I'll Be The One

Chapter 51:

=Normal POV=
[Monday, 5/6/2019-3:00 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Archian House]

After Hunter and Tallon returned to the main area; there was some food waiting for Hunter to enjoy. Despite the hunger, Hunter only got through a small portion of the food before complaining of a stomachache and still being tired. Hunter admitted that he got sick while captive, and that hadn't really let up yet; Madison said it might be part of the reason he isn't able to eat much. However, getting back on the couch to tell Dustin everything he dealt with on Sleipnir Island; Hunter laid against Toothless as everyone was getting situated with sitting down and Dustin prepared his notebook and recorder for the story; Hunter was fast asleep again, laying on Tallon's shoulder while holding his hand still. Everyone knew Hunter was exhausted; he was clean and had something in his stomach, but still trying to catch up on the sleep he missed. They tried to wake Hunter up, but he wasn't having it and eventually, Dustin said he'd come back the next day.

Hunter slept until about 7 pm on Sunday night; then he woke up feeling a little better than before and had something small to eat such as a sandwich. Around 10 pm, Hunter and Tallon went to Hunter's bedroom and turned in for the night. The friends were in their areas, which were two rooms across the hall from Hunter's. The next morning came and Hunter was up at 7:30 am; he took a pain killer and hot shower before joining everyone downstairs for breakfast. Hunter managed to eat a teenager-sized portion of food this time, and stay up for a little while before the fatigue set in. Hunter went back to sleep from 11 am to 2 pm, but awoke for lunch and admitted that he felt great as far as well-rested went. Which was good; it meant he was getting back on a normal sleep schedule and had rested enough to not be wicked tired anymore.

Hunter ate two ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch. Now, it was 3 pm and Dustin was back to get the story about what happened to Hunter from start to end. Hunter had also already prepared a written statement and signed it with both his father and Tallon at witnesses. With everyone in the family room, sitting, and Dustin all set up; the attention was on Hunter who was sitting beside Tallon as usual.

"Alright, Hunter. I trust we're well rested and fed to get through this?" Dustin asked.

"Yeah, I should be okay for it," Hunter nodded. "Then maybe a nap after," he added with a yawn.

"Everything still fresh in your mind?" Gregory questioned.

"Come on, Uncle Gabe…My memory is almost photographic," Hunter stated in a bored tone.

"True," Salvatore nodded.

"Now, I'll need everyone to be quiet, so it doesn't interfere with the recording. I only need Hunter's story and me asking questions," Dustin reminded the others.

"No problem, Dad," Tallon assured as he held Hunter's hand. Dustin flipped on the recorder, and made the opening remark that this was the verbal statement of Hunter Haddock regarding his kidnapping from Sunday, April 28th to Saturday, May 4th in the year 2019.

"Whenever you're ready, Hunter," Dustin set the recorder down gently on the table. Tallon gave Hunter's hand a squeeze, nodding reassuringly at him that it was alright. Hunter said plenty of times he'd be okay talking about what happened, but that moment had come and it seemed like Hunter was nervous and hesitant to actually speak about his six-day kidnapping. However, with Tallon giving him that smile and holding his hand; Hunter knew he could do this and if he just did it, then it would be over and done with that much faster.

"On Sunday, April 28th about 6:00 at night; I was walking through Archi Park alone. I wanted to be left alone, and slipped my protection detail. I was grabbed from behind, my arms being pinned at my sides and then someone else punched me in the stomach. I got the person in front away, and the broke out of the hold. I was struck hard in the back of the head; I don't know what it was. Maybe a bat or large stick, but everything started to get fuzzy and dark. Before knocking out; I activated emergency services countdown on my phone and flipped the screen over. I went unconscious and woke up on a boat and overhearing we were thirty minutes from our destination," Hunter took a breath. "The first thing to happen was getting brought onto the island and being held by two people. Two were guarding from behind, and one was in front leading. I mouthed off and got beat for it," Hunter continued.

"What was the beating like?" Dustin asked.

"Mostly punches to the face or stomach. If I was down, they'd take a few kicks to the side," Hunter explained. "After the beating; I was taken to the cellar of the log cabin or inn, whichever it's considered these days. I was tied to a wooden chair, arms behind my back and stayed quiet while they set up a camera. Never received dinner, never slept. The next morning, Monday the 29th; I was permitted to use the bathroom, and then tied back up when I met the leader who ordered my capture,"

"Can you describe the leader, Hunter?" Dustin wondered.

