Chapter 209

"I can't do the things that a young woman can do." She peeked at me from beneath long lashes. "You know—in the bedroom. I haven't had sex in many years. Bernard is true to me so that means he hasn't had sex in years. I don't ask this of him. I don't expect this, but it is his will."

"Lydia, what do you think Bernard will do if you don't go home with him? Now that he knows that you are here, will he kill us all in order to get to you?"

"Yes," she said quickly. "He will kill you all. And I suppose that is my answer. I must return with him, and maybe I will have another opportunity to escape before I become too old or he turns me once and for all."

"I can talk to him. Maybe he will listen to me. I'm not afraid of Bernard or his death threats. I have…well, I have someone similar in my life."

She nodded. "Yes, because you too are gold."

I stared at her in shock. "Gold. What do you know about being gold?"

"There is not much that I know about it. It's not a subject that is broached by t