After ominously stating that he had to make a phone call, Robert left the basement.

The older man went with him, leaving me alone with Elias, Mr. Callahan, and my unconscious birth father.

The two men looked at me, probably wondering what to do with me now that their boss was gone.

Elias was the one to suggest that I be temporarily released from my restraints and allowed to use the bathroom.

“Why?” Mr. Callahan snapped.

“Because she might need to take a leak?”

Elias was right. My bladder felt like it was about to burst.

Mr. Callahan stiffened, his eyes on me for a moment, but then he turned...