I keep my eyes averted and use my only bargaining chip. “If I listen, will you release me?”

“After you hear me out, then yes, I’ll let you go.” He sighs. “If that’s what you still want.”

I turn my head to look at him with the most vicious glare I can summon. “It will be,” I say calmly. After a moment of silence, I snap, “Can we get on with it? I want to get this over with.”

Disappointment seeps into his ...