"He stayed mostly covered in all black or gray with a mask or old-timely medieval helmet. I caught his eyes; they were light blue and he had pale skin. I want to say that from behind, I saw his hair, it was short, and gray. Age-wise, between fifties and sixties-years-old. Lean figured like myself, and he stood about six-foot and…Best guess is eight or nine inches tall," Hunter described. "Long face, never saw it from the front and I'd like to say he had a Russian accent too,"

"Thank you. Now, what happened next?" Dustin questioned.

"He didn't talk much at actually meeting; just said that it was an honor to meet me and I'd live as long as he got what he wanted," Hunter repeated. "Not much else happened Monday; got beat before lunch and knocked out until later on when it was dark. Pretty sure the guys said he wanted to see how much I could handle," he muttered a bit, but kept his voice clear for the recorder to pick up.

"Would you say it was just a beating or more torturous methods?" Dustin asked now.

"Beating while tied to the chair," Hunter confirmed. "I woke up again at dark, wasn't sure on the time, though. I was given a mini water bottle and one of those child-like microwavable meals as dinner. Got to use the bathroom, and then stayed up all night again. Tuesday was being forced to start doing work around the lodge; it was agree or get beat again. My body couldn't really take another one, so I just went with housework; it was all basic stuff. Dishes, sweeping, mopping, etc. I ended up sick from the conditions in which I was kept in,"

"What would you describe for where you were kept?" Dustin inquired.

"Cement cellar, looked like a dungeon to be honest. Old-style with chains bolted to the wall. Damp, drafty, cold. I wasn't given anything to sleep on, nothing to use as a blanket or pillow. They took my socks, shoes, and light jacket. I was left with my t-shirt and pants; they didn't have much use for my wallet, but I stole that back from them anyway during one of the escape attempts," Hunter continued.

"How many were there?" Dustin stared.

"Escape attempts? At least three, but after the third one; they grabbed a belt and whipped me four times, so I didn't try again. I received another beating; that was on Thursday after I spoke with my father. I was made to do work until 2 am, and didn't sleep again. Friday morning was them hanging me on the wall chains for a few hours, throwing objects, weapons, fists at me. Some hit, others didn't. I continued to do work until lunch time; I refused to cook for them, and they tried to beat me. I fought back, and thought I got away with tricking the leader that it hadn't been me, but that night; I got my ass handed to me for my actions at lunch, and it went until I passed out," Hunter informed.

"And what happened Saturday?" Dustin asked softly.

"I woke up around 4:30 in the morning and noticed the three people watching me were fast asleep. I snuck over to the camera, hacked into the equipment and sent a recording to all of you here at the Archian House. I used sign language to the best of my ability to pass the message that might help you find a location. I didn't know where I was, but I picked up on some things since arriving that could help narrow down place. Such as realizing what time it was when I arrived compared to when we were thirty minutes away and figuring I must be on an island two hours from the mainland. I also figured out location being North given where the sun rose and set. I debated the place being an inn or hotel because of the set up and all the rooms," Hunter explained. "All I hoped for on Saturday was that someone would figure out what I was trying to pass,"

"Officer Raseri is to thank for that; he deciphered your message," Dustin nodded.

"Thank you," Hunter leaned his head on Tallon's shoulder as Tallon nodded, remaining quiet still. "It was mostly work all that day, but no meals for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I hadn't eaten lunch or dinner the day before either. I had gotten several beatings throughout Saturday, just because they wanted to. At the end of it, I was just thrown back in the cellar a little after 11 pm. There were guards outside the door up until someone came in and was going to shoot me. I was too weak to dodge it or fight back, so I accepted my fate. But I was saved by Officer Raseri; he shot the man, and killed him. I passed out shortly after Officer Raseri carried me out of the cellar and was being covered by Officer Meatsen," Hunter finished.

"Was that everything?" Dustin questioned.

"Yes, Director," Hunter replied. Dustin reached forward and stopped the recorder as Hunter held onto Tallon tightly.

"You did great, babe," Tallon kissed his cheek.

"Now, Hunter…I've got a paper with some people on it; I want you to tell me if you saw any while you were captive, and if you might be able to point out the leader?" Dustin slid a piece of paper towards Hunter; he picked it up and examined it.

