Machala was asleep, her breathing deep and even. I sat down beside her and transferred our lunch to the nightstand. I moved pillows beneath her head after loosening the straps at her wrists. I went into the bathroom and soaked a washcloth in warm water. I hadn't left any cuts on the front of her body, but welts covered her. After running the cloth over each welt, I rubbed ointment into her skin.

She woke up when I loosened her wrists, but waited until I finished with the ...