"I'll let go if you promise not to scream." The hand on my mouth was about to let go when it repeated, "Do you promise?" a voice asked.

I nodded yes as vigorously as possible. Much longer, and I'd black out. Tight ropes bound my wrists and ankles, but his companion had yet to take her boot off my throat. At least they hadn't killed me yet. If the riots outside hadn’t taken out the power grid, I might have seen her face. Then again, if the power was on, the security system would have been working and likely I wouldn't be in this mess.