Seeking Revenge-part 4
Kristin was locked inside the room, no matter how hard she banged on the door. Finally, she gave up and decided to sit on the edge of the bed, clutching one of the many pillows on the otherwise comfortable bed.
She couldn't stop the tears from falling as she thought about what had just happened. Lucas was beaten, and the only two people who mattered in her life were just taken away from her. She'd probably never see them again. But she knew she had to be strong. Nathan would most surely be sending out a search crew to come rescue her. Right? He must've made it safely back to the SeaQuest. Sinclair clearly had no intentions of wanting them to survive this. Maybe he killed them anyways. No...Kristin couldn't think like that. They had to be all right.
Kristin looked around at her room once more. She walked over to the window and opened the red velvet drapes. She saw that the windows were covered with steel bars to make sure she didn't try anything...a very unlikely situation, considering the room was about 20 stories high. She heard something behind her and saw that someone slipped a note under her door. She reached over to read it.
Dearest Kristin,
I trust you will make yourself comfortable in your new home. There is no escaping my castle, so don't try anything to test my mercy. I wasn't joking when I said I would hunt your precious family once again. I am your family now. I had my men take the liberty of providing everything you need. You will find something suitable to wear in the closet. I suspect you must be hungry, so I will send someone to come get you in an hour. Don't disappoint me, my love. You can make this easy and enjoyable or you can make it difficult and painful.
Kristin was disgusted by this madman's use of the word love. How dare he think he could try to woo her after what he'd done, knowing that Nathan was the only man she could ever love. Nathan. She had to be strong for him. He needs to time to work out a plan. She couldn't upset Sinclair or she'd ruin whatever chance Nathan had of getting to her. She had to keep Sinclair distracted. She went over to the bathroom and decided to take a hot shower to refresh herself. This was going to take a lot of strength.
After her shower, Kristin emerged from the bathroom wearing a long silk bathrobe. She had just finished drying her hair and putting on some makeup that was left there. She looked in the closet and found a dress that was absolutely stunning. This would surely make Sinclair think she was being compliant.
Downstairs in the dining room:
Sinclair was sitting at the head of a rectangular table, able to seat about 10 people. The room was dark but elegant, with rich red drapes and wine colored carpeting, soft candles and some light music playing in the background. Sinclair was dressed in a tuxedo, his mustache shaved off and his hair slicked back with gel. There were two place settings on the table, one of which was right next to his. His servants were pouring champagne and lighting the candles on the table. The door opened, revealing Kristin escorted by two of his men. She looked incredible. Her hair was neatly held back by a simple barrette, and the dress was a tight, low cut halter in an emerald green that, along with her makeup, brought out her brown eyes. Sinclair got up as soon as he saw her.
"Well, well well. It seems like you've come to your senses. And might I add, you look more beautiful than ever."
Kristin swallowed quietly and held back her comment. She nodded curtly and walked over to where the guards led her. Sinclair quickly pulled out her chair for her and helped her sit down. He quickly leaned over to smell her hair. She winced, but held back. He took his seat next to hers and smiled at her.
"Go ahead. Eat. You must be starving after such a troubling day."
One of the servants placed a plate of steak and mashed potatoes in front of both of them and they ate quietly for a few minutes. Kristin thought the potatoes tasted funny but didn't think much of it because she was so hungry. Sinclair paused as he took another sip of champagne. He looked at one of his men, who nodded back, causing Sinclair to smile. Then he looked at Kristin. She noticed he was staring at her and put down her champagne.
"I hope we can forget everything that's happened and start over. I want to make you a very happy woman, Kristin. Come. Let us go upstairs and get you a little more comfortable. You look good enough to eat in that dress, but you'd look even better without it."
Kristin held back a gasp at what Sinclair had just said, but tried to keep calm. She had to convince him that he was winning so she could get the upper hand. Perhaps she could try to seduce him and then subdue him without him expecting it. She could knock him out and escape. She was feeling tired and out of control, but she had only had one glass of champagne, which was hardly enough to get her drunk. No, something was wrong and she had to leave fast.
"Yes, Sinclair. Let's go somewhere a little more...private."
Sinclair looked yearningly at her, beaming with delight. He got up and reached out his hand. She put her hand in his and he led her back to her room. As soon as they got there, Sinclair went over to her closet and pulled out a sheer black nightgown that left little to the imagination. He smiled at her and she smiled back at him, seductively.
"I took the liberty of picking this one out for you myself. Allow me to help you out of that dress so you can change."
