Nora was surprised over how much she enjoyed this life. She had long been skeptical of Audrey's idea, but she got it now. When you removed the abuse and allowed some of the modern comforts, like processed sugar and the internet, this simple life was relaxing. And it was clear that Audrey enjoyed it too. She didn't go back here to punish herself; she wanted to live here. That explained some of her hesitancy when Nora first asked her to help. If she had asked when she had only been back here, she probably would have refused. She had been willing to endure the abuse and chains to live like she had always wanted. But she had been reminded of how wrong it all was when she went back on tour.
Nora had a smile on her face as she remembered the latest group, including some children, having wide eyes as Leann and her had taught them how the wool from sheep turned into the thread they knew. There had been many instances like that, and Nora loved it every time. These old techniques shouldn't be forgotten.
Her smile disappeared as she unexpectedly saw Audrey with her face in her hands, looking tired and defeated. Nora at once sat down next to her.
"What happened?"
"They called from the FBI. Philip and Arthur are set to be executed next week."
Nora didn't understand why that would make her feel sad, so she waited for a continuation.
"Philip's last request was a meeting with me." Audrey managed to get out eventually.
What? Why would he want that? Could he do that?
"Can't you refuse?"
"I can. But they would want to know why."
"The way he looked at you during the trial should be more than enough reason. Besides, they have several interviews where you explained how he was the one who physically tortured you! What more reason do you need?"
"The person who called me seemed surprised that I even considered refusing. Apparently, these last requests are quite important. He could have asked for almost anything, yet he asked to meet me. Not just anyone connected to his case, but me specifically."
"Let us call a lawyer to hear what your options are. They cannot possibly force you to go meet the man who made your life hell."
"I just feel so conflicted. One part of me wants to stay as far away from him as possible, but another, the more adventurous part of me knows that if I refuse, I will never know what he wants to tell me."
"You mean you're actually considering it?"
"It won't be dangerous. The woman on the phone explained it to me. He will either be inside the cell or restrained and won't be able to touch me. It's what he might say that worries me."
That was what Nora worried about too. Would he know exactly what to say to get under her skin? Philip had been the one to study her the most and he had certainly taken a personal interest in her.
"When do you need to decide?"
"She expected an answer immediately, but when I expressed reluctance, she gave me until tomorrow. If I am to refuse, he can appeal the decision and they will have a judge decide whether they can force me."
"They cannot possibly force you to meet the man who personally made you a slave!"
"Most likely not. But by refusing, wouldn't I indicate to him that I'm still afraid of him?"
"Why would that matter? He will be dead by next week, whether you accept it or not."
"But then I will wonder for the rest of my life what he wants to say."
"I can tell you what he wants to say. He wants to get under your skin, to make sure you will regret ever betraying him."
"Yes, most likely. But he might also be delusional enough to think that I harbor feelings for him. If I go, I get to tell him everything that we have done here and how we are all thriving despite everything he tried to do."
"Well, I think it's a horrible idea. But it's your decision." Nora couldn't fathom why Audrey would even consider this. She saw no way this wouldn't end badly.