The next morning, Jack looks nothing like she did when I saw her in her room. She's dressed in a long black skirt, a deep violet shirt that is way to concealing for my tastes, and a veil and long coat. "Good morning Riddick." She says to me. Her face is all I see, not one hair on her head, not one piece of her creamy skin except her hands, and she has a pair of gloves in one hand and the cover to her veil in the other.

She's pale. There's barely any color in her face and it looks like she's been crying.

What the hell are you wearing? "Morning Jack. What's with the whatever that is?"

"I have to go into town and its against the law for a woman to show her hair or any skin in public."

No way.

"A woman's hair and body are sacred and only to be seen by her husband and family Mr. Riddick. Jack is very respectful of the ways of New Mecca. It is for her protection that she dresses thus. Others will be offended to see her so exposed as you and I view her." Imam says matter of factly. The fuck you say.

He rises from the breakfast table and I watch Jack quietly take our mugs and dishes. She's glaring at me because my eyes are popping out of my head and I bet that my mouth is wide open.

"I will accompany her to the market since walking without a male member of the family is discouraged. There, she will get fresh meat and bread for a special dinner she will prepare for us. Mr. Riddick, Jack has become a fine cook. She has a grasp of spice that is sinful."

I bet. Sinful, there's a word…

"I'll go with her. We need to catch up on a few things." I suggest. "It's okay, no one knows me and I'm not on any new hot list. I'd love Jack to show me around."

Things have definitely changed around here and not for the better. I need the truth from Jack and getting her alone is the only way I can do that. Plus, I want her with me as much as possible. After last night, I don't want her out of my sight.

"Thank you Mr. Riddick. Be aware that she is not to speak with any men. It is also an offense. You are to ask her what she desires and then you ask the merchants. They will only address you since you are her escort. And Jack, be careful. Mr. Riddick, make sure no men approach her."

He's shooting her the death glare I remember getting as a kid from my foster father. It's the don't fuck up glare. Oh Jackie, what have you been up to?

"Okay, but I don't see that happening." I tell him. No one's coming near Jack if I can help it.

I watch her cover her pretty face and see only her hazel eyes. Imam retreats to his study and I put my hands on her shoulders and whisper. "Jack what the fuck has been going on since I left? Jesus!"

"If you only knew…" is all she says and she sounding so broken. Had I known Jack, I would have taken you with me….

We walk outside and immediately I see two men standing across the street. I noticed them the night before and they look like muscle. I also notice the guards in front of Imam's place. "You see them Jack? Who the fuck are they?"

"Faisal Mohammed's men. He likes to know where I am at all times. Thinks I'm gonna be his when the week is out and is looking after his property."

I go to answer her and she's standing behind me and to the side. "What the fuck is going on?"

Quietly, she walks beside me. "Where do I begin? How about when we got here they latched onto Imam like a warrior for the faith and it got worse after that? Don't glare Riddick. I can't walk next to you. Shut up and don't dare laugh."

I wouldn't even dream of that, I'm too stunned.

"You've got to be shitting me. Then what?" I say walking slowly and still feeling the tail. "How many rules are there for you to have to obey?"

"Too many. No music, no laughing in public. Any man can beat any woman of his family for any offense and we can't do a thing about it." she whispers as her hand at her side touches my wrist. She knows I'm pissed. This is one fucked up planet.

"No tattoos, piercings, and we're baby factories. We can't even get a job. What's worse is that at the age of seventeen, we are to…oh shit." she says as her face looks towards the ground. Fear is welling up inside her and I look towards the group of men outside the entrance to the market.

Mother fuckers, they're staring, at my Jack.