Story Notes: This isn't taking long to type up. The last half took a lot of planning and putting together. I originally wanted to separate this into two stories. I've never written a long chapter fanfiction, so I decided to leave it. Time for the interrogation, how will he fair? Read on to find out.
Chapter Summary: Tintin fears what may happen to him and Dr Krikov but will he finally work out why they were so anxious to catch him?
Suggested Music
1. Past in Flames - Secession Studios
2. Veil Of Shadows (Dark Music for Dark Minds) - Secession Studios
3. Manifesto - Secession Studios
Chapter 8
The sparse room didn't offer Tintin much hope. Tied to a chair, he continued to imagine what might happen. He didn't expect fair treatment. That was evident in the way the men handled him upon arrest. The only other object, apart from the lights, that occupied the room was another chair.
What will they do?
Where's Snowy?
Well, at least I've got a chance to work out what's going on.
Don't give in.
As the door opened, Tintin readied himself, managing to pull himself upright a bit more despite the restraints. The man was tall with his head devoid of any hair. He was unable to identify the rank of the officer, but the additional buttons upon the epaulettes gave Tintin the impression that he couldn't be a corporal. Amongst the dark green uniform, the man adorned a nameplate on his chest.
Sietz.
The man stood for a moment, folding his arms.
"You're a hard man to catch manhir Tintin," Sietz commented, stepping closer.
"So you're Tintin the Journalist,"
"Reporter," Tintin corrected.
"Apologies my mistake," Sietz remarked with a hint of sarcasm, followed by a smug grin.
Sietz sat down opposite Tintin.
"What do you want from me?" Tintin asked sternly.
"Well ... Straight to the point. You have something we want,"
Tintin raised his eyebrow.
"We?"
"You left Slydavia accompanied by two scientists, Professor Alfredo Topolino and Professor Cuthbert Calculus,"
Tintin froze, unable to speak.
This situation has nothing to do with me.
They want the professors, but why?
"Both of these men have disappeared,"
"And?"
"Where are they?"
Tintin bit the inside of his mouth, remaining silent.
"You're going to do this the hard way?" Sietz sneered as he stood up. "I prefer the hard way,"
As Sietz approached him, Tintin leant back, but it didn't deter him. As Sietz' lips brushed against his ear, Tintin squirmed, attempting to move his head away.
"I'm sure your friend will be a lot more forthcoming,"
"Don't touch him!" Tintin demanded, suddenly regaining his voice.
"Ah finally," Sietz chuckled, grabbing the chair. Sietz pushed the chair until it balanced on its back legs. Tintin desperately tried to remain still, fearing Sietz would let go at any second.
"Right now, I could do anything, to you or your friend," Sietz whispered. "Where did you hide them?"
"I will never tell you that,"
Sietz disappeared, moving behind Tintin. Before Tintin had the chance to breathe, Sietz wrapped his arm around Tintin's neck and squeezed. Tintin struggled, digging his nails into the wooden chair. Sietz' whisper echoed in his ear as the pressure against his throat gradually increased. Tintin persevered, but he couldn't keep it up.
I won't give in, no matter what you do to me.
As Sietz finally let go Tintin inhaled sharply, coughing as Sietz lowered the chair back into its original position. Tintin exhaled shakily, attempting to shake off what had just occurred. He was sure Sietz would be capable of much more.
"Wherever you've put them, I will find them,"
"Why would you be interested in two Swiss scientist's?" Tintin asked, daring himself to push his luck. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work as Sietz immediately slapped him hard across the face.
"I ask the questions," Sietz commanded.
Tintin grimaced as the sting of the slap spread across his cheek and nose, which was now bleeding.
"I will never give you what you want. I will die before I give you anything," Tintin replied strong and proud, glaring at Sietz. Sietz didn't back down, but his smug smile remained.
"As much as I would like to, Colonel Sponsz wants you alive,"
Colonel Sponsz.
That brute, Tintin mentally cursed. What does he want from me this time?
Tintin attempted to hide his surprise, but it was pointless. His dumbstruck expression only gave Sietz an indication of how little he knew about the situation. Despite this surprise he decided to delve a little more, risking another slap across the face.
"Sponsz? What does the Chief of Police want from me when I haven't even committed a crime?"
"For a reporter, you're a little slow," Sietz smirked, sitting back down on the other chair. "Sponsz was removed from his post soon after you and your friends humiliated him. What you should be asking is why the chief of Defence is so interested in you,"
Alright, I'll go along with it.
"Why is the chief of Defence interested in me?"
Sietz stood up and stared at him, failing to answer the statement straight away.
"You'll find out soon enough. Don't get too comfortable," Sietz muttered as he walked towards the door.
"I'm not finished with you. Well, I've barely even started,"
As the door shut behind him, Tintin breathed deeply.
How am I going to get out of this?