Since his last meeting with Alexi several days ago, Chip had been left in his cell. There were no more coercion sessions with Itami, or bids on Alexi's part for Morton's assistance. There was just the cold and solitude of the small cell that the exec had been forced to call home. His only contact with anyone was the guard that dropped his dinner off each night. Even that bit of human contact was devoid of conversation.
The only thing to pass the time was to think. Think about better times with his friends on board Seaview, or family holidays back in Chicago. As the hours dragged on, the blond's thoughts focused on Alexi's threat. Chip held fast to his belief that his captor was bluffing. It seemed that most of his efforts were aimed at Lee. Chip hoped that Crane's ONI training would protect him from anything Alexi might direct towards him on Chip's behalf. The last thing Morton wanted was for his friend to be put in danger because he wouldn't submit to this mad man's demands, but helping could put a lot more people in jeopardy.
After ten days of isolation, the lock on the cell door creaked open and Goon One and Goon Two entered.
"Long time no see boys," he quipped, as he opened one eye to watch his guests.
The guards scrutinized their prisoner as he lay on the cot, not even bothering to rise when they entered the cell.
"I think we need to talk about the poor quality of room service around here," continued Chip.
Not bothering to hide his growing annoyance at the hostage's lack of fear, Goon Two roughly threw Morton against the wall. Goon One locked a pair of cold metal handcuffs around Chip's wrist a little too tightly. The trio made their way down the hall, the two goons taking turns to shove the prisoner along.
Morton stumbled into the dining hall where he had last met with his captor. Alexi looked over from his position at the bar when the thud announced Chip's arrival. Signaling his men to leave the room, the well dressed man jumped off the bar stool, a triumphant grin on his weathered face. Glass of cognac in hand, Alexi strode boldly towards the man sprawled on the ground.
"Charles, come and have a seat," offered Alexi, whose excitement radiated off him like warmth from the sun. He placed his free hand under Morton's elbow and assisted the restrained man to his feet.
Chip made his way to his usual spot at the table. Half way across the room, he caught sight of Itami in her position just behind his chair. Once he was seated, she removed the handcuffs and resumed her rigid stance just out of his line of sight. The greying butler entered the room with his cart and proceeded to fill the XO's wine glass and place his meal in front of him. The butler then moved to his boss's end of the large table and placed his setting.
Chip looked down at the meal of grilled chicken, asparagus and rice. This food was far more inviting than the slop presented to him most nights. Eyeing the food suspiciously, Chip turned his gaze towards Alexi to await his current offer.
The older man watched Morton with great interest. When Chip finally looked to him to explain the luxury being provided, Alexi smiled.
"We're celebrating, Charles!"
"Celebrating what?" Morton's blue eyes were icy daggers aimed at his tormentor. Anything Alexi could get excited about would not bode well for the Seaview officer.
Alexi cocked his head to the side and raised his glass in a toast gesture. "Today is the day you are going to agree to help me."
"I told you before. It will be a cold day in . . ."
Alexi raised his hand to silence him. "Before you give me the company line, there is something you should see," explained Alexi.
Itami moved over to the bar and picked up a computer tablet. She brought it to the table and handed it to Morton. Chip looked at the screen as she clicked the play. Morton felt the icy fingers of fear grab at his soul. He watched the video clips with growing trepidation: Riley attacked on a beach near the Institute; Archer hit by a car while crossing the street. The video switched to the attack on Jamie and Ryan, and then to the view of a rifle scope as it followed Nelson and Starke walking across the tarmac to the NIRM's private jet.
Alexi watched Morton view the footage his men had spliced together from their recent attacks on Crane's friends. Not only could he use this to send a message to the Captain, it would also ensure the exec's cooperation. He waited for some emotion to spring forth from the young man across the table, but as in all of their meetings, Morton maintained an air of calm. When the video ended, their eyes locked and, if the seething glare from the Commander could kill, Alexi knew there was no level of Hell deep enough that the exec could condemn him to.
"I told you what would happen. Now, Charles, do we have to go to Round Two or do I have your assistance?"
Chip sat silently, trying to desperately formulate a plan.
Alexi reached over, and picked up a manila folder, and threw it across the table at Chip. The exec opened it to find a Navy officer's service record. The most recent assignment was Seaview.
"Lt. Commander Lyndon Davenport. Graduated from Annapolis; top four in his class. Nelson is quite taken with him. They have replaced you, Charles. I told you they weren't going to come for you. They have moved on; you are alone."
While Morton was assimilating this information, Alexi snapped his fingers and Itami placed a stuffed teddy bear in front of him. The blond recognized the bear immediately. The chocolate colored animal was dressed in a miniature naval uniform. Chip had given it to his youngest nephew, Harley, for his second birthday. The boy was so enthralled with the bear he never let it out of his sight.
Morton went numb. The room began to spin and his vision blurred except for the bear. He felt his heart pound in his chest. Chip wanted to jump across the table and beat on Alexi until he was a bloody mess on the floor, but the cruel grip of dread paralyzed him.
"They're fine, Charles. Dear, sweet Ashley, her lovely husband Mark, and their two darling children, Levi and Harley, are safe; for the moment. The charming Mackenzie is still alive to write her finals, Karen is still reporting for her shifts at the hospital, and the take no nonsense Jack is still helping charity cases find justice in the courtroom. Now, what are those words I want to hear?"
The man had done his research. He would have to act soon. Chip looked down at the stuffed bear again then slowly raised his head.
Not looking Alexi in the eye and with a subdued voice he answered, "I'll do it."
If it was at all possible, an even bigger smile crawled across Alexi's face.
"Fantastic, Charles! I knew you'd see it my way," he rubbed his hands together, then continued, "Now let's enjoy this delicious meal."
