Austin wasn't sure how much time passed when he was out, but he was awoken by Walter hastily firing questions at him like he wasn't talking to a man with his face pressed on wood. Over his panicked voice, he could hear sirens and people shouting. Collecting his strength, he pushes himself up ever so slightly to grant himself the view of the rest of the deck. The sight didn't surprise him; Allison and Phil were nowhere to be seen. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tries to block out the sounds in the distance, ignore the pounding of his head and focus on Walter's voice.
At that exact moment, Walter exchanges his nonstop flow of questions for a single yelled remark. "Fuck, Austin, you're bleeding!"
Austin turns his head again to look down and spots a small puddle of thick, dark liquid, slowly making its way through the grooves of the splintering, wooden planks. Once he touches his temple carefully, tracing the source of the blood, the memory of Phil's handgun coming at him fast returns in a flash. Or had he used his gun? He couldn't quite remember.
"What time is it?" He mumbles, moving to sit up straight. Walter takes his elbow to assist him and lowers himself, too.
The man checks his watch and answers, "Twelve thirty. What the hell happened here?" Austin takes a moment before answering the question. Twelve thirty. Making a rough estimation of the length of the conversation with Phil, he reckons he's been unconscious for about 15 minutes, maybe even 20. Nevertheless, long enough for the two to flee the scene, one way or another. He touches his head once more, trying to sooth the pain before he opens his mouth to speak. He's being cut off by Walter. "You might need stitches for that. Let's get you patched up first, you can explain later."
Supported by his colleague, he gets up slowly. Still dizzy, he closes his eyes as he's being dragged forward. There's only one thing that haunts his thoughts. "I fucked up, Walter."
"And that's when Phil knocked me out. They must've had some way to get off the ship unnoticed." Austin takes the sterilized gauze from the nurse and holds it against his wound. Stitches had appeared to be unnecessary, though he'd received a blanket for the 'shock'. He'd only used it because the temperature had dropped to nearly freezing. While he was being treated by a medical assistant in the back of an ambulance, he'd walked Walter through the night, releasing as many accurate details he managed to remember.
"Who would've thought, little Allison Dawson," Keith exhales, his voice filled with disbelief and a tad of fascination. He stays silent for a while, observing Austin like he's considering spilling something. Austin stares back, an eyebrow raised in anticipation. Walter speaks, eventually, "You're an idiot for going there alone."
"You heard what I told you, I made a valid estimation of increased chances if I'd go alone." He makes sure to voice the irritation that's bubbling up inside of him. "And you know I was right, you might've done the same thing in my situation."
"But I wasn't! And I don't think I would've!" Walter raises his voice in a demeaning manner. "This was a hazardous situation, Austin, and you completely ignored the risks!"
Austin's jaw falls. He gets up, ignoring the throbbing sensation on the side of his head. "Well, I'm sick of you treating me like a child! I've been working my ass off this week."
"The only reason I'm treating you like a child is because you're acting like one." The accusation had faded from Walter's speech and Austin swears he sees desperation in his eyes. It makes his temper even shorter. "This was your first official case and, correct me if I'm wrong, you decided it would be a great plan to sleep with the fucking antagonist! Tell me, was that a calculated move or a happy accident?"
Austin breathes in, ready to quickfire a response to this unfair statement, when they're interrupted by a car entering the scene, coming to a stop right before the brightly yellow barricade tape. Seeming in a hurry, the man gets out only a second later and moves himself under the tape, showing a badge to cops guarding the area. The moment he spots the two agents, he raises his hand, ordering them to come over. Austin hadn't seen his dad for just a week, though it seems like forever.
Walter nods, turning to Austin before he walks off. "Your father was confident in your abilities, Austin. I'm not going to be the one to break the news, I think we can agree that he should know."
"Don't worry about it," he hisses through his teeth as Walter doesn't bother waiting for him. He's about to follow when his phone rings. He signals to his father that it will only be just a minute. The number is British, though he has no resurrection of the combination whatsoever. He picks up and says his name, trying to not let his bad mood sound through.
"Aus-Austin?" He almost drops his phone. That voice. Though he'd hear her speak only an hour ago, it had sounded nothing like this. Nevertheless, it was unmistakable. She sounded weak like the air had been pulled out of her lungs.
