Contract Renewed

A trial that almost didn't happen against a man who doesn't believe he'll be found guilty, started by a woman who's afraid of what might happen if he does walk free.

Albert Edwards is standing accused of the murder of six women, the assault of one hand, and the attempted murder of Isabella Martin. The trial outcome will determine the young country's history, as debtees and the rich alike watch the events unfold.

It's the trial of the century, possibly even of the new era, as law enforcement struggles to deal with their first recorded serial killer.

Of course, that's all public record.

Behind the scenes, Nathaniel and Isabella are struggling to come to terms with being outed by the trial, and by a leak in the Program. Their families and business associates all know about the kinks. Nathaniel can shrug it off. He owns his company, and his last remaining family member is standing trial.

But Isabella is in a slum when the news breaks, visiting her family.

If even a visit with her family can't go well, what about the trial? What about the rest of her life? Once the six-month contract is up, she'll have nowhere to go and doesn't even know where to start.

The men in her life aren't talking about that or the trial, if they can help it. No, they're talking about putting a crop in her hand. About finding her a mentor and giving her control back, because that's oh so much more important.