Hey peeps! Another chapter has arrived, let me know what you think, enjoy!
Disclaimer of Blue Bloods except Nat and Zoe
Chap 3
Natalie POV
We lay in what looks like this guy's living room. The door was bolted. In the room was two blue fabric couches and a dark coffee table. Along the walls was only one bookshelf, shelves baring empty. There was nothing else in the room, supposedly the guy took out everything else that could be a potential threat towards him. Jamie and I were still handcuffed but no longer tied down to anything nor the device around my neck remained. Jamie was cleaning up my wounded leg from the punctured nails. He washed my leg with a cloth, given by the kidnapper along with a medic kit. He explained his want for us to live long enough through his tortures. Fair enough I thought, but that doesn't make anything easier.
'Ok, I'm removing the nails out carefully' Jamie said what he was going to do.
I nod and to distract myself from the process, I look around the room for an escape.
Gently pulling out the nails, Jamie would dab on some peroxide to protect the wound from infections. My skin burned from the cleansing, making me tighten my jaw to ignore the pain.
'Doesn't look like there is any escape to this place. The windows are barred and boarded, the door is locked and there is nothing in this room to use in defence' I winced from the burning.
'And I have no idea what this guy is on about let alone who he is' Jamie set another nail on the coffee table.
'I just can't believe you got caught into this mess. I hope Renzulli is holding up' I nip my lip.
'Yeah, so do I. Renzulli is a good cop and a good mentor for the matter. It would a shame to lose him' Jamie sighs and I sensed his guilt.
'He'll be alright, you did what you could. You had no other choice and if I was in the same situation, I would of done the same thing' I tried to make him feel better.
'I know, but I can't help think it shouldn't have turned out this way' he places another nail down.
Silence enters between us. I try not to think about how long we are going to be in here. It's daunting. I need to focus, I need to stay alive. I remembered what my father used to tell me. If you keep a good mind, the longer you run. Just thinking about him makes me think about everyone else. They must be worried, even Zoe. I can't bare to see her face if she sees what I got caught up in. It hurts, it stings. Just watching Jamie clean my wounds, they should of been left to bleed. But I can't give in, not so easily.
'How is everyone?' I quietly ask one of my many questions since the kidnapping.
Jamie's face fell, I already knew it wouldn't be good.
'Everyone's worried' Jamie numbly said, patting the cloth down to soak up more blood, 'Zoe didn't want to believe it. It developed so bad, she didn't want to go school. Dad looked like he broke your father's promise, Erin can't stop looking at the door hoping you would walk in. Danny is pissed as always and wants to do anything in his power to hunt down this guy. Linda is struggling to keep the kids from knowing the truth, Nicki being the only one who knows what's happened'
This is bad. No matter how I tell myself that it is not my fault, I still feel responsible.
'I'm such an idiot' I whispered.
'Natalie, your not an idiot' He looks up at me, hearing my fault.
Diverting my eyes from him, I explained why.
'I tried to help this guy. Yet I've should of seen it coming. It was strange on how he was laying out on the ground calling for help outside the station. I mean, I didn't even think how long he was laying there without anyone noticing him. I should of been more careful, I should of payed attention'
'Its not your fault. You did what a good Samaritan should do. You have a good heart. But there are times when there are people who use it to their advantage, there's nothing you can do about that' Jamie grabbed the roll of bandage and started to unravel it.
'You sound with experience' I noted.
'All have their own' he continued, placing my leg onto a pillow to elevate it from the ground.
I breathe out loudly, 'Guess we both feel guilty about something'
'Yeah' Jamie agreed after a few moments of silence.
We stay quiet until he finished wrapping up my leg.
'Hopefully that shouldn't get infected' he placed the used bandage and scissors down.
'I'm guessing some nurse taught you' I smiled.
Jamie cracks a humble smile, looking down.
'Thank you'
'I should fix up those cuts too' he indicated my neck area.
'Their small cuts, should be fine'
'Are you sure? What about those bruises? They look pretty bad' he looked at me with concern.
'I'm okay Jamie' I told him with confidence.
He hesitated before deciding to move on, 'so are you going to tell me what happened since your disappearance?'
I thought back to that past week. It was horrible. The dark, the confinement and the beatings. I wanted it to be erased from my mind but I have the marks to remind me. I hug my unwounded leg close to me.
