It was a quiet neighborhood, lush with well-tended lawns and big shade trees. The neighbors were friendly but not given to poking into other people’s business. It had never been necessary to call police to settle disputes. So it was beyond shocking the day a ragged, bruised, and bloody woman came pounding on the Miller’s door, screaming for help.
“Por favor!” she pleaded. In broken English, she told a story of captivity and sexual slavery right next door. As the investigation proceeded, several adult women and a few teen girls were rescued from a sound-proofed basement.
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My story today is loosely based on a true story from a few years back. The man who enslaved these women was quiet, kept to himself, and never caused any trouble–for anyone outside his home.
Just Writing! 
A grim tale, but it happens
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Yes. It was shocking as it. unfolded. How did he manage for so long? I think he’s imprisoned now. I don’t remember if he actually murdered any of his captives. I also don’t remember what happened to them once they were freed, or if any of those who helped him are also in jail.
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A very dark tale. From your comment above it sounds like it was based on reality. I hope the victims had help returning to a normal life.
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They were, if memory serves. Social services was contacted right away, and the women and girls were cared for medically and emotionally. I have no idea how they’re all doing now.
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A sad tale, more so because it is based on fact
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My goodness, knowing what your neighbours are doing is considered intrusive, but sometimes you need to know. A sad story indeed.
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The perp capitalized on the “mind your own business” attitude of his neighbors. It worked for several years.
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Goes to show, you just never know… Now I’m thinking of the book “Room”
An excellent story,Linda.
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Thanks, Dale. Haven’t read that book–I’ll have to check it out. So many books, so little time 🙂
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They made a movie of it – poor girl locked away in a shed in a backyard for years….
And I feel you. So many books!
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Dear Linda,
There’ve been more than one story like this over the past few years. Frightening. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A terse tale of the dark side.
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sometimes, it’s not all that it seems. i live in a quiet neighborhood where the authorities raided a house converted into a brothel.
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Om my. No, things are not always as they seem.
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Oh dear
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Unsettling but, a sad reality. Some people have no clue how often this actually occurs.
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I remember. You just never know.
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Grim story, Linda, more so because this sort of thing happens in real life. Thank God, women and girls are rescued.
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There are those creeps who imprison females for years and there are other creeps who have diplomatic status that allows them to bring their “staff” (i.e. slaves) to other countries with them and nobody seems to bat an eye at it. There is too much labor/sex trafficking/exploitation going on in the world that is a continuing manifestation patriarchy at its worst. My heart goes out to anyone who has been trapped/imprisoned like this!
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Even in the quietest neighbourhood, there are secrets… well told, Linda 🙂
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Thank you!
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I remember far too many stories like this on the news in recent years. Horrible.
Well told!
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