Chapter 96: Chapter 96

On a nod from Trev, the gaoler took a cloth out of his pocket, pulled Jim's neck forward slightly and bound the thin material around his head. The captive was still able to breathe through the porous fabric, but that didn't help his unease. The gaoler then pulled Jim's body towards the edge of the cot so that his head was now hanging over. Trev lifted the bucket and began to pour a thin steady stream of water over Jim's face.

Jim's head thrashed from side to side, but it did little good. The effect was instantaneous; he felt he was drowning; water entered his nose, which created an involuntary action that made him open his mouth. The uncontrollable gagging reflex was terrifying.

After twenty heartbeats, Trev the Hev stopped. Once Jim had control of his breathing, he screamed. The cloth did little to prevent the noise echoing through the cellblock.