'He didn't tell me much. He would lock me in a closet and beat me whenever he felt like it. I was blindfolded the entire time. I couldn't see, I didn't know anything. All I did was sit there and wait endlessly, wondering when the next beating would occur. The only thing he ever told me was it would be time soon, all of this would get worse. I guess this is what he meant'
Jamie placed his hand on my arm, 'I'm sorry you had to go through this, but we will get out of here'
By looking at his eyes, he meant it. I believed it too. We have to get out of this, no way I'm going to die here.
'We will' I agreed with him.
Once the medi kit was packed and zipped up, Jamie sat down on top of the coffee table.
'You know what I'm thinking?'
'If your thinking of trying of attacking this psycho, I've tried countless times and it never did me any good' I guessed.
'But two makes a better team' he added.
'So what do you think we should do?' I asked, willing to try anything.
'Its time to use your acting skills' he started off.
Danny POV
Putting on a vest and grabbing a handgun, I was preparing for the entry point. The squad team arrives and Jackie stands by my side. One of the squad members kicked the door in, three of them rushed in. I follow closely behind, knowing Jackie has my back. I scan the first room to my left. It was the living room, nothing. I hear voice checks, the place was given the clear, so they move on upstairs. No, no ,no ,no. They have to be somewhere. I check the kitchen, nothing. The disturbing burden was slowly setting into me. They are not here. Upstairs was given the clear. Soon, the squad pulls out. There're not here. I was so close and yet they are not here. Anger flowed through my body. That jackass! I punched the wall.
'Damn it!' I yell.
'Danny, Danny' Jackie tried to calm me down.
'I can't believe there're not here. Where the hell are they Jackie? Where?!' I frustratedly said to my long time partner.
'Danny, we need to focus. They may not be here but there has to be something here to lead us to them' she countered.
I sigh heavily.
The squad leader walks into the room, his rifle down.
'The Police Commissioner is here' he reported.
Great.
We walk outside and I saw my dad get out of a black vehicle.
'Any sign?' He asked straightforward.
'No, there're ain't no sign. They not here at all' my tone showed my anger.
My dad stays silent for a while, making me anxious. Cops surround the area and the pedestrians stood by, waiting for something eventful to happen. Yeah, that's what I'm waiting for.
'I want a full sweep of the house. Danny I want you to find something, anything' he orders me.
'I know dad, I want it as much as you do' I rub my forehead.
xxx
Jackie and I search for hours pulling things out of draws and cupboards. Going through paper work in the office room, ransacking the bookshelf and bedrooms. So far we haven't found anything. Finally there was only one room left. I twist the doorknob but it was locked. Not bothering to look for any key, I busted it open with a kick.
'Convenient' Jackie commented.
I flip the light switch on to reveal the room. This is what I wanted to find. Jackie and I walk our way to a pin-up board on the wall. There, thousands of photos have been taken. Natalie and Jamie. This sick monster has been watching them. I look at the dates on the photos, one dated about three months ago.
'Whoever we're dealing with, he knows some things' Jackie tossed a file from the desk to me.
I open it up. It revealed a report about Jamie. It included details of his house, the Reagan house, his birth date, full name, family, blood type, age, line of force he works in, co-workers. This guy has it all. I flip to the next page, a similar report was constructed for Natalie.
'What does this guy want from them?' I questioned, moving towards the desk.
'I have no idea, but I suggest we decode this computer. I also found this' she handed me a passport.
'Although his name is Carter Friod, it does not say the same thing there' Jackie continued.
'Robert Salvon' I pronounced.
I look down at the guy's picture. It was the same from the file we pulled up. Something doesn't add up.
'Alright, we got to find out this guy's real name. Jackie get that computer analysed. Get the forensics in here too, see if Jamie or Natalie were held here as well' I back at the photos on the wall.
'You've got it' Jackie pulled out the plugs to the computer and took it.
Where are you my baby brother? I get this sudden ping feeling in my stomach. Something feels wrong but I didn't know what.
Erin POV
I stay over at dad's house, watching over Zoe for a few hours every few days. She gets in these moods, from sad to happy and full of energy. She keeps talking about hope, the hope that will bring them home. I felt bad for the kid. She going through it tough. She hasn't been to school for a week now. Dad doesn't know what to do with Zoe. That's why I decided to come over every so often, she needs a female companion. An understanding one.
'Today I did some drawings, you wanna see?' She beamed.
'I love to see them' I nod.
Zoe runs off upstairs, humming a happy tune of Mary had a little lamb. Nicki walks in with two mugs of hot coffee in both hands.
'How is she holding up?' Nicki asked, handing me a cup.
'Thanks, she's in her high mood today. I like it to stay that way' I sip the coffee.
