instructions. Take two steps forward.” Hesitantly, she took one step and then another. “Good.”
He turned his eyes on the other men. “Hand her a towel and a fresh gown.” They seemed unsure but did as he instructed.
“Now take two steps to your left, Madelene.” She followed his command. “Your way is clear. Can you follow the sound of my voice?” She nodded. “That’s it. You’re doing well. Just keep coming. Now reach out your hand and you’ll feel me.”
Her fingers trembled as they pressed softly against his arm.
“You’re doing so well, Madelene. There’s a long, straight corridor behind me. Make your way along and go through the open door at the end. There’s a man outside who will make sure you’re safe, and I’ll be right behind you.”
Slowly, her faltering footsteps grew quieter as she moved blindly toward the door.
“So, Dr. Mickelson, I can’t kill you today and leave the women in here with no one to see to their welfare, but it’s time for you to find a more compassionate way of helping them. Do I make myself clear?”
The man nodded again.
“Good. I will be checking up on you. If I see anything like what I witnessed today, your heart will no longer be beating the next time I leave. And to make sure you don’t forget—” Simon slashed the razor along the side of Dr. Mickelson’s face and shoved him away. As he strode for the door, he pulled out a cloth and wiped the blood from the razor and his hand.
