Chapter 2
Watching the fog rolling in, A.J. uttered a rare swear word. There was no way they could get across the bay in this soup. Suddenly Steve snapped his fingers, startling his friends with the sound.
"I've got it, oops, sorry guys!" he grimaced. Laurie smiled, "Forgot your own strength again, huh!"
"Yeah, if the mind isn't the first to go, I don't know what is!" he wryly replied. "Listen, I can see with my infrared to get across, only I'll need to take a
protacamera to hook up and watch the security patrol and snipers."
"I've got one in the office, you guys stay here, I'll be right back!" the Lieutenant ordered. As she careened out of the parking lot, A.J. shook his head watching their friend go. "Man, Rick has nothing on her, Towne has she always..."
"Yeah, only rookie to crash 3 times in 1 year, 'course she always caught the perp, so she always got a new car!" he groused. "Complain, complain, now I know what I missed about San Diego!" A.J. teased.
As another wave of fog came in, Laurie could barely see the guys just a few feet ahead of her. Abruptly there was a sound in back of her, then a hand over her mouth, cutting off her startled cry.
Trying to fight back, she felt herself being dragged, then dumped into a boat or raft, swaying with the water. Mentally calling out for Steve, she tried to move her fingers to put her watch on, only to realize they had been bound behind her. A scarf was over her mouth, and she thought she was going to choke.
"Laurie, where are you!" she heard the frantic cry, and she tried to sit up, only to have a heavy blanket or bag thrown over her.
As the boat began to move, she thought she heard loud voices, then Steve again. "Keep awake, honey, we're following you, I've got you in sight!"
Laurie was scared; she thought she was going to be sick. Breathing in and out of her nose helped somewhat. The up and down motions of the boat started to slow, then a bump against something hard, and they had landed.
The weighted covering over her was lifted, and opening her eyes, she beheld a fogged in landscape, which she tried to picture to Steve. A man with glittering eyes turned to look at Laurie, then coming toward her, grabbed her chin. "I'm glad we finally got to meet, Mrs. Simon; I know your husband will try his hardest now that his prize is probably more to his liking." Abruptly a voice seemed to sound a warning, because the man dropped his hand from her face, saying "take her through the tunnel, they won't be able to follow you that way!"
At once she was thrown over someone's shoulder, and she was being carried into a dark tunnel, wet and damp. Laurie felt ill, how would the guys find her down here. She tried to warn Steve that her captors knew they were followed, then Rick came into her thoughts. "Sweetheart, where are you? Are you all right?"
Fighting a rising panic, she tried to take a deep breath and told her husband, "I'm ok, someone grabbed me at the landing and put me in a boat. I'm on the island, being taken through a tunnel. Whatever you do, don't let them make you participate in that crazy game!"
Laurie felt Rick trying to comfort her, as the air seemed to get warmer and the man holding her climbed upwards, then she saw carpeted floors below her.
Realizing she was in the main house, she tried to look around, then saw the
steps of a staircase passing beneath her. A voice directed the man holding her to "drop her off in here", then Laurie was lowered onto a soft surface. Staring up at a middle-aged man, she was surprised to see shame in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, I wouldn't hurt you for the world", he said in a soft voice.
Tears came to her eyes, as Laurie recognized he was sorry for his participation in her imprisonment. She tried to speak through her gag, to tell him to please let her go. "Mrs. Simon, if you're asking me to free you, I can't. He'll kill anyone who stands in his way." he told her, then gently took her by the shoulders and made her more comfortable.
Nodding her thanks, she watched him turn away, as another man entered the room.
Staring at her, he smiled in a sick way, "Tears, milady? Don't worry, your brave husband will be in the hunt for you soon! As for your friends, my guard dogs will soon have them cornered, they'll make good hunting!"
Furious, she glared at the grinning villain, who pulled a knife out of his pocket, then advancing to her side turned her over and cut her bonds. Grabbing first one then the other of her bruised wrists, he retied them above her head to the headboard.
"Sorry if you're uncomfortable, my dear, but don't worry. All I want is Simon to put forth a sporting effort. You are in no danger unless you try to get away, then like your foolish brother-in-law, you'll be shot on sight!" he cackled, leaning close to her.
Seeing panic on her face, he laughed, then exited the room, the sound of a lock turning behind him. Testing first one then the other of the bindings holding her to the bed frame, she mentally called to Steve, telling him her fears were right in her being used to hurt Rick.
"Honey, it's all right, we're waiting for the patrol to go by, then A.J. and I will be right in. Towne is going to the front door with a search warrant; he'll try to distract that weirdo while we go in the back. We'll have you two out soon." Steve told her, calming her.
