This is the sixth instalment in the continuing story of Tina Featherstone's struggle against the criminal gang who have abducted her with the intention of selling her into the sex trade. If you haven't already done so, and wish to get up to speed with the story so far, I humbly suggest that you read the first five chapters before continuing. nn*nnLong before Tina's shrieking cries deteriorated into a low, persistent keening, the pitter-patter of the sticks in snake's hand took up their rhythm all over again. This time it was played out on the sole of her other foot, and with the beating of the sticks came the sound of his voice. Softly and persistently, he began mocking her vulnerability. nn"How did you like that?" He asked. "Still reckon the pain was in my dreams do you?"nnFor a few seconds she struggled wildly, but the ropes binding her to the table were tied too tightly, too securely. Now she began to understand why her arms had been left free. Though they flailed around wildly, it was a useless gesture. There was nothing positive she could do with them. She couldn't reach below the table to loosen the knots and nor could she unbuckle the hated collar round her neck. In fact, the harder Tina struggled, the more the ropes seemed to tighten around her. She soon gave up and lay quietly on the table, trembling and whimpering softly as she waited for the pain to visit her again. She could only move her foot an inch or so, and the sticks followed her relentlessly. Pitter-patter, pitter-patter. nnThis time he didn't keep her waiting quite so long, though the final slashing blow was delivered with equal ferocity. For a second time Tina's body contorted in agony, and the room filled with her shrieking screams as snake switched his attention back to her left foot. Pitter-patter, pitter-patter.