"None of these people were the leader…But I recognize these two," Hunter set the paper down and pointed. "This one, was leading the other guards in their attacks on me; calling most of the shots unless the leader spoke up and said otherwise," he said. "And this guy is the one that Tallon killed to stop him from killing me in the cellar,"

"Would you be able to recognize the leader if you saw him again, or heard his voice?" Dustin wondered.

"It's possible," Hunter responded lightly. "But…Doing a lineup won't work," he stated. "Leader got away; he left hours before you arrived. He's still out there,"

"Are you absolutely certain, Hunter. We captured a lot of people last night, and the ones who were on the boat headed for the delivery destination," Dustin mentioned.

"I'm certain, Director. The leader planned his escape before lunch, and was gone after dinner. Trust me; he's long gone, but I doubt it's the last we've seen of him," Hunter stated.

"I want all of your guards on you, Hunter. I know you hate it, but if the leader is still out there; you aren't safe," Salvatore demanded.

"I…Have to agree with him this time, Hunter," Gregory said lightly.

"It may…Be for the best, Hunter," Dustin nodded. "At least for now,"

"Dad…I'm never safe. You know that. It doesn't matter if it's this guy or not; I will always be a target as long as you are the president of the united islands…" Hunter reminded. "I've been an active target since the day I was born…You were mayor, now you're president. I was legit born into the spotlight. You could have me guarded by a thousand people, but I will never be safe. Why do you think I had Greg train me how to fight, how to shoot? So I can defend myself,"

"But you still got kidnapped for six days, Hunter. Even with all that training; you were still taken from the park because you slipped your guards-," Salvatore stood up.

"I got kidnapped because you wouldn't back off when I asked to have a little time alone! I wouldn't have slipped my guards if you left me alone like I asked! Yes, I got taken because I was upset and out of the security of my protection, but I wouldn't have been upset if you weren't on my back. I was able to fight off those who grabbed me, and I was about to call for help; I got hit again and only had time to activate the emergency services countdown," Hunter stood as well, ignoring the soreness of his body.

"And you saw that I was able to handle myself while captive, despite a few beatings here and there. Regardless of not being fed often, or any of the other stuff; I survived. I didn't panic. I didn't show fear. I fought when I had chances. I planned my escapes knowing they'd fail just as a way to get more information on my location, and then I sent a message that I knew someone would be able to decipher; it happened to be Tallon. I had my rescue in motion the day I was taken, Dad. It began with calling 911 and leaving my phone in the park on purpose!" Hunter glared. "Don't you get it? Don't you understand, Dad?" he asked calmer now. "I've never been safe, and I never will be as long you are in the spotlight. I've known that for as long as I can remember, and I put up with it for your sake,"

Salvatore stared at him, hesitating on what he should say. "My life will never be normal. I had to grow up always being on my best behavior, to be a role model for the family and your image as mayor. This continued when you were president. I never got a childhood. I enjoyed my teenage years because of Jay, but still barely got to do anything. All my life has been according to your life. When does it get to be my life, Dad? I put up with everything for you. The only thing I ever asked for was a shred of normalcy, and for a short time after the truth came out that you assigned Tallon and Trevor as my undercover guards; I had it. Despite the danger, the worry, concern, even the kidnapping…I was happy. I was happy because I got to live my life on my choices…And now, you're taking it away again because of one situation where everyone panicked except the person it was happening to," Hunter told him.

"I get you worry, Dad. I understand the fear you hold to lose me. But you need to understand that I'm not defenseless. I'm not weak. I'm not stupid. I do know how to take care of myself and survive in tough situations. But fear or not…You should be able to trust me, and it bothers me more than words can ever describe that you don't," Hunter closed his eyes and walked away. "You do whatever you want, Dad, and I'll just put up with as I have for the last twenty-two years, for you, so you'll feel better. If you want all my guards on me; okay. Fine. I'm done arguing with you about it. Now, if you don't mind; I'm going to sleep," Hunter closed his eyes and stuck his hands in his pockets, "I'll be in my room if you need to know where to send them," he added and walked out of the room.

"I'll go talk to him," Tallon got up.

"Stay here, son," Dustin told him.

"Am I in the wrong here, Greg?" Salvatore asked.

"Not for wanting him safe, no…But I suppose after hearing how Hunter put it; it does sound like he handled things pretty well and perhaps having all of his guards on him is a bit excessive. He is usually with Tallon or his friends and they would protect him if something happened," Gregory mentioned.

