She hung upside down, sheathed in a clear thick plastic tarp that was held in place with bungee cords. Her ankles were suspended from a metal beam that ran the length of the building. Discipline was harsh and frequent. She braced herself for what was to come. Knew the agony would outweigh her anticipation of it.“Who helped you?”The lie was immediate. “Nobody.”The first blow landed, a fist to her belly. Oxygen rushed out of her like steam from a boiling teakettle. “Try again.”She was unable to draw a breath. Just shook her head in mute protest. “Refusing to answer is just another form of disobedience.” The next punch caught her in the left kidney. But his voice sounded more amused than angry. He relished the punishments. They were meted out in varying intensity for the smallest infractions. Finally able to speak, she gasped out, “Just…exploring…”“With. Who?” The question was punctuated with a series of slaps. Her face. Breasts. Butt. “Alone.”“Should your punishment focus on your lies or your disobedience, I wonder?”
