Chapter Thirty Three

"In Santa Eduviges, I do have the right. Whether you like it or not, you are now a citizen of this island. Under the laws of Santa Eduviges, I bought you and now I own you. And you'd better understand something, Trish Bousquet. Once this conversation is over, you will continue to fulfill your obligations as my servant. Nothing between us has changed."

"Officer ... I ... I mean..."

"Yes. You are calling me 'Officer Bousquet' instead of 'Mistress Bousquet'. You'd better understand that will stop as soon as this conversation concludes."

Trish felt numb. She felt the world closing in on her last hope; that her money meant anything on Santa Eduviges. Eve took note of her exasperated expression and continued:

"Actions have consequences, Trish Bousquet. Your parents chose not to keep you with them when you were growing up. So ... as a result of that decision, you became in irresponsible burden on your family name. Very well. That part you can't help. But then there were all the choices you m