"Allison?" The memory of her in that hoodie, revealing that she'd lied to him all along is wiped away by his voice coming from her mouth. In reality, he wasn't sure whether he could blame her for what she'd done. He hadn't had time to think it over, to decide just how much she could help how everything turned out. He grips the device with two hands, trying to pull her out of it somehow. "Are you okay? Where are you?"
Instead of her response, a soft rustle is heard before the voice changes. "Guess who?" The question sounded like a drawn-out sing-song, making filling Austin with cold-blooded rage.
"Phil, what did you do to her." He didn't make it sound like a question, he demanded an answer. Phil just chuckled in response, though.
"She's still breathing," he says calmly and continues after a few seconds, "for now, at least." Austin makes an unconscious growling sound. Now that he knew everything Phil was capable of, there were no boundaries to how he much could hurt Allison. "And I'll give you the opportunity to extend that period, as long as you follow my directions."
"I'm listening," he mutters, though paying close attention to everything he could pick up on the other side of the line.
Phil snickers, knowing just how much control he was exercising over him. "You have something that belongs to me." Austin takes a second to think. What could he be aiming at? Had Allison passed something to him without him knowing? Something that would guarantee them to meet again? He wonders whether this is a legitimate option or just his own feelings creating an imaginative scenario.
He sticks his free hand in the pocket of his jacket and is met with a small metal object. "Does anything come to mind yet?" Phil asks as Austin grabs hold of the chain and lifts it from his pocket. It's Allison's necklace. The fact that she had forgotten about it and gave it to him accidentally, blows his theory. It also gives Phil even more reason to punish her for it, he realizes as curses. He studies the medallion. What about this accessory could be of use for Phil?
"What's its purpose?" He asks casually, hoping Phil might play dumb for just a second.
Phil laughs at his attempt. "Oh, agent, you can be quite humorous." He takes a second to regain his composure. "Expect a call at noon tomorrow. Pick up or I'll blow her brains out." He ends the call in the same tone of voice he started it. "Till then!"
Austin was afraid of few things, but, even though he wouldn't admit it out loud, disappointing his father was one of them. He found a clever way to avoid facing the inevitable by giving him the objective summary of the evening and the phone call, cleverly leaving out each and every detail between him and Allison. He wasn't lying, he simply didn't mention certain aspects that didn't particularly contribute to the case. It was the professional thing to do. It's what his father expected of him.
Still, he was quite certain his dad had heard the full story anyway. That is, Walter's version which made crystal clear who was the source at the same time. It showed in looks he threw his way, eyes full of confusion and maybe even disappointment. He wasn't sure, he couldn't answer the gaze for long enough to be certain. Still, it hurt.
The next day arrived and, being the most informed about the person they would be speaking with, Austin did not stray from his father's side for a second. He'd be in charge of the meeting like he was in charge of everything else. Austin was nervous. If an opportunity would present itself to talk to Allison, he was going to be right there to grasp it. She sounded hurt on the phone the night before and he was sure that Phil wouldn't scare away from physical abuse. He betted that Phil was the one who planted a cigarette on her thigh and there was no doubt he was capable of much worse.
"One hour till show time," Chief Moon speaks, checking his watch. He looks around the room. A handful of men were setting up machines in silence. Though no one spoke it out loud, the tension in the room was sensible. This was a big deal. One phone conversation would determine not only how the mission was going to end, but also the faith of Phil's team, including Allison's life. His father is standing right next to him, though he doesn't direct his speech towards him or anyone in particular. "We have all the equipment to trace the call. This can't go wrong."
Austin knew what he meant. Translation: This shouldn't go wrong. Exact translation: Don't fuck this up.
Trying to clear the slight unease between him and his dad, Austin strikes up a conversation. "So, what do you want me to say?"
"Nothing," the man says, still looking everywhere except at Austin, "You're not saying a thing."
"What?" Austin checks whether he heard it right because he can't imagine he has. When his dad stays silent, giving him a hollow look, his jaw falls. "He wants to talk to me specifically. That's his only demand!"
"Exactly." The Chief grabs a chair and lowers himself in it, slowly. "If we give into that, we're letting him be in charge. We've got the key and, with that, the power."