He approached her slowly and turned her around to face her back. He wrapped his right hand around her and reached over to cup her left breast. The sensation made Kristin want to kick him, but she couldn't. She had to stick to her plan. Sinclair's left hand reached and started undoing the zipper on the left side of her dress, slowly and teasingly. He was kissing her left shoulder as he did so. Kristin wished it was Nathan who was doing all of this. She looked over and saw the vase she had been eyeing for a while. She was about to reach for it, but her arm was too short. Change of plan. She quickly pulled away from Sinclair, happy to get his hands and lips off of her but she did it in such a way that SInclair was not angry. She acted casually about it, still smiling seductively as she did do. He was more aroused by it. Kristin was nervous, not really knowing what to do or say, but she had a few tricks in mind. Unfortunately, her mind was not working at it's best right now. There was definitely something wrong.
"Before we go any further, Sinclair, I want to make sure my family is safe. If I can have your word that you will never harm them again, then I think I can be a more...willing...prisoner."
"Kristin, I assure you. We dropped them off safe and sound. I wouldn't want you to mistrust me. After all, I am your new lover."
Kristin's stomach squirmed inside as he used that word. But she had to play along. He reached over at a large velvet box that was next to the vase on the table and opened it to reveal one of the most beautiful diamond necklaces Kristin had ever seen. He reached over and placed it around her neck. Kristin just stared blankly ahead as he reached behind her to hook the clasp. As he leaned back, he kissed her ear and trailed kisses down her jaw and neckline. She tried to move her head away from him but he followed her moves. He cupped her face in his hands.
"I am a very wealthy man. I can give you anything you want and all you have to do is ask."
Kristin looked down at the necklace and reached her hand to touch it. She looked back up at Sinclair, who was smiling brightly at her. She forced a smile at him.
"Anything I want?" She asked rather seductively.
"Anything, my pet." He leaned over and kissed her full on the lips. At first, she didn't have the strength to resist. Something was making her succumb to him. Her mind was reeling with thoughts. Thoughts about what was happening. She had been drugged. She needed to get away. She needed Nathan to come rescue her. Nathan. She quickly pushed at him and tried to break away, but he became more insistent. Finally she kicked him with what little strength she had, but it wasn't enough to hurt him seriously. He did, however, let her go. He looked down at her menacingly. Short of breath, she managed to utter a few words.
"The only thing I want is my family back. Can you give me that?"
She quickly reached for the vase that was nearby and tried to swing it at him, but her arm was weak and she didn't have enough strength to hit him hard enough. The vase merely rubbed against him and fell to the floor, shattering into thousands of pieces. Now Kristin was scared. Her plan had failed because he had drugged her. Sinclair was visibly upset.
"Kristin, I have tried to reason with you and make you understand that you will never see your family again. I have given you a choice between having them killed or living happily with me, I offer you the world and you refuse. I will not stand for this! You are mine Kristin. And if I can't have you willingly, then I shall have to use force."
Kristin felt lightheaded. She could barely stand up on her own. She tried to make her way towards the door, which was open, but Sinclair beat her to it and quickly grabbed her and slung her over his shoulder.
"Let me go, Sinclair! Please! You don't have to do this!"
"Be quiet, my sweet. I'm about to show you that I own every part of you. And if you know what's good for you and your family, you will not struggle against me."
Kristin couldn't stop the tears. Nothing made sense right now. She was feeling dizzy and scared. She knew what was coming, but refused to believe it would. Her body was limp in his arms and she had no control over it. Sinclair carried her and dropped her on the bed, forcefully. Kristin used up all her strength and pushed herself back towards the headboard, but Sinclair matched her every move and remained on top of her. He was kissing her now, his hands and feet pinning her down. He used one hand to hold both of hers over her head while the other one worked on her dress. He untied the back of the halter around her neck and quickly yanked it down, revealing her chest. He grabbed her left breast, groping and rubbing, and proceeded to kiss his way down her neck and over her nipple, biting harshly. Kristin let out a harsh cry of pain, but Sinclair didn't seem to care. All of a sudden one of Sinclair's men ran through the open door.
"Sir! Sir! I'm sorry to interrupt! It's an emergency! "
Sinclair was really upset about the intrusion. Keeping a hold on Kristin's hands, Sinclair turned his head to look at the guard.
"I do not appreciate the lack of privacy! I'm in the middle of something here! What is it?!!" He was seriously angry. The guard was very nervous, looking everywhere but directly at Sinclair and Kristin.
"Uh, sir. It's about Captain Bridger. You should come see."
