“You’ve made things very troublesome for me, Jamie. But you’re going to be a good boy now and do as you’re told. Get on your knees.” He heard the command, and he almost moved, for he was mastered now. But he felt no compulsion. That realization broke over him. He felt no compulsion. He felt nothing at all. James started to laugh, an uncontrolled, breathless laugh. He couldn’t stop; didn’t, until his eyes were wet. Then he looked up at Sinclair. And said a single word. “No.”
