"You have to believe that I will do everything in my power to return you to your family, but it will take time. In the meantime, think of this as your home. You will be well taken care of here." He smiled, "My little sister is quite taken with you. It would give her great pleasure to be in your company for a while."
"She is a sweet girl."
"Good, I am glad you like her ... perhaps you would not mind spending some time with her."
Sara sighed, "It seems I have no choice. But I would feel better if I could get in touch with my family."
Rashid shook his head regretfully. "I am sorry."
"Sure, you're sorry." Her voice was flat. "So how long will it be before I can go home?"
"Perhaps in a few weeks ..."
"Weeks!" Sara jumped up from her chair. "I can't stay here for weeks. This can't be happening to me. I'm kidnapped, drugged, flown halfway around the world, supposedly rescued from being sold into slavery, by you, so you tell me, and yet I still can't go home for weeks. That's great, just great."
Rashid lowered his eyes. "Truly, I am sorry."Sara laughed bitterly. "Oh yes, you've said that already. You're sorry that you're holding me against my will ... damn you, damn you to hell."
Rashid jumped up and faced her. "You should be on your knees, praising God that I am the one holding you! Stupid woman, ... don't you understand? You could be dead now, or wishing you were. My uncle is not a nice man. He would have done unspeakable things to you, and when he was finished with you himself, he would have sold you ... sold you, Sara, like a piece of meat."
He paused as the horror of what he was saying dawned in Sara's eyes. "Yes, it is horrible, so be thankful you are in my hands, where you will be cared for and treated well, rather than raped and beaten by Abdulah!"
He approached her, wanting to comfort and reassure her, but she backed away from him, her eyes wide with fear.
"Stay away from me."
Rashid stopped. "Very well. I will leave you now. If there is anything you require, pull this cord." He pointed to a braided cord, hanging in a corner. He hated to leave her, but knew his presence was doing no good to calm his reluctant guest.