Kristin thought she saw a hint of compassion as the guard glanced at her for one second. Sinclair let go of her hands and she quickly gathered her dress over her chest and pulled the blanket towards her. He got off the bed and walked over to the guard.
"You. This better be good." He turned around and stared at Kristin. He pointed a finger at her.
"And you. My dear, I hope you will be a little more submissive when I come back. Now excuse me while I go tend to your dear husband and son. Make sure they're not getting themselves into any trouble. We haven't finished, love. No, we've only just begun."
He turned back to the guard.
"Watch over her. Make sure she doesn't try anything stupid. I want her ready when I get back."
With that, he left to tend to important matters. The guard looked back at Kristin, who was huddled in the bed covering herself with the blanket. He slowly approached her, making sure not to startle her. He whispered the following words to her.
"Mrs. Bridger. I do not mean to harm you. My name is Joseph McNeely. I am a UEO agent working undercover for Sinclair in hopes of stopping him. He is a very powerful man with a lot of influential friends who will stop at nothing to make sure he gets his way. We have been tracking him for several months now. Before his alleged suicide. We all knew he bluffed it, but it made the public much more calm to think he had disappeared. We, however, have been waiting for the opportune moment to get him. I know you are scared and I know you miss your family. I can't say more, but I can tell you that they are safe. They reached a hospital nearby. In the meantime I will try to watch over you and make sure he doesn't hurt you. Pretend you've fallen asleep so that Sinclair can't...hurt you anytime soon. I'll help convince him. You must trust me on this. If I were to be found out, I'd be killed. I need you to cooperate."
Kristin was still shocked. She had been praying for a miracle and here it was in the form of a UEO officer. If they got out of this alive she would remember to pay more respect to the military. Sometimes they had ways of making up for their wrongdoings.
"Mr. McNeely. You have no idea how grateful I am to see you. I'd begun to lose all hope."
There was a noise down the hallway that made them both look toward the door. "Shh He's coming back. .Quick, go to sleep."
She quickly nodded at him and curled up on one side, eyes closed. He stepped back a bit and stood on guard. Sinclair entered the room and spoke to the guard.
"Well, I'm glad you informed me of this. I guess Bridger and son did better than I thought. No matter, they have no clue where we are. And they know what's at stake if they try."
He looked over and saw that Kristin was asleep.
"Why is she asleep?"
"Sir, I think you may have given her too much of that drug. She almost immediately passed out as soon as you left. I tried to wake her, but she was unresponsive. Not even to force."
"You hit her?!" Sinclair was outraged.
"No, no sir...I merely jerked her a bit to see if she would wake up. I wanted her to be ready for you."
Sinclair visibly lightened up.
"Well. I guess I must be satisfied with only having gotten a taste. When she wakes up, the feast will begin."
He looked back mischievously at Kristin, then back at the guard.
"Come. I want to keep a close watch on the Bridgers and make sure they don't interfere. Maybe we'll send them a postcard."
He laughed a bit and led McNeely down the hallway and down the stairs. Kristin opened her eyes slowly, making sure no one was around. She stood up and fixed her dress and, with what little energy she had, went to the door. Just as she thought, McNeely had left it unlocked. She checked outside and saw that the coast was clear. She carefully walked out and down the hall. She could hear Sinclair and McNeely talking downstairs. There were also some other voices. She walked down the hall and saw an open door to the left. Her curiosity got the best of her and she peeked inside. There was no one there, but the television was on. Kristin listened in as she saw that the news was talking about Nathan and Lucas.
"...and we have received word that Captain Bridger and his son, Lucas, have been found. Lucas was badly bruised and is currently being treated at Miracle Mercy Hospital. Captain Bridger is at the UEO central office in New Cape Quest. The press has been kept off of this case and no one is allowed to see the captain or the young boy. Also, no news yet of the captain's wife, Kristin. It is thought that she may not have made it alive through this terrible ordeal. Stay tuned for more as the story develops."
Kristin sighed, relieved that her family was safe and being treated. Her relief was short-lived as she heard footsteps approaching. With nowhere to go, she quickly hid inside a closet door on the opposite side of the room. She left the door slightly ajar so she could see what was going on. Sinclair and a few men, including McNeely, walked in laughing.
"Yes boys, it seems everything is going well.It won't be long before our plan comes full circle. Pretty soon, I have Bridger's wife, his son has been beaten up and he has absolutely no idea where we are. He's like a chicken with his head cut off. I do wish I could have killed him. Or at least killed that brat of his. Watch him suffer slowly. But I did end up with a much better bargain, I must say."
