“You will only make it worse on yourself if you don’t get in place,” Master Rod said harshly. Maybe she was. A flat, electronic-sounding voice, provided an immediate translation in my ear. Similar clanks from other tables told me that this was the standard way a waitress approached a table. If you stay you will die and your families will never be seen again.”
I looked quickly at my phone to see an image of Paula, a young woman with whom I had an intense relationship a half-dozen years ago. “It’s going to be a little crowded in the van,” Natasha said urgently, “but we need to leave NOW!”
With the help of the unknown protection detail, we were able to load everyone into the van. Master Rod again stepped to the front of the stage. “I am told it feels very much like a regular leather paddle, but there are sensors built into it that control that little box.” He was pointing at the box on the floor.