Relaying their friends' plan of attack to Rick, Laurie could almost hear his voice, telling he would be ready when Steve and A.J. came. Glancing up at her left wrist, she realized the dial of her watch was lit, that was Rick's tone she could hear.
"Darling," she thought, "I hear you, be careful!"
Twisting her wrists inside the ropes holding her, she found a little bit of play in the bindings on her right arm. Tightening her muscles, Laurie started to slide inch by inch her hand through the ropes, then with a final tug pulled her hand free.
Panting, she pulled and tugged until the gag around her mouth was off. Loosening then tearing the bindings off her other wrist, she took several breaths, then carefully got off the bed and made her way to the window. Looking out the small opening, she saw a straight drop down, no trees or ledges. Turning, Laurie tiptoed to the door, then listening at the keyhole, heard silence. Reaching inside her bra, she pulled out the little shiv she always carried in case of emergency, then working it inside the lock, felt a click, then the door opened easily.
Putting her lips to her watch, she whispered, "Rick, I got free. I unpicked the lock, I'm coming to get you out! Tell me which door is yours."
"Third from the hall, darlin', now you watch it. Any noises and you get back inside!" he warned. Stepping cautiously out the door, Laurie slid along the wall until she reached the next doorway, then gently rapped on the wood. Softly she heard Rick's voice, "I'm in here, Laurie." Bending down, she worked the pick side of her tool into the old lock, then hearing it catch pulled the door open. Suddenly an arm pulled her inside, startling her until she felt familiar arms embracing her.
"Laurie", he whispered as she clung to him, fighting tears of relief. "Darling, I was so scared they'd hurt you, oh, love!" she murmured.
"I know, angel, I know, that Fairchild is a sadistic maniac. He came by to tell me he had "upped the ante." I wanted to kill him, 'cause I heard what he said to you." Rick told her in her ear, soothing her with his kiss.
"I'll tell Steve we're together, see where he and A.J. are." she said. Focusing on their friend, she read him as he told her Towne was being kicked off the island at gunpoint. "We're inside the kitchen, see if you can make your way down here!" Steve added.
Taking her by the hand, Rick and Laurie quietly made their way out of the room, then he led her down a back staircase to the service quarters. "This is where we found the bodies of the maid and butler yesterday. That egomaniac told us it was for keeps, if we didn't play, we'd pay!" he whispered, checking the corridor.
Seeing it empty, the two Simons crept toward the kitchen, then inching in, found it dark. Just as they entered, Laurie heard Steve warn them, "Someone's coming!"
Looking around, she tugged on Rick's hand and pulled the two of them into a
walk-in cupboard. Closing the door, Laurie barely had time to take a breath before heavy steps were heard entering the room.
"All right, where are you, I know you're hiding in here!" the menacing voice sounded. Rick hid Laurie behind him as they crouched down behind some cleaning equipment.
Hearing footsteps coming closer, Laurie buried her face on Rick's shoulder, fearing that they would be discovered. The door was flung open, then a light was shone inside. Whoever looked in evidently saw nothing, for almost immediately it was closed again.
As a voice barked orders, the sound of steps faded away. Cautiously Rick stood up, then a sound in back of them made him jump.
"What took you so long?" A.J.' smirking face popped up behind them, as he crawled out of a inside cupboard.
"Why you, come here, little brother!" Rick grumbled, then hugged A.J.
"Oh, A.J., you rascal, thank God!" Laurie said, embracing him. He kissed her cheek, "Honey, you're a regular Houdini, how did you get loose!"
"My trusty little knife, never leave home without it!" she giggled. Looking around, she wondered, "Where's Steve, I thought he was with you."
"He's on the other side of the room, in the butler's pantry. When we heard you two come in, we bolted. As soon as the coast's clear, we'll high tail it out of here!" A.J. told them.
Listening at the door, Rick peeked out, then beckoned for his wife and brother to follow him. As the three stepped out of the closet, Laurie heard Steve call to her, "Go back! They're waiting for you!"
Laurie whirled to tell Rick and A.J., only to be grabbed and held fast, a hand over her face. "Rick, trap!" she told him, furiously struggling in the iron grip. Suddenly the lights came on, and two men with guns held Steve between them, facing the brothers.
"Well, the great Colonel Austin, nice of you to join the game!
I think you and these two troublemakers will make good entertainment for the rest of my guests!" Fairchild chuckled.
