The gunshot sounds muted, one weapon amongst many in this lethal room, and Adelle barely flinches as the bullet hits because this is her punishment, her penance, the price she has to pay for trusting just one person in this cold loneliness.

When she looks down there's blood, soaking slowly through her blouse and threatening her control as she grits her teeth against the pain.

It doesn't – can't possibly – hurt as much as what Mr Dominic is about to go through.

Perhaps it should.

But if trust is a weakness then so is pain. She will allow neither.