The smile left his face suddenly. “You understand what I’m doing here, don’t you?”
Unable to say anything, Julie shook her head.
“I’m helping you.” He leaned close to her face and screamed, “Can’t you see that?”
She jumped back. Her knees were shaking. She didn’t know how much longer she could stand.
He took her hand, squeezing it so tight she was afraid the bones would break. “I think it’s time for you to go downstairs now, to the little place I’ve fixed up for you. I’m sure you’ll be most comfortable.”
Julie tried to swallow but couldn’t as she felt him pull her toward the door to what must be the basement. He stopped just in front of it. “It’s damp down there. And there are rats. And bugs.” He laughed once more, for a long time, shrill. “But those, my darling, are the least of your
