The street was lit with the hustle that is New York. Thankfully, I took my wallet yesterday. The same cannot be said about my clothes. I was still in his shirt and shorts. But hey, this is New York. Thinking of not subjecting myself to the judgmental looks in the subway in my current mood, I hailed a cab.
The person who was hiding in a car and doing the continuous surveillance of the building the entire night, got into action when a woman wearing a man's shirt and boxer shorts appeared outside. Dialling the number, a text was sent with the message- 'she left the building. Following now. Probably reaching the destination. Be ready'.
I was lethargic from lack of sleep. All those accusations drained me emotionally. I was not thinking anything other than my bed when I entered my floor. So it came as a surprise when a hiccup that is more like a sob disturbed my thoughts. I looked up expecting Richard's tactics which I got used to but not in a mood to handle it now.
'Richard not now- ', my voice cut off when I took the picture of what was going on.
I descry a man, who is most probably one of the members of that biker gang, standing holding a knife to Richard's throat. Claire must be doing the night shift, leaving Richard with some sitter. Hearing my approach (that kid knows the exact second, I step on the floor), he must have come out as always.
Only he encountered this guy. Not wanting any witnesses, the biker dude is using Richard as a prop to lure his fish. Which would be me. I deciphered what must have transpired here from their position and expressions. I need to manoeuvre him to leave Richard alone. Once he learns I would do anything to stop him from hurting Richard, the game would be up. I quickly calculated anything in my vicinity to use to my advantage. I need to project the image of a defenceless woman. My weakened state and lack of sleep also don't work in my favor.
How could this morning go wrong so completely? How did he find out about me...my place? The only witness that day was buried six feet under, unless... unless the murderer told them about me. Just like before. He is a biker and that means there are decoys somewhere in the building with more people from his gang. Hiding until I act up. Last time they were sent to warn me, however this time...this time they intend to kill or kidnap. I don't know which one for sure. I deduced it from the weapon he carries.
What to do...what to do? This is the only chance I can get to learn about the killer. A golden opportunity that is hard to miss. Who knows what will happen if I refuse? If I follow him and hope that he won't kill me on the way, then I can find out about the killer. Can I risk it? All this drama would be finally over if the man behind the mask is revealed. I was not sure how to accomplish my goal once captivated. It's all hazy... but hey, at least it's something. If my senses had been normal, I would have thought of a better plan, but due to the emotional roller coaster I came from, I felt careless. No strategy. No thinking through. Nothing. Hell, not even lifting my hand, I went to the guy and stopped with two steps between us.
'Leave him. I will come with you', I said with coolness as if getting kidnaped is a regular thing for me.
The guy was surprised at my announcement. What can I say? Go big or go home. I couldn't reach the latter without causing a commotion and drawing blood, why not the former? Even my inner diva is surprisingly quiet.
'Don't play me for a fool bitch. You stay there. Don't come any closer.'
'I swear I won't try anything. Please, let him go. He is just a kid. I promise I will come with you. If you want you could tape my mouth', shit, wrong thing to say. I shouldn't have suggested shutting my mouth. Now he will improvise and bound me. Shit...shit...shit.
He took out his phone with his other hand and called someone, 'Derek, yo, bring the rope here. The bitch is sacrificing herself. How would I know? She's sweet on the kid I think. It doesn't matter to me. Shut up and come quick. I know what I'm doing'
As he continued shouting at whoever is on the phone to question him, I gave a signal to Richard that everything is going to be fine. His sobbing has not been reduced since the ordeal. For the first time, he looked and behaved like a ten-year-old kid. Poor thing. He didn't deserve this.
'It's ok Richard, please don't cry. I promise I will keep you safe. Everything is going to be fine', I whispered to him, not wanting the biker's attention.
I tried to locate anything that can be used as a weapon for later use, but my luck is so bad, I couldn't find a thing.
Finally, the biker must have reached some decision with the other, as he released Richard and took hold of me with the blade to my neck. It all happened within seconds. I could have dodged it, but that was not my plan. Helpless and weak. I need to project helpless and weak. Richard quickly rushed to his home and locked the door. After that, things happened at an alarming speed. Two more guys appeared on the floor, boxing me in. They quickly made the work of tying my hands and legs. Once I'm bound, they took me to a remote location (felt like it because there were no sounds of traffic) with me blindfolded.
That's how I came to my current prediction.
Sorry.
Sorry to all those heroines who thought they were smart and helping only to get caught by the villain. Sorry for scolding you guys while watching your movies. I never thought I would be among them but here I am, where exactly I don't know but in a similar situation.
My left side of the face is throbbing badly from the hitting I took and there is something seriously wrong with my left eye which is closed shut. My body is covered in bruises. I don't know how much time has passed since my last beating. But they try to restrict my beatings to once a day. Thank god for small mercies, right? My stomach grumbles reminding me that the last thing I ate is Long gone. Just like my beatings, I was given food once a day. Escape became a fantasy when I watched the number of people surrounding this place. It was a muddled plan, to begin with. Thankfully, they let me use the toilet, whenever I asked.
Feared of cleaning, I guess. But that too with close guarding. I didn't let it become a hindrance. Each time I was given some freedom which I used wisely by asking at different timings, I marked the guard's location. I noted their turning shifts. But once finished they always take me back to my room of captivity. There is nothing in this room except the chair I was tied to. I can hear water dripping somewhere. It's been 5 days since I was captured. They thought they could break me but I still have some fight left in me. I am not going to let go that easily. Whoever is doing this doesn't know me completely. I have a hunch who is behind this. I try again to loosen my hands without any success.
All that alone time made me angrier at Raphael. All kinds of emotions waged war inside me. Sometimes I feel scared, other times pity at my predicament. More often than not, I feel hopeless, despair, and mainly betrayed. I thought of how we parted, how he didn't fight for me...so easily letting me go. Though he used me, I expected him to come to my rescue. When will I learn? Each passing second is the reminder of what a person he is! Fine. I'm not a damsel in distress. Since when did I start depending on others for fighting my battles?
Suddenly I hear footsteps approaching me. I know it's not time yet for the next round. Something is wrong. I take my position hunching my shoulders and looking weak. The door opens and I blink just to make sure I'm looking right. My brain is telling me something, but I'm still stuck in my position. I think I took to many beatings, that's it. That has to be.
'I presume my guys took care of you nicely'
I don't know what to say, am I hallucinating?
'I know you are not that dumb; I'm talking to you'
Finally, I could move my mouth and all I could say was 'Why?'
Seriously, do you think I'm going to be one of those all bad villains like in old movies and confess my crimes? Grow up. But I have to say I'm disappointed in you. I sure thought you would be able to solve but anyways'
And she pointed a gun right at my head. It's funny how they say you can watch your whole life passing before your eyes at the time of death, but I didn't feel anything.
'It was nice meeting you'
BANG.