Friday

Havermouth, Five Years Before

Aislen shifted uncomfortably on the seat of Heath’s car as his sedan bounced along the dirt track away from the river house towards the main street, her arse sore from the belting. The bright sunshine falling through the tree canopy was such a stark contrast to what had just happened in the river house, and Aislen was grateful for the discomfort – otherwise she would have wondered if she’d hallucinated it all.

“Tomorrow,” Heath said as he waited for a car to pass and pulled out. “I will come by a little earlier in the morning in order to inspect your appearance for school. Your shirt should be freshly ironed and matched with a white bra. Wear the shorter skirt. Hair should be down and make up on. You will be ready to go when I arrive and you will greet me at the door, nicely.”

There was a silence in the cab as he turned towards town.

“Aislen,” there was warning in his tone. “Do you understand?”

“Yes,” her voice was hoarse.

“Good.”

They cruised down her st