Las Vegas, Nevada 2000
The silence in the library was deafening. The books seemed threatening to the people seated under the window. Tears were shed from watery eyes and parents held their children like it was their last day on earth.
It was quite possible it was their last day. The doors to the building were locked, the windows covered up. On the far wall you could see the emergency exit sign. The lights were off and people hugged to find an ounce of comfort or hope in the desperate situation.
She was the center of it. Adalia Reid was the only one separated. Her hands were bound to the chair she was sat on and her legs were duck taped together. Her once straight hair fell across her face blocking her expression. The contrast of her red hair to her milky skin showed how scared she was.
She was never a crier, or someone who got scared easily. Being held captive was a first, but she didn't fear for herself. She knew someone was trying to find her. She wished she could say something, anything, but the gag in her mouth forced her to stay silent and simply stare and the kids and adults cowering in the corner.
Adalia should have known. She should have anticipated an attack from some psychopath with a grudge against society and law enforcement. She should have known her last name would attract attention. Anyone with an internet connection could find information on her husband and Adalia had no doubt that his information led the assailants to her. She could find a way out, she knew it.
When the door creaked open, Adalia lifted her head. She made herself panicked, started rocking back and forth in the chair, feigning fear for the men who walked in. They laughed amongst themselves as she tried to escape her bonds.
The man in front spoke first "Look at the ginger, we'll break her in no time." He spoke with a heavy accent. Adalia couldn't tell from where but she suspected it wasn't from Vegas.
The second man laughed. This man looked different than the first; He was lean, younger, had better hair.
"Fedalio, take the gag out" the first man directed.
Fedalio, the second man did just that. He walked calmly up to Adalia, looked her in the eyes and seemed to smile a kind smile, then he ripped the gag out with as much force as possible.
Adalia swore she could feel a tooth loosen.
"Where is he?"
Adalia knew what to say "I don't know."
The man got closer to him, and she could smell his cheap cologne wafting from his body.
"Where?"
Adalia's heart began to beat faster. She might not fear easily, but fear comes when you want it least.
"He usually visits me here around 2." She closed her eyes and turned away from the man.
The man turned towards Fedalio.
"Get the others out. We only need her."