He looked back towards where Kristin's room would be.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I would like to pay my prize a visit...see if she can't be woken up in a better mood. Don't interrupt me, gentlemen. I won't be coming back for a while."
Some of the men were laughing as Sinclair smiled mischievously. He walked out of the room and not one minute later came running back in. Kristin could see everything clearly.
"Men, I want you all to search the castle! She's gone! She must have woken up and wandered off. Find her! And when you do, bring her to me. She needs to know who's boss. I won't let her get away that easily this time. Go! NOW!"
Sinclair was angrier than she had ever seen him. They all left the room. The men scrambled in every direction. Kristin looked over and saw there was a communications desk in the corner. She could vidlink to SeaQuest. Let them trace the call and find out where she was. She ran over and turned it on. She grew impatient as the machine was taking way too long. Finally, the vidlink booted up and she began to type in a few commands. Before she got very far, a group of guards came into the room and spotted her. One of them got the radio on the waist.
"Sir, we've got her. She's in the communications room."
Another guard spoke up. "Mrs. Bridger you would be wise to step away from the vidlink. We don't want to have to hurt you."
Kristin backed away slowly from the vidlink. She looked around and knew she was outnumbered. Out of the corner of her eye she saw another door. She was close enough that she knew she could make it through before the men got to her. Without further thought, she turned and ran as fast as she could through the door. Sinclair's men quickly responded and tried to follow her, but she had locked the door behind her. She looked around and was shocked. Everywhere, there were maps of the world with targets on them, hundreds, maybe thousands of guns and other weapons racked on the walls and on tables. One corner of the room caught her eye immediately. Dozens of pictures of her, taking from a hidden camera. There were a few of her grocery shopping, watching tv with Nathan and Lucas, sleeping, showering, even one of her and Nathan in bed together. That one had Nathan's face scratched out. In large red letters was the word "MINE". Kristin quickly turned around and there, on the wall, was a giant map of New Cape Quest, with specific targets marked and several blueprints for bombs and missiles. She looked over and saw a blueprint of the SeaQuest, also with several targets marked on it. And a picture of Nathan, with a knife embedded right on his face. Kristin let out a small gasp.
"Oh my God. He's going to attack again!"
She walked over to the picture of Nathan and removed the knife. She dropped it on the floor. She reached her hand up and placed it on Nathan's cheek in the picture.
"Nathan, you've got to stop him. Please."
A noise behind her startled her. She turned around and found herself face to face with Sinclair. Several of his men were behind him.
"Well, hello there, dear." He forcefully grabbed her right arm and pulled her toward him.
"How did you..."
"I know my way around this castle. But that is of no concern to you. It seems I underestimated you. You really know how to upset me, Kristin. My patience is not to be toyed with!"
His voice was growing in intensity.
"Now, you were planning on calling your dear hubby, weren't you? Well, why don't we give him a call together! Show him all the fun he's missing."
He dragged her next to him towards a bookshelf against the wall. He pulled one of the books out and the whole shelf quietly moved out of the way to reveal a darkened hallway, lit by only a few torches. So that's how he did it, thought Kristin. Sinclair kept pulling her down the hallway as the men followed closely behind. They passed by many doors, but stopped at one in particular towards the end of the hall.
"Now, Kristin. Now, is when I make sure your family or anyone else at the UEO comes near me ever again."
He opened the door and led her in. Inside there was what looked to be a long examination table complete with arm and leg straps. Around it were various tools that could only be described as instruments of torture. Kristin couldn't hide her fear any longer. Sinclair looked at her terror- stricken face and smiled.
To be continued...
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Kristin was locked inside the room, no matter how hard she banged on the door. Finally, she gave up and decided to sit on the edge of the bed, clutching one of the many pillows on the otherwise comfortable bed.
She couldn't stop the tears from falling as she thought about what had just happened. Lucas was beaten, and the only two people who mattered in her life were just taken away from her. She'd probably never see them again. But she knew she had to be strong. Nathan would most surely be sending out a search crew to come rescue her. Right? He must've made it safely back to the SeaQuest. Sinclair clearly had no intentions of wanting them to survive this. Maybe he killed them anyways. No...Kristin couldn't think like that. They had to be all right.
Kristin looked around at her room once more. She walked over to the window and opened the red velvet drapes. She saw that the windows were covered with steel bars to make sure she didn't try anything...a very unlikely situation, considering the room was about 20 stories high. She heard something behind her and saw that someone slipped a note under her door. She reached over to read it.
