Finally, after nearly an hour of searching, Yusef returned to the basement. His shoulders were slumped. His face was streaked with tears.
“I couldn’t find it.” His voice was hollow. “I looked everywhere. It’s not here.”
Demetrius closed his eyes. “It’s okay, son. You tried. That’s all I can ask.”
“I’m sorry, Daddy.”
“Don’t be sorry.” Demetrius opened his arms as wide as the chains would allow. “Come here.”
Yusef crossed the basement and fell into his father’s embrace. They held each other, both crying, the chain rattling with each sob.
“I love you, son.”
“I love you too, Daddy.”
I watched them cling to each other. Father and son. Reunited in chains. Sharing a moment of genuine connection for perhaps the first time in the boy’s life. He stayed down there and talked with his father for a while.
Hope. That was what I saw on Yusef’s face when he finally pulled away. Hope that his father would change. Hope that they would escape. Hope that everything would somehow be okay.
I turned off the monitor.
The rage that had been simmering since Rita’s porch exploded into something darker. Something colder.
I had been humiliated by an old woman. My daughter was being held captive. And now, the boy I had spent a week breaking was showing signs of reconstitution.
Unacceptable.
All of it.
Yusef had failed my test. He had chosen sentiment over obedience. Had searched for a key to free a man who wanted me dead. Had embraced his father and spoken words of love as if love meant anything in this world.
I had been too lenient. Too patient. I had assumed that time and discipline would shape him into something worthy.
I was wrong.
Stronger measures were required.
I stood from my chair, retrieved the key from my pocket, and headed for the stairs.
It was time to teach Yusef a lesson he would never forget.
36
RASHID
The boy was in his room when I found him.
Kneeling on his prayer rug, reciting verses in Arabic like I had taught him. His back was to the door. His voice was soft, mechanical, the words flowing without meaning or conviction.
He had no idea what was coming.
“Yusef.”
He stopped mid-verse. Did not turn around. Simply froze, his small shoulders tensing beneath his thin t-shirt.
“Yes, sir?”
“Stand up. Face me.”