A wave of anger flashed through Laurie, what it cost for Steve to allow himself to be taken like this! She kicked and twisted in the maniac's arms,
Fairchild only laughed. "My lady is a feisty wench, looks like I'm going to have to tame her! Don't worry, Mr. Simon, you gentlemen will have an opportunity to play the game, with Mrs. Simon as your prize. This time, you'll have walk my garden maze to locate her, if you don't, my dogs will!"
"No, Fairchild!" Rick yelled, starting forward as the maniac carried his wife toward the door. "Freeze, Simon!" one of the men ordered, cocking his pistol. Laurie jerked her face away from her captor's hand, crying out, "Don't, Rick, please!" Obeying her plea, he stopped, then the three of them were marched away.
"Nicely done, my dear, now come with me", Fairchild grinned at Laurie, then carried her out of the room. As she tried to get loose from his grasp, he wrenched her arm in back of her, causing her to gasp with pain. "Let that be a lesson, Mrs. Simon, you want to play rough, that's what you'll get!" he snarled. Taking her up the stairs, he put her in the room she had previously been in. A dress and shoes were laid out for her, and shoving her into the room, he produced a gun and told her, "You have two choices, Mrs. Simon, you can put those clothes on or I can do it for you."
"What kind of pervert are you, killing people and abusing women for sport!" she spat at him, turning her back and reluctantly undressing.
"You cut me to the quick, my dear Mrs. Simon! I'm merely paying you a compliment. You inspire such loyalty in your husband and his friends, I want to see what it is about you that drives them to risk certain death for you!" he smirked.
Pulling the dress over her head, she whirled to face the egomaniac. "If my husband does, as you say, risk death for me, it's because he loves me. Something you obviously don't understand! I would do the same for him, because he is a real man, not some kind of monster!"
Laurie knew she had gone too far when the fury flashed in the man's eyes. "Such fiery speeches, Mrs. Simon, I think I'll let you back them up!" Grasping her wrist, he dragged her toward him, then taking a length of chain, bound her hands then wrapped the heavy iron around her waist.
Knotting a length of cloth, he forced it into her mouth, then pulled her out of the room and down the stairs, causing her to stumble and twist her left ankle in the process. Making her to limp after him, he led her through a set of garden doors out into a maze of hedges. Pausing to survey the sea of green, he smiled, all good humor again, then shoving Laurie ahead of him, said "Here is my ultimate game board! If you are found by your husband or his team, you will all go free. If not, I will unleash my game hunting dogs, I think you will then see who is the monster!"
Watching the fog rolling in, A.J. uttered a rare swear word. There was no way they could get across the bay in this soup. Suddenly Steve snapped his fingers, startling his friends with the sound.
"I've got it, oops, sorry guys!" he grimaced. Laurie smiled, "Forgot your own strength again, huh!"
"Yeah, if the mind isn't the first to go, I don't know what is!" he wryly replied. "Listen, I can see with my infrared to get across, only I'll need to take a
protacamera to hook up and watch the security patrol and snipers."
"I've got one in the office, you guys stay here, I'll be right back!" the Lieutenant ordered. As she careened out of the parking lot, A.J. shook his head watching their friend go. "Man, Rick has nothing on her, Towne has she always..."
"Yeah, only rookie to crash 3 times in 1 year, 'course she always caught the perp, so she always got a new car!" he groused. "Complain, complain, now I know what I missed about San Diego!" A.J. teased.
As another wave of fog came in, Laurie could barely see the guys just a few feet ahead of her. Abruptly there was a sound in back of her, then a hand over her mouth, cutting off her startled cry.
Trying to fight back, she felt herself being dragged, then dumped into a boat or raft, swaying with the water. Mentally calling out for Steve, she tried to move her fingers to put her watch on, only to realize they had been bound behind her. A scarf was over her mouth, and she thought she was going to choke.
"Laurie, where are you!" she heard the frantic cry, and she tried to sit up, only to have a heavy blanket or bag thrown over her.
As the boat began to move, she thought she heard loud voices, then Steve again. "Keep awake, honey, we're following you, I've got you in sight!"
Laurie was scared; she thought she was going to be sick. Breathing in and out of her nose helped somewhat. The up and down motions of the boat started to slow, then a bump against something hard, and they had landed.
The weighted covering over her was lifted, and opening her eyes, she beheld a fogged in landscape, which she tried to picture to Steve. A man with glittering eyes turned to look at Laurie, then coming toward her, grabbed her chin. "I'm glad we finally got to meet, Mrs. Simon; I know your husband will try his hardest now that his prize is probably more to his liking." Abruptly a voice seemed to sound a warning, because the man dropped his hand from her face, saying "take her through the tunnel, they won't be able to follow you that way!"
