"When people say things like that, they usually have an ulterior motive," Miles says, more to himself than to her. Textbook narcissistic abuse. Textbook. And it made sense, didn't it? An abuser like this 'Mistress' would want her people to trust her, and only her. Don't talk to outsiders. Don't trust outsiders. They'll never understand.

He lets go of his arm - he hadn't quite realized he'd been holding it until Franziska had cleared her throat and started to speak. "It's possible," she said. "Likely, even. But if he did no wrong, he won't be charged with a crime."

Miles is still only half-present, thinking. "I know it's difficult to believe, coming from a strange adult," he says, as soothingly as possible. "But nobody will ever hurt you again. I can promise you that."