*I own only plot.*
Sunday morning, Jasper was running on caffeine and longing for Trudy. He walked restlessly, asking for her. He cracked and sent an email asking for Trudy back, saying that she belonged with him. His house phone rang. "Hello?" He was hoping for good news.
"Jasper. Would you stop bombarding me with your pathetic emails? The woman is safe, she is healthy. She's asleep. Just trust me on this. Her safety will only be compromised if you don't comply with me."
"Can't you wake her? I want to talk to her."
"Fine. But only for a few minutes."
Ten seconds later, Trudy's voice met his ear. "Hello?"
Jasper smiled. "Trudy. Listen, we don't have much time. Make it out like I'm just enquiring after your health. Seriously, are you alright?"
"Yes, I am. A little thirsty, but yes."
"Great. He ought to give you a drink. Listen, you hang in there, beautiful. I will get you out, even if it's the last thing I do. Has he hurt you?"
"No." She told him, saying with her tone that she wasn't alone.
"Trudy, my love, I want you to know that you're not being abandoned. I'm working as fast as I can to save you. I love you."
"Ditto. It's dark here, you know."
"Aww. You deserve a nightlight and a proper bed, darling. You just hang in there, beautiful."
That night, Jerome visited him. "I have a doll for him. And look, there's a video."
Jerome gave him the doll. "A toy? You expect me to ransom Trudy with the doll?"
"No, that's to keep him happy."
At home, Jasper sighed. Jerome would get him his bargaining chip for Trudy. And his beloved Trudy was safe and secure. He still couldn't sleep, but he knew his adoring Trudy was safe.