The priest corrects his ward after every parish account review. Maxwell depends on Thane for his home and his future in the vicarage. The priest's authority extends from the ledgers to the discipline Maxwell secretly needs.

Every review follows the same pattern. Thane spanks his ward across the desk for any mistake in the books until the count satisfies him. Submission comes after, with Maxwell yielding fully to the control that binds them both in the shadowed study.

The risk of exposure by the neighboring vicar grows with each session. Maxwell could seek independence once the debt clears but the arrangement has become the only place he feels secure. He remains instead. Thane turns the key in the lock.