Leah had a massive headache. The body aches that clamored for attention seemed insignificant next to the painful pounding in her skull. Forcing herself to concentrate on her situation, she slowly opened her eyes, focusing first on her lap as she assessed her surroundings.
She no longer seemed to be lying on the floor. Instead she was in a chair -- restrained, judging by the feel of cold metal encircling her wrists and ankles. The room was brightly lit and the flow of air suggested access to the outside. As she raised her head she saw that other than an empty chair, an apparent mate to hers, halfway across the room, she was alone in the empty space.
Taking a deep breath, she examined her position. The metal chair was armless and her arms were handcuffed behind her, the short chain apparently looped through one of the metal slats she could feel with her fingers. Leaning gently to one side, she saw that her legs were cuffed and attached to the metal chair legs with a few links of chain. She tested her bonds and found that she was well secured. Great,' she thought. It's damned difficult to sneak out when you're attached to furniture.' The rattle of the chains brought other sounds, however. A pair of men's dress shoes clicked toward her from the darkness and soon she was joined by a tall man with an all-too-familiar face.
Leah. Nice of you to join the world of the living again. He was blonde with brown eyes, and only average looks. With his unconventional coloring and the sneer he now wore, he could look absolutely frightening.
Leah tossed her hair back and pulled out a flippant attitude she did not feel. So, any particular reason for this little soiree? Or were you just bored?Oh, there is a reason, my dear. There is most definitely a reason. He leaned back against the wall in posture of ease, but Leah's practiced eye could detect the tension in him.
What, I have to guess? Who the hell knows how your sick brain works? Why don't you just tell me.Sick brain? Insults won't get you what you want. Maybe I'll just let you die not knowing why. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cell phone.
Oh, come on. You just admitted you're going to kill me. Why not do the James Bond villain' thing and gloat? You know you want to. She gave him a saucy smile and he stepped closer.
She was unprepared for the hard, backhanded blow across her cheek. I hate your sarcastic attitude, Bitch! The menacing snarl was low in her ear. Now, we're to call your little Lover Boy and get him out here. We have business to finish. But first, some ground rules for using the telephone. He grabbed her by the hair and forced her to look at him.
You must not tell him exactly where we are. I don't want uninvited guests. And your invitation should sound interesting enough to get him here without raising suspicion. Got it?
She tried to lick the trickle of blood trailing from the corner of her mouth. Where's here?Where it all began, Leah. Where the two of you ruined my life.