"Caroline?" He called her name and heard a muffled cry. He climbed the stairs and searched the rooms until he found her. A dish towel was stuffed in her mouth, and her limbs were tied spread-eagle to the bed. She was still clothed and shaking violently as she saw him.

"It's okay, honey," he whispered as he untied the knots and freed her. She jerked the towel out of her mouth.

"It's not okay! I'm Oh my God, you're bleeding!" She grasped him by the shoulders, and he let ...