At once she was thrown over someone's shoulder, and she was being carried into a dark tunnel, wet and damp. Laurie felt ill, how would the guys find her down here. She tried to warn Steve that her captors knew they were followed, then Rick came into her thoughts. "Sweetheart, where are you? Are you all right?"
Fighting a rising panic, she tried to take a deep breath and told her husband, "I'm ok, someone grabbed me at the landing and put me in a boat. I'm on the island, being taken through a tunnel. Whatever you do, don't let them make you participate in that crazy game!"
Laurie felt Rick trying to comfort her, as the air seemed to get warmer and the man holding her climbed upwards, then she saw carpeted floors below her.
Realizing she was in the main house, she tried to look around, then saw the
steps of a staircase passing beneath her. A voice directed the man holding her to "drop her off in here", then Laurie was lowered onto a soft surface. Staring up at a middle-aged man, she was surprised to see shame in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, I wouldn't hurt you for the world", he said in a soft voice.
Tears came to her eyes, as Laurie recognized he was sorry for his participation in her imprisonment. She tried to speak through her gag, to tell him to please let her go. "Mrs. Simon, if you're asking me to free you, I can't. He'll kill anyone who stands in his way." he told her, then gently took her by the shoulders and made her more comfortable.
Nodding her thanks, she watched him turn away, as another man entered the room.
Staring at her, he smiled in a sick way, "Tears, milady? Don't worry, your brave husband will be in the hunt for you soon! As for your friends, my guard dogs will soon have them cornered, they'll make good hunting!"
Furious, she glared at the grinning villain, who pulled a knife out of his pocket, then advancing to her side turned her over and cut her bonds. Grabbing first one then the other of her bruised wrists, he retied them above her head to the headboard.
"Sorry if you're uncomfortable, my dear, but don't worry. All I want is Simon to put forth a sporting effort. You are in no danger unless you try to get away, then like your foolish brother-in-law, you'll be shot on sight!" he cackled, leaning close to her.
Seeing panic on her face, he laughed, then exited the room, the sound of a lock turning behind him. Testing first one then the other of the bindings holding her to the bed frame, she mentally called to Steve, telling him her fears were right in her being used to hurt Rick.
"Honey, it's all right, we're waiting for the patrol to go by, then A.J. and I will be right in. Towne is going to the front door with a search warrant; he'll try to distract that weirdo while we go in the back. We'll have you two out soon." Steve told her, calming her.
Relaying their friends' plan of attack to Rick, Laurie could almost hear his voice, telling he would be ready when Steve and A.J. came. Glancing up at her left wrist, she realized the dial of her watch was lit, that was Rick's tone she could hear.
"Darling," she thought, "I hear you, be careful!"
Twisting her wrists inside the ropes holding her, she found a little bit of play in the bindings on her right arm. Tightening her muscles, Laurie started to slide inch by inch her hand through the ropes, then with a final tug pulled her hand free.
Panting, she pulled and tugged until the gag around her mouth was off. Loosening then tearing the bindings off her other wrist, she took several breaths, then carefully got off the bed and made her way to the window. Looking out the small opening, she saw a straight drop down, no trees or ledges. Turning, Laurie tiptoed to the door, then listening at the keyhole, heard silence. Reaching inside her bra, she pulled out the little shiv she always carried in case of emergency, then working it inside the lock, felt a click, then the door opened easily.
Putting her lips to her watch, she whispered, "Rick, I got free. I unpicked the lock, I'm coming to get you out! Tell me which door is yours."
"Third from the hall, darlin', now you watch it. Any noises and you get back inside!" he warned. Stepping cautiously out the door, Laurie slid along the wall until she reached the next doorway, then gently rapped on the wood. Softly she heard Rick's voice, "I'm in here, Laurie." Bending down, she worked the pick side of her tool into the old lock, then hearing it catch pulled the door open. Suddenly an arm pulled her inside, startling her until she felt familiar arms embracing her.
"Laurie", he whispered as she clung to him, fighting tears of relief. "Darling, I was so scared they'd hurt you, oh, love!" she murmured.
"I know, angel, I know, that Fairchild is a sadistic maniac. He came by to tell me he had "upped the ante." I wanted to kill him, 'cause I heard what he said to you." Rick told her in her ear, soothing her with his kiss.
"I'll tell Steve we're together, see where he and A.J. are." she said. Focusing on their friend, she read him as he told her Towne was being kicked off the island at gunpoint. "We're inside the kitchen, see if you can make your way down here!" Steve added.
Taking her by the hand, Rick and Laurie quietly made their way out of the room, then he led her down a back staircase to the service quarters. "This is where we found the bodies of the maid and butler yesterday. That egomaniac told us it was for keeps, if we didn't play, we'd pay!" he whispered, checking the corridor.
