Chapter 6

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Martin tensed as the footsteps neared. He took a deep breath and could smell sweat, car oil, and an acrid scent that was unmistakably blood. He had never felt so vulnerable in his life. He was in no position to defend himself with both his wrists and ankles bound. It also didn't help that he was sick and could barely breathe since he was coughing so much. The footsteps stopped and he could hear two men arguing. One of the voices sounded familiar but he couldn't place it.

"This isn't the plan." The familiar voice shouted.

"Well this is the new plan now. He's worth a lot of money." The second voice was coarse like sandpaper.

"This isn't about money! It's about making them understand, sending him a message. I didn't want to hurt anyone. I just wanted to scare them."

"He would have been fine but he is the one who attacked me. Look at me! I'm bleeding here and I want some monetary compensation."

"Look, I'm sorry about that but you knew the risks. I paid you to help me and that's it. This is my deal."

"I'm not giving him up. So are you with me or not?"

"It's over. I'm not doing this for ransom."

He could hear feet shuffling, it sounded like they were fighting. There was a slam against the trunk of the car and fists meeting flesh.

"I'm taking him with me. You tell anyone and I will tell them it was all your idea."

Martin heard a loud thump, hurried footsteps, and the car speed off. Martin felt some satisfaction in knowing that even if he didn't remember doing it he was able to defend himself and injure one of them in the process. Unfortunately he also realized that he was now being held captive by the one who was the loose cannon.

He wondered about the man who they left behind and seemed to have a personal investment in kidnapping him. The question was who did he mean by 'them'? The team? And who was 'him'? And why did he recognize that voice? From where?

He tried to think who would have a vendetta that would be best served by kidnapping him. Then he realized that if ransom was involved that this whole thing must involve his dad. His father's profile has increased these last few weeks due to his promotion….. He wondered if his dad even knew about this yet. Did anyone know?

Suddenly the car made a hard turn causing Martin to roll over, pressing into the wound in his side and sending white hot pain through his body and he lost consciousness.