Charlotte heard yelling and commotion from outside, but the closed shutters kept her from seeing anything. She tried to open the door but it was locked. With her fists she hammered on it until her hands hurt, then the door suddenly opened and the man appeared.

"Why am I held captive here?" Charlotte yelled. "Release me, please!"

The man stepped forward, his face expressionless, and struck her across the face. It was a hard, savage blow and knocked her to the ...