Seeing it empty, the two Simons crept toward the kitchen, then inching in, found it dark. Just as they entered, Laurie heard Steve warn them, "Someone's coming!"
Looking around, she tugged on Rick's hand and pulled the two of them into a
walk-in cupboard. Closing the door, Laurie barely had time to take a breath before heavy steps were heard entering the room.
"All right, where are you, I know you're hiding in here!" the menacing voice sounded. Rick hid Laurie behind him as they crouched down behind some cleaning equipment.
Hearing footsteps coming closer, Laurie buried her face on Rick's shoulder, fearing that they would be discovered. The door was flung open, then a light was shone inside. Whoever looked in evidently saw nothing, for almost immediately it was closed again.
As a voice barked orders, the sound of steps faded away. Cautiously Rick stood up, then a sound in back of them made him jump.
"What took you so long?" A.J.' smirking face popped up behind them, as he crawled out of a inside cupboard.
"Why you, come here, little brother!" Rick grumbled, then hugged A.J.
"Oh, A.J., you rascal, thank God!" Laurie said, embracing him. He kissed her cheek, "Honey, you're a regular Houdini, how did you get loose!"
"My trusty little knife, never leave home without it!" she giggled. Looking around, she wondered, "Where's Steve, I thought he was with you."
"He's on the other side of the room, in the butler's pantry. When we heard you two come in, we bolted. As soon as the coast's clear, we'll high tail it out of here!" A.J. told them.
Listening at the door, Rick peeked out, then beckoned for his wife and brother to follow him. As the three stepped out of the closet, Laurie heard Steve call to her, "Go back! They're waiting for you!"
Laurie whirled to tell Rick and A.J., only to be grabbed and held fast, a hand over her face. "Rick, trap!" she told him, furiously struggling in the iron grip. Suddenly the lights came on, and two men with guns held Steve between them, facing the brothers.
"Well, the great Colonel Austin, nice of you to join the game!
I think you and these two troublemakers will make good entertainment for the rest of my guests!" Fairchild chuckled.
A wave of anger flashed through Laurie, what it cost for Steve to allow himself to be taken like this! She kicked and twisted in the maniac's arms,
Fairchild only laughed. "My lady is a feisty wench, looks like I'm going to have to tame her! Don't worry, Mr. Simon, you gentlemen will have an opportunity to play the game, with Mrs. Simon as your prize. This time, you'll have walk my garden maze to locate her, if you don't, my dogs will!"
"No, Fairchild!" Rick yelled, starting forward as the maniac carried his wife toward the door. "Freeze, Simon!" one of the men ordered, cocking his pistol. Laurie jerked her face away from her captor's hand, crying out, "Don't, Rick, please!" Obeying her plea, he stopped, then the three of them were marched away.
"Nicely done, my dear, now come with me", Fairchild grinned at Laurie, then carried her out of the room. As she tried to get loose from his grasp, he wrenched her arm in back of her, causing her to gasp with pain. "Let that be a lesson, Mrs. Simon, you want to play rough, that's what you'll get!" he snarled. Taking her up the stairs, he put her in the room she had previously been in. A dress and shoes were laid out for her, and shoving her into the room, he produced a gun and told her, "You have two choices, Mrs. Simon, you can put those clothes on or I can do it for you."
"What kind of pervert are you, killing people and abusing women for sport!" she spat at him, turning her back and reluctantly undressing.
"You cut me to the quick, my dear Mrs. Simon! I'm merely paying you a compliment. You inspire such loyalty in your husband and his friends, I want to see what it is about you that drives them to risk certain death for you!" he smirked.
Pulling the dress over her head, she whirled to face the egomaniac. "If my husband does, as you say, risk death for me, it's because he loves me. Something you obviously don't understand! I would do the same for him, because he is a real man, not some kind of monster!"
Laurie knew she had gone too far when the fury flashed in the man's eyes. "Such fiery speeches, Mrs. Simon, I think I'll let you back them up!" Grasping her wrist, he dragged her toward him, then taking a length of chain, bound her hands then wrapped the heavy iron around her waist.
Knotting a length of cloth, he forced it into her mouth, then pulled her out of the room and down the stairs, causing her to stumble and twist her left ankle in the process. Making her to limp after him, he led her through a set of garden doors out into a maze of hedges. Pausing to survey the sea of green, he smiled, all good humor again, then shoving Laurie ahead of him, said "Here is my ultimate game board! If you are found by your husband or his team, you will all go free. If not, I will unleash my game hunting dogs, I think you will then see who is the monster!"