Austin has to restrain himself from raising his voice and showing disrespect. "He's the one with a human life he's willing to end whenever he pleases!"
"She's part of the team, Moon." His father, in turn, is as calm as ever. "She'll be fine."
Allison was in danger and his dad didn't seem to care. It felt like he had her wellbeing in the palm of his hand. He knows he must do everything within his power to turn this around. "With all due respect, I know Phil better than you do. I think I'm more capable of-"
"I'm sorry, have I given you the idea that this is negotiable?" He gives him a look that says all. Austin exhales, tightening his jaw, but he shakes his head in defeat. He knows better than to continue this discussion. The two choices were battling in his brain, fighting to be priority. His doubt is interrupted by his phone ringing, making the whole room look at him in shock. The chief furrows his eyebrows in anger, getting out of his chair. "You said you would make sure you wouldn't receive any calls today."
"I did!" He defends himself, reaching out to touch the phone in front of him which is already hooked up to a machine. His hand is slapped away by his father, who takes a look at the screen himself.
"It's blocked," he concludes, irritation in his voice. "Must be Phil."
"Why is he early?" Austin asks, checking his watch, though he knows. His dad was wrong; they were never in control. Phil held the power, he always had and he would always be two steps ahead to guarantee he would maintain it. In a moment where Allison's safety screams just a little louder than the importance of obeying his father, Austin speaks, "I'm picking up."
"We're not set up yet." He holds Austin back, making sure to make his words sound somewhat threatening. It is not enough to drown out his worry for Allison, though, as the chance of her being on the other end of the line makes her feel closer than ever. He's itching to shove his dad's hand away and snatch the phone right off the table.
"I have to!" His loud voice shocks the rest of the room. His father simply raises his eyebrows. It's not exactly an encouragement to continue, but it's also not the opposite, so he decides to take it. "You know what he said," he reminds the chief. 'Pick up or I'll blow her brains out' had been on replay in his head ever since last night. The phone keeps ringing and he knows it'll go to voicemail in no-time. It's ever so subtle, but the chief gives him a curt nod. Not wasting any more time, he picks up.
"You should know better than to leave me waiting, Austin." Before Austin can say anything, Phil speaks, his voice low and menacing. Austin and his father exchange a look. "Who knows what would've happened."
As if the chief knows Austin is about to answer, he holds up his hand and says, "You're early. This isn't what you told us."
"It's just a measure I had to take in order to stay hidden." Austin can imagine Phil shrugging. He wonders if Allison is with him. "And it worked, didn't it?" Austin looks at the people whose task was cut short by Phil's clever move. Their efforts remained futile, as the machines were too late to detect Phil's location. Phil sighs contently, clearly satisfied that his plan worked. "Now," he says, "I want to talk to Austin."
Austin glances at his dad, who seems in deep thought. His worry about Allison must be sensible by now, as the man sighs deeply before demanding, "I need to know if the girl is okay."
A silence arrives. Austin tries to control his breath before receiving a stern look from his father. Then, Phil chuckles softly. "I'm sorry, didn't I make myself clear? I called Austin." With every word he speaks, his voice gets louder. "And if he doesn't speak within ten seconds, things might get a bit ugly here." Before he knows, Phil is counting down dangerously fast. He shoots his dad a desperate look, in which he simply mouths 'no'.
At number five, he starts biting his nails in order to stop himself from making a sound. His breath gets faster and faster while his father shakes his head again. It was one of the times when he hated the stubbornness that ran in the family. Chief Moon didn't seem too keen on giving up his pride anytime soon, even if it put someone in danger.
After number four, Phil pauses. "Do you want to do the last three, sis?" Austin holds his breath, awaiting the next sound.
"Thr-," Allison sobs, her word cut off by a cough, like speaking required more breath than she had in her lungs. She gasps, trying to gather enough oxygen to continue. Austin looks at his boss once more. His arms are crossed as he stares at the mobile phone. Before Allison can stammer the next figure, he gives Austin a nod.
"No!" Austin yells right after and Allison's heavy breathing disappears.
"You sure took your time," Phil says and Austin sighs, a tiny amount of stress leaving his body. "Scared the hell out of your girl, I can tell you."
"Is Allison alright?"
