The food might have been drugged, but even if Billy had thought far enough beyond his own hunger to worry about it, he would have reasoned that there were simpler ways to manage that when they had such complete ownership of him.

He waited until the Asset had disappeared before moving, quickly polishing away about half the meal and all of the water before leaving the rest. Maybe the Asset had eaten while he'd left, but Billy wondered if like the bed he was depriving him of his own share. It only seemed fair to leave him some.

He changed into the clothes, which didn't fit him well, but were serviceable enough for sleeping, and then lay out on the bed. He drifted off without meaning to, exhausted and too timid to attempt an escape straight away.