Martier took a deep breath and told her about what had happened with the police. She didn't leave out any pieces, and in the middle of it tears she had tried to hold back began to fall.
Sister Mary gripped her hand. "What you feel right now—that feeling as if you are less, that you are less important, that you have fewer feelings, that you have fewer rights—well, that's what that policeman wants you to feel. Then it makes him feel as if he has more."
Martier watched her intently, her eyes still watery. "I feel … powerless. Like I had to shut up and take everything he said and did. And if Tim, my boss, hadn't been there then he could have done anything he wanted." Tears sprouted in her eyes again and spilled over. "I think that's why I'm afraid."
Sister Mary squeezed her hand lightly. "