"Alright," Phil repeats like he's pondering the term. "She's got a pulse." The obvious avoidance of mentioning her overall state aimed at a likely possibility that she was far from alright. He had no time contemplate any further, as Phil continues, "Enough about her. I'm assuming what belongs to me is still in your possession."
"I've got Allison's locket right here." He holds up the necklace as he studies it again. He still hadn't found its purpose as he wasn't allowed to investigate, his dad being afraid that a certain button or action could set off something. It was unlikely, but they wouldn't take any risks.
"Wonderful," Phil sings, "Now, I think we can agree that you will follow whatever instruction I give you."
"What makes you so sure?" Austin asks. The room is dead silent and even his dad doesn't give him any guidance, rather giving him room to lead the conversation. The trust boosts his confidence.
"Oh, Austin," he laughs," we both have something that the other desires to have back. Both these things are fragile, valuable." He pauses, snickering ominously. "To some at least." Austin bares his teeth unconsciously. "It would be a shame if one of them would get damaged, hurt. Maybe lost even, if not looked after properly." Austin runs a hand through his hair, the endless possibilities of Phil getting rid of Allison in some way, only out of spite or to get with Austin, haunting his thoughts. "We wouldn't want that to happen, now would we?"
"No," Austin grunts.
"Perfect! Then, I believe we have come to an agreement." Phil seems overly content, an attitude that in no way fits his newly revealed character. It makes Austin nauseous. "I will text you an address. Be there, tomorrow at three. Make sure you're alone if you want to keep her alive."
"Should I expect you to be as early as today?" Austin can't help the sass in his voice and one look at his father tells him he's not thrilled about it. Phil simply laughs. Austin knows the conversation is reaching its ending and knows he must make the most of it. "Your locket is in perfect condition. If Allison isn't, then you haven't kept your word." Phil doesn't reply, at least not to the comment.
"Goodnight, agent Moon."
I finally did it.
I took me all night, but I managed to steal every bit of free will that was still left in that tiny, weak body.
I stare down at her. As she sits there, lifelessly, her hands tied behind her back and hair flatly covering her face, I almost pity her.
I swear I could see the final piece of soul escape from her mouth at the very end.
I rub my hands on my jeans, watching my handprint in faded cherry red on her cheek.
"Never thought I'd say this, but I guess you'll finally serve a purpose after all." I stroke her hair, pushing her head away roughly once I notice the grease covering it.
Disgusting.
I remind myself to have her wash up before the meeting. She must look presentable, at least a bit.
I bring my face close to her ear. "Remember who you were on the ship." She shows no sign of acknowledging his words, but he knows she's heard him loud and clear. "You're going to play the same careless, yet insecure little girl. You will do whatever I tell you. And you will not even think about abandoning the script." There's a silver lining to this all. For the first time, I didn't have to hide her punishments. I could go all out and, I must admit, the colours suit her eyes beautifully. With a tug of her hair, I pull her head back, forcing her to meet my gaze.
Her eyes widen, but I can see it. They're calm. They're spiritless. I smile.
"Yes, sir."
The response I got from the last chapter was overwhelming. I'm so thankful for all your enthusiastic reviews! I'm glad the buildup was exciting enough for you. Those reviews are what I do it for, truthfully.
L awesome 18 chapter 10
Oh my gosh...I can't believe it
I thought there was something suspicious about Phil...This Chapter left me in a whirlwind...I just want to find out everything...Can't wait for the next Chapter...Great Job. - Thank you! Hope you enjoyed this one!
unreal zebrachapter 10
so I finally caught up with this and oh my goodness.
I had a suspicious feeling about Phil, but at the same time I was like "nahh" but I WAS RIGHT OH MY GOSH! THIS WAS SUCH A PLOT TWIST
This whole story is so intriguing and captivating and I cannot wait to read the next chapter, I am absolutely enthralled by your writing! :D - Thank you so much for giving it a chance and your time. This review was absolutely heartwarming and I hope I can make the rest of the story as satisfying as this chapter!
Slinky Flower the Lovatic chapter 10
No words can articulate my reaction to this chapter except for maybe I'M IN SHOCK and WHAT IN THE HECK JUST HAPPENED!
Also Austin BETTER NOT BE DEAD. - Hahaha, not dead, thankfully. Hope the shock didn't confuse you too much! :)