Page 136 of Vicious Vows

Madame Gothel says, “Welcome to Dallas, ladies. The show starts in an hour, so you’ll have time to eat before you’re brought out. One of my girls will tell you what’s expected of you.” She points at me. “Have this one brought to me after she’s been briefed.”

One of the women who washed us at the house nods. “I will, Madame.”

We’re led to a room behind the stage. There are a few chairs and a long table with apples, bananas, oranges, and water on it. Guess that’s our meal.

The woman says, “When the show starts, you’ll each walk through the curtain onto the stage. You’ll be given a number, and that’s how you’ll know when it’s your turn.”

“How can you do this?” a woman calls out. “Let us go!”

“Emotional outbursts are prohibited. You’re allowed to cry and nothing more. You will be gagged if you cannot comply.”

She waves her hand and the woman who just yelled out is held down while a ball gag is shoved between her lips. The men then hit her so hard that she falls to the ground.

The lackey continues, “While on stage, you will stand in the center, which is marked by a red X. You will stay there until the bidding has concluded. If you choose not to walk onto the stage, we will carry you out there. This is happening no matter what you do, and you’d be smart to remember that.” She smiles, or at least that’s what I think the expression she’s making is supposed to be. “Now, relax. The show starts in forty-five minutes.”

Someone grabs me by the elbow, and I’m led away from everyone to a room near the bar where Madame Gothel reclines on a red velvet chaise lounge.

“So, what do you think of my little set-up?”

I don’t answer. Anything I say will be used against me.

She hums. “Stoic to the end. I like it. Since our time is almost over, I wondered if you’ve figured out who wanted you out of the picture?”

“Does it matter?”

“Perhaps not but humor me.”

I answer, “There are only a handful of people that come to mind, all in my family.”

She nods. “Very good. Can you narrow it down?”

I don’t want to, because once I know, then there’s no going back. Knowing will seal my fate.

“No.”

“Pity. Shall I tell you?”

I huff out a laugh. “Why would I believe anything that you tell me?”

“That’s true. I didn’t think about that. Fine, let me give you a hint. Maybe you can figure it out on your own.” She smiles up at me. “This has been in the works since you were twelve.”

She waits, as if a lightbulb is supposed to turn on above my head.

“You’re terrible at this. Think of something that happened when you were twelve.”

The only thing that comes to mind is when one of my aunts was kidnapped and held for ransom. I still.

“I was supposed to be kidnapped that day?”

“Bingo.”

That still doesn’t make this any clearer. My entire family was there the day Aunt Maja was taken.

Madame Gothel sighs. “Well, perhaps you’ll figure it out before you die.” I meet her gaze and she smiles. “That’s how this ends for you, my dear.”

I resist showing any emotion, though I’m screaming on the inside. This is my fault. I should have tried to talk to Odin one last time instead of running away like a fool.

I’m led back to the room with the others and the woman calls out, “Ten minutes until the show starts.”

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