'Its okay mum, if you get tired, I'll look after her' she volunteered.
I smiled, 'haven't you got homework?'
'I can always do that later, family matters first' she replied.
Thundering footsteps sounded as Zoe rushes down the stairs with a bunch of papers in her hands.
'See, look' she showed us, feeling proud of her work.
My heart sank. It was the same drawings from the past few days. She draws Jamie and Natalie escaping the kidnapper or Jamie arresting the guy and becomes a hero or Natalie pretends to be friends with the kidnapper and then Jamie and her run off. I wished she would stop this. But she looks so happy when she does this. I didn't want to break her.
'Natalie is a good actress, she will earn his trust' she says, gleaming up at us.
'You're a very good drawer, Zoe' Nicki compliments her.
'Very good in deed' I agree with Nicki, taking a drawing from Zoe.
'So when will they come home?' Zoe repeats the changeless question again.
'Soon, sweetie' I answer, pulling a small comfort smile.
'How soon?' She asks again.
'I've got an idea, how about I take you to get some ice-cream down at the park. When we waste time, they'll come home quicker' Nicki spoke up.
'But I don't want to miss seeing them come home' Zoe persisted.
'Trust me, we won't miss them' she places down her coffee cup, 'come on, let's get your coat'
'Ok' Zoe bounces up and heads upstairs with Nicki.
I stare down at the drawing. The kid must miss having real parents. She really has latched herself on Jamie, ever since she first met him. The kid adores him like a father I suppose, a brother, a friend. She lights up every time she sees him, I don't blame her. My little brother has a kind heart. I really hope he comes home, safely.
The front door knocks, snapping me back to reality and I opened it without a doubt. It was Danny, along with Linda and the kids. I completely forgot it was Sunday. I've been too worried.
'Hey' Danny quietly says.
'Hello Erin' Linda greets me ten times better.
'Hey Aunty Erin' both boys greet me.
'Hello' I smile, giving everyone hugs.
The family enters. This is going to be another awkward dinner. It feels like half of the family is missing. It felt wrong.
Linda helps to put the boys coats up onto the coat hanger. I follow Danny into the kitchen.
'How did the raid go?' I pry, making him coffee.
'We didn't find them, but there is evidence the guy has been doing research. From basic to stalker' he leans onto the bench.
'Any leads though?' I pour the coffee.
'The computer still getting processed but we finally have the real name' Danny took off his gloves.
'Thats something' I carefully said, handing him the coffee.
'But not enough' he frowns.
I place my hands onto the bench, leaning my head slightly to the side. I can feel myself getting tired.
'How is she?' He inquired.
'The same' I reply.
Silence filled the kitchen, making the situation even more daunting. The kitchen clock ticked as time slipped by, every second counting to Jamie's and Natalie's lifeline. It ate at me. I wanted to cry. I was sick of it, I didn't want to deal with it. I hated it.
Grandpa enters the room, he notices our silence.
'Hey, you kids mind help set up the table?' He wonders to the fridge.
'Sure, gramps' Danny moves off to get the plates.
I glance over at a family photo on the kitchen's wall before moving off to get the knives and forks.
xxx
Dad arrived a bit late, but none of us seem to mind. The table was dead, it was depressing. I look down at my plate, the food looking good as always. But every time I take a bite, it tastes foul. I didn't want to eat it, no one else did either. We all just sat there. Nicki pokes her food with a fork, Danny has his head in his hands, Linda tries to eat, the boys keep sipping their drinks, Zoe stares at the wall, grandpa fiddles with an empty glass and dad just looks at us. How can two people make such a difference at the table? It was sad but true. Just like the time when we lost Joe. I didn't want to even think about losing Jamie too. It would be too much. Although Natalie was a new edition to the table, I felt that she has been longer here than she has.
Tears threaten to leave my eyes. I didn't want to cry in front of everyone. Especially not in front of the kids, but I couldn't help it. I blurted out crying, catching everyone's attention.
'Oh, mum' Nicki rubs my back, her eyes tearing up.
Danny shoves his plate away from him and gets up, 'I've gotta go' he mumbled and started to leave.
'Danny' dad called him, making him pause in the doorway.
'Tell me his real name' he instructs.
We all stare at Danny now. He turns and looks down at us.
'His name is Robert Salvon' he replies.
Dad's eyes go wide.
'What is it dad?' Danny asks curiously, taking a step back into the room.
We all look at dad now, wondering what's wrong.