"Absolutely," Tallon agreed. "Trevor and I already did that once when Hunter and I were coming back from a date and there was the shooting and attack. Hunter is always protected in some form or another, increasing his security to be more…Visible, shall we say; isn't going to do any more or less than what it is now,"

"Perhaps we can talk with Hunter about not slipping his guards, and giving him space, within reason that is comfortable for Hunter and also respecting his wishes?" Dustin offered.

"Valid points," Gregory nodded. "The call is yours, Sal. I know it was terrifying for him to be kidnapped, but he didn't give them an easy time, and he did give us what we needed to find him without giving into the demands requested. You heard him about never being safe. Sadly…He's not wrong. I feel like I've mentioned all this to you before, asking you when Hunter gets to be happy," Gregory shrugged.

"I want his guards within fifty feet of him unless he's with Tallon or his friends. And I don't want him slipping them anymore either. At least until this person is caught; I want him as safe as can be without it being overbearing," Salvatore sighed. "Is that understood?"

"Perfectly, Mr. President," Cody, Harry, Andrew, and Bryant replied together.

"Yes, sir," Tallon and Trevor nodded.

"I'll go talk to him," Tallon said.

"Please do," Salvatore responded. "You're probably the only person he'll listen to right now," Tallon moved out of the room and made his way up to Hunter's.

Getting upstairs, Tallon knocked on the door. "Hunt? Baby…Are you still awake?"

"Yes…" Hunter replied. "You can come in." he added. Tallon opened the door and moved inside, seeing Hunter laying in bed. "Is this where you tell me you agree with them too and everyone is just worried?"

"No, I wasn't going to say I agree with them, but yes; we were all worried, babe," Tallon stated. Hunter sighed as Tallon kicked off his shoes and crawled into bed with Hunter, holding him close against his chest. "We know you can handle yourself, and all the things you did to ensure your rescue were incredible…But you still got kidnapped and had to go through all that stuff for six days. And if we'd been just a minute later more; you'd be dead right now. You admitted in there that you were too weak to fight back or move out of shot range,"

"I know," Hunter closed his eyes, but stayed in Tallon's arms.

"And sadly, your dad is right. Even if he upset you last Sunday…You shouldn't have slipped your guards. You knew there had to be a threat on you after the attack on our date…You wouldn't have been alone in the park, or kidnapped. That's why your dad has a hard time trusting you because you, even while emotional, put yourself in danger. We got lucky with the kidnapping, but if it were to happen again; there's no telling if luck would be on our side. Those people, anyone we didn't catch, know what you're capable of now, and would be better equipped to handle it a second time," Tallon explained.

"You're giving me the learning from their mistakes lecture?" Hunter asked.

"Am I wrong?" Tallon asked.

"No…" Hunter sighed.

"Look…All I'm saying is try not to be so hard on your dad, babe. He's protective of his only son because he doesn't want to lose you. He's trying to uphold a promise to your mom. And he does all this because he loves you more than life itself. Parents make mistakes with their kids, it doesn't matter how old you get. Your dad does what you to be happy, but he also wants you safe and you shouldn't fault him for that," Tallon turned Hunter's face towards his, stroking his cheek. "This guy who organized your capture, Hunter, had to be watching you to know you were alone in the park. He made sure you didn't know his name, or what he looks like fully. We're dealing with a professional here, and until he's caught you're not safe. I'm sure if he's given the chance…He will show up at random just to kill you to make a point. I do agree with your dad you need to be protected right now…But we also don't want you miserable. So you dad is going to leave things as they are,"

"And what does that define as," Hunter asked.

"Your guards are to be within fifty feet of you at all times, but can back off if you're with me or our friends. And…You need to stop slipping them, babe. I know there are times you want to be alone, but don't take off and not tell us where you're going. We can give you your space, but we need to know where you are and be able to stay a distance that keeps you safe," Tallon informed.

"I…Guess I can deal with those terms," Hunter agreed.

"Thank you," Tallon sighed in relief.

"I'll…Apologize to dad later," Hunter yawned, snuggling closer to his boyfriend.

"Rest, babe," Tallon smiled some.

"Will you stay with me?" Hunter asked.

"Of course. I love you, Hunter," Tallon replied.

"Love you too, babe," Hunter closed his eyes and let sleep take him. Not more than twenty minutes later, Tallon managed to fall asleep as well.