Whoosh. Slap. The scream tore from Jillians chest as the flogger snaked across her back. She tensed and waited, but nothing else happened. Why did you scream? She didnt answer immediately. Although the lash stung, it hadnt actually hurt. Because I was afraid, she admitted. Afraid of what? Of pain, I guess. How many times have you been assaulted on the job when you were a police officer? Too many times to count, Jillian thought back. The last time, she was punched in the face so hard her vision was blurred for a week. Were you afraid then? No. I was mad as hell. There was an approving smile in AJs voice when she said, Exactly. You arent acoward, Jillian. You are not afraid of pain, you are afraid of the past. Take your power back.
