Chapter 51
“Look at me.” Lyle gently shook both shoulders. “You have to look at me!”
When the captive finally met Lyle’s gaze, Lyle put everything he had into his stare. “I’m going to take that off but you have to promise me, you have to swear on your life that you won’t make a sound. No crying. No screaming. Don’t even try to whisper.” Lyle released his hold and reached for the gag. “I sincerely doubt that I have to tell you how vital it is that you listen to me right now.”
The lighting was too poor to see anything but the nod, so it took Lyle several seconds to trust that his request would be obeyed. When the hitching chest began to still and when the breaths sounded more like normal breathing than crying, Lyle felt around the tape for the end. “This might sting,” Lyle warned.