9 hours missing

4:47 PM

The Cage

Martin woke up to find himself still in Sam's lap. She still was running a hand through his hair but he knew that she was asleep. "Sam," he whispered to her, as he reached up and stopped her hand, jerking her awake. Sam then grabbed his shoulder as she looked around. "Easy, Sam."

"Sorry," she answered, as she released his shoulder and looked around. "How long have we been out?"

"About an hour," a voice called from below, and they turned to see Bubba. "I brought you some food."

"Thank you," Martin said, as Bubba passed the sandwiches and bottled water through the bars and Martin looked around from the stun gun.

"Don't worry, we won't get you with the stun gun any time soon."

"Well that's good to know." Martin sat up and moved closer to Sam's side, as they took the food.

"We're having another video conference in about ten minutes. I suggest you eat before then." Then Bubba was gone.

"I'm not all that hungry," Sam whispered to Martin as he took a small bite of his sandwich. "With all the swaying of the cage, I think I would throw up." Martin shot her a look that got her to laugh. "Sorry, Martin. Forgot you were eating."

Martin took a swig of his water and swallowed. "It's okay," he answered, as he tossed the rest of his sandwich down next to Sam's on the floor of the cage. He then began to hum, "why do birds suddenly appear", and got a soft elbow in his stomach. "What I can't hum songs that deal with birds?" She shook her head no. "Okay, I get it." Just then the door opened below and they turned to see the men bring in a tank of water. "That can't be good."

"No, that can't." Bubba came into the room with a smile on his face. "Never a good sign."

"It's time for the video conference," Bubba said, as the cage was lowered and they were pulled from it. "Strip them out of their out clothing." Martin shot Sam a concerned look, as they were released from the handcuffs and forced to took off their shoes, socks, coats, and dress clothes. Soon they were only dressed in a white t-shirt and black pants for Martin, and a white tank top and black pants for Sam. Sam shivered from the cold, as the cuffs were put back on. "Now you can only hope that your people will play fair this time."

5:24 PM

FBI: Missing Person's Head Quarters

"Jack, we got a video conference this time," Vivian said, as she came up to them. "The man in charge only wants to speak to you."

"Okay," he said, as he ran a hand through his hair. "Let's do this." He entered the conference room with them, but they sat farther back, while he stood in front of the camera. "I'm Jack Malone."

"Hello, there, Jacko," the man said, as he rubbed his hands together. "Mighty fine weather we're having. Kinda cold don't ya think."

"Where are my people, sir?"

"About to take a dip." The camera then swung over to the tank, where Martin and Sam were being held from behind. "That is if you don't play fair."

"Our agency doesn't play well with terrorists." Bubba nodded and Sam was dunked head first into the tank. Martin's face filled with rage and concern as he waited for Sam to be brought back up. Bubba nodded again and Sam was brought back out, coughing.

"That water has to be freezing." Bubba nodded and this time Martin took a header into the tank. "Well it really is, because it's been outside for days." He signaled the man, and Martin was brought up coughing. "I'll make you a deal, Jacko. You pay me half the money by seven, and you won't be getting their bodies at midnight." The screen then went blank.

"Son of a bitch," Jack yelled, as he turned to see that Danny and Vivian were gone. "He's not playing by the rules." Jack then left to talk to the people above him one more time.

5:30

By the tank

Just as soon as the video conference was over, Bubba's men released their hold of Martin and Sam. "I'm really sorry about having to do this," Bubba said to them, as Martin wrapped an arm around a shivering Sam. "But it's the only way to make them listen. I really don't want to have to kill you guys in the end."

"Can we at least get some blankets?" Martin asked, as he ran a hand down Sam's back. "That water was really cold."

"Sure." Two men came over with their arms full of blankets that they put at the bottom of the bird cage, along with their clothing. "I'll give you some time to dry off before we do another taping." Martin and Sam then were put back in their cage. "Try to get some sleep." Then they were alone.

"I'm so cold," Sam whispered to Martin, as they pulled on their socks and shoes, before curling up in the blankets. Sam curled up into Martin's side, as he wrapped a free blanket around them both. "Jack didn't look happy."

"No, he did not," Martin said, with a laugh. "He'll find us, Sam. Just try to get some rest."

10 hours missing

TBC

Please review and tell me what you think.