CHAPTER 015
807 Words
Madison's POV
I should have gone home as soon as I could.
But no. I decided to take the long route, thinking I needed air or time or something. I have no idea what it is. Perhaps I hoped that things weren’t as bad as they seemed. As soon as I turned onto the back road by the underpass, I got that strange feeling on my neck.
Too late.
A black SUV suddenly appeared and skidded in front of me. I could hear my tires making a loud noise. Doors were thrown open. As soon as I tried to get my phone, a bag was pulled over my head and my hands were taken from the seat. I couldn’t let out a scream. A fist took away my breath.
I couldn’t see anything.
When I woke up, I found my wrists tied behind my back. My ankles are also affected. The air was filled with the smell of bleach and blood. A single light bulb hung above me, swaying back and forth. Shadows moved across the metal walls. Cold metal. I found myself in a meat freezer. I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.
Madison, it’s good to see you again," the voice said.
I felt my stomach sink. That name should not be known by anyone here. That’s not the one.
He walked into the light. Tall. A scar on his cheek. Dead eyes.
You believed you could keep running forever?
I didn’t say anything. I could taste iron in my mouth.
He chuckled. We have your file ready for review. All of it is important. You did well, I’ll admit that. They changed their names, buried their old lives and sometimes hid in plain view. Nurse. From girlfriend to a billionaire. Cute."
He moved closer to me. However, we know the truth about you. You’re going to help us now.
I spat blood at his feet.
He laughed once more. I enjoy being around you. Got fire. We’ll see how long the effect lasts.
Hours passed. Or minutes. I couldn’t make out the difference. My lip was cut open. My eye was completely swollen shut. I felt every part of me pulsing. Yet, the panic was even more frightening than the pain.
They were after Ethan.
You have a close relationship with him, Scarface said. "Real close. We want to be part of it. You provide us with places, routes for security and code names. You open the entrance to the building. Or we begin returning parts of you to him."
I whispered, "He won’t pay any attention."
He smiled. We’ll see what happens when we find out.
They did not bother me. I leaned my face against the cold wall. I felt like crying, but I couldn’t. I was not moist enough. Worn out.
I moved my foot slightly. It was very painful, but I kept going. I had my backup in the heel. One more burner phone. Old habit. I twisted my ankle, broke the sole and pulled the phone out. I could barely move my fingers.
I only sent one message.
If you don’t help me, you will lose everything.
I stepped on it and crushed it.
Ten minutes later, they returned.
Have you reconsidered your decision?
I didn’t say anything.
They took out a knife.
We should begin by working on the fingers.
I shut my eyes. I was unable to scream any longer. I was prepared. Almost.
The wall suddenly exploded.
Smoke. Screaming. Gunfire.
The lights and movement made everything too blurry for me to see. I was grabbed and lifted over someone’s shoulder.
I caught her! someone yelled.
It wasn’t Ethan who did it.
I lost consciousness once more.
When I woke up, I found myself in a car that was moving. Wearing a jacket that had someone else’s scent. I looked up with my eyes.
Who... who are you, exactly?
The driver did not respond. Just gave me a phone.
He wants to have a conversation with you.
I felt my fingers shaking as I picked up the gun. Ethan’s voice was low and rough.
"Madison. Are you still alive?"
I was close to crying. "I... yeah. Barely."
You were the one who sent that message. You understood the meaning of it."
I didn’t have any other ideas.
You should have shared everything with me. From the very beginning."
Would you have remained in the same place?
Silence.
We’re going to have a conversation. He said, "I prefer to do it in person." Don’t try to run away again.
The line was cut.
I let my hands fall. The phone landed in my lap. I looked out the window.
Ethan knew. He understood it at last.
So, what do we do now?
Would he rescue me or would he be the one to end it all?
- Writer