'If it is indeed Robert Salvon, then I know who we are dealing with' he looks up at Danny.
xxx
While Linda takes the kids into the living room to play some board games, the four of us surround the kitchen bench.
'How do you know Robert Salvon?' Danny shot, not bothering to wait anymore.
Grandpa frowns as well. They're been hiding something, something we didn't know.
Dad sighs, taking his time before answering.
'Robert Salvon used to be close to this family. When you were really young, he used to come over here all the time'
'What happened to him?' I wondered.
'Robert became mentally ill. He became so overprotective of his daughter, Abbey Salvon. He wouldn't let her leave the house. He would just lock her in her room for nine hours everyday. She rarely left the house since her mother died from cancer' grandpa told us seriously.
'I don't get what your trying to say' Danny sounded confused.
Dad looks at the both of us before continuing on, 'Heston and I were just mere cops back then. When we both found out what Robert was doing to his daughter, we had child custody onto him. They took away his daughter. He was a complete mess. One day he tried to kidnap Joe from school...'
'He tried to get Joe?' I was stunned.
Dad nodded his head sadly.
Danny and I look at each other, how could we have not notice this?
'Unfortunately Frank and Heston had to put him in a mental hospital, for his own benefit. We haven't heard from him since' grandpa finished dad's sentence.
'So that's why he kidnapped Natalie along with Jamie' Danny understood, so did I.
'But that's not all, Robert is a lot closer than you know' grandpa announced.
'How so?' Danny blurted.
'Danny and Erin...' Dad looked like he didn't want to say this to us but he went on, 'Robert...Robert is your uncle from your mother's side'
I swear I almost had a heart attack. Our mental uncle has our brother? It couldn't be. It didn't seem real. I felt betrayed, not only by my uncle but also by dad and grandpa.
Jamie POV
The plan was simple but I hoped it would work against one guy. Natalie didn't have any doubt towards it, maybe because she was willing to try it anyway.
'Be very convincing' I noted to her.
'And you try not to smile at my brilliant skills' she teased while I lay down on the floor.
'Sure, but this better work' I say, looking at the door.
'There's only one way to find out' Natalie leans down beside me, taking a few breaths to relax.
'Ready?' I ask.
She nods, looking focused.
I make myself comfortable on the ground before closing my eyes. My arms fall away from my body, I let my emotions drain from my face. Please let this work. I felt Natalie place her cuffed hands on my chest and I hear her take one final breath.
'HELP!' She screams in her panic voice.
At first it scared the crap out of me, but I remained still, concentrating on not moving.
'I NEED HELP! PLEASE!' She screams again.
The door begins to make noises, ok this is it. No turning back.
The door swings open, banging against the wall with a thump and footsteps rushing over to us.
'What the hell is it?' He sounded worried but annoyed.
'I don't know what's wrong with him, he won't wake up. There's no pulse' she begged, tugging on my uniform jacket.
'No way' the kidnapper felt nearer this time.
'Please, he needs help. You have to help him' Natalie urged on.
'Jesus Christ, you better not be dead' the kidnapper replied.
I waited for the signal. I felt the tap of her fingers on my chest. One, two, three, that's my que. My eyes shot open, with the kidnapper above me. I grab him securely around the neck and rolled him over to the ground.
'Go!' I yell, Natalie bolting out the door.
The kidnapper tried to struggle against my grip but my handcuff chains were choking him. He tried to say something. I didn't care, as long Natalie gets a weapon to defend ourselves and gets help, I'm not letting him out of my sight.
'SOS' the kidnapper managed to croaked.
I was confused by what he just said. Why would he say something like that. Unless there is help. I felt a barrel of a gun being pointed at the back of my head.
'Let him go' a deep voice ordered me.
Damn it!
I let go of the bastard. Instantly I was shoved against the wall, my face inches away from a bulky man's face. All the air was pushed out of my lungs, my head ringing. Anger was written all over him. I didn't bother try to attack, it was over.
'Clever move, but luckily I have a bodyguard for this matter. I can't babysit two people with the capability of me get taken out can I?' the kidnapper got up and rubbed his neck.
My thoughts turned to Natalie, where the hell is she?
'Where's the girl?' The kidnapper asked the man who can easily break my neck.
'She didn't get far' his voice sounded mocking and his eyes flicker to me, it made me feel sick.
'Good, they are getting separated for a while along with punishments. You deal with Jamie while I'll deal with Natalie. Don't kill him' the kidnapper walks out the room, the door closing.
I swallow hard.
'Well guess I do get to crush you after all' he smirks at me.