Dearest Kristin,
I trust you will make yourself comfortable in your new home. There is no escaping my castle, so don't try anything to test my mercy. I wasn't joking when I said I would hunt your precious family once again. I am your family now. I had my men take the liberty of providing everything you need. You will find something suitable to wear in the closet. I suspect you must be hungry, so I will send someone to come get you in an hour. Don't disappoint me, my love. You can make this easy and enjoyable or you can make it difficult and painful.
Kristin was disgusted by this madman's use of the word love. How dare he think he could try to woo her after what he'd done, knowing that Nathan was the only man she could ever love. Nathan. She had to be strong for him. He needs to time to work out a plan. She couldn't upset Sinclair or she'd ruin whatever chance Nathan had of getting to her. She had to keep Sinclair distracted. She went over to the bathroom and decided to take a hot shower to refresh herself. This was going to take a lot of strength.
After her shower, Kristin emerged from the bathroom wearing a long silk bathrobe. She had just finished drying her hair and putting on some makeup that was left there. She looked in the closet and found a dress that was absolutely stunning. This would surely make Sinclair think she was being compliant.
Downstairs in the dining room:
Sinclair was sitting at the head of a rectangular table, able to seat about 10 people. The room was dark but elegant, with rich red drapes and wine colored carpeting, soft candles and some light music playing in the background. Sinclair was dressed in a tuxedo, his mustache shaved off and his hair slicked back with gel. There were two place settings on the table, one of which was right next to his. His servants were pouring champagne and lighting the candles on the table. The door opened, revealing Kristin escorted by two of his men. She looked incredible. Her hair was neatly held back by a simple barrette, and the dress was a tight, low cut halter in an emerald green that, along with her makeup, brought out her brown eyes. Sinclair got up as soon as he saw her.
"Well, well well. It seems like you've come to your senses. And might I add, you look more beautiful than ever."
Kristin swallowed quietly and held back her comment. She nodded curtly and walked over to where the guards led her. Sinclair quickly pulled out her chair for her and helped her sit down. He quickly leaned over to smell her hair. She winced, but held back. He took his seat next to hers and smiled at her.
"Go ahead. Eat. You must be starving after such a troubling day."
One of the servants placed a plate of steak and mashed potatoes in front of both of them and they ate quietly for a few minutes. Kristin thought the potatoes tasted funny but didn't think much of it because she was so hungry. Sinclair paused as he took another sip of champagne. He looked at one of his men, who nodded back, causing Sinclair to smile. Then he looked at Kristin. She noticed he was staring at her and put down her champagne.
"I hope we can forget everything that's happened and start over. I want to make you a very happy woman, Kristin. Come. Let us go upstairs and get you a little more comfortable. You look good enough to eat in that dress, but you'd look even better without it."
Kristin held back a gasp at what Sinclair had just said, but tried to keep calm. She had to convince him that he was winning so she could get the upper hand. Perhaps she could try to seduce him and then subdue him without him expecting it. She could knock him out and escape. She was feeling tired and out of control, but she had only had one glass of champagne, which was hardly enough to get her drunk. No, something was wrong and she had to leave fast.
"Yes, Sinclair. Let's go somewhere a little more...private."
Sinclair looked yearningly at her, beaming with delight. He got up and reached out his hand. She put her hand in his and he led her back to her room. As soon as they got there, Sinclair went over to her closet and pulled out a sheer black nightgown that left little to the imagination. He smiled at her and she smiled back at him, seductively.
"I took the liberty of picking this one out for you myself. Allow me to help you out of that dress so you can change."
He approached her slowly and turned her around to face her back. He wrapped his right hand around her and reached over to cup her left breast. The sensation made Kristin want to kick him, but she couldn't. She had to stick to her plan. Sinclair's left hand reached and started undoing the zipper on the left side of her dress, slowly and teasingly. He was kissing her left shoulder as he did so. Kristin wished it was Nathan who was doing all of this. She looked over and saw the vase she had been eyeing for a while. She was about to reach for it, but her arm was too short. Change of plan. She quickly pulled away from Sinclair, happy to get his hands and lips off of her but she did it in such a way that SInclair was not angry. She acted casually about it, still smiling seductively as she did do. He was more aroused by it. Kristin was nervous, not really knowing what to do or say, but she had a few tricks in mind. Unfortunately, her mind was not working at it's best right now. There was definitely something wrong.
"Before we go any further, Sinclair, I want to make sure my family is safe. If I can have your word that you will never harm them again, then I think I can be a more...willing...prisoner."
"Kristin, I assure you. We dropped them off safe and sound. I wouldn't want you to mistrust me. After all, I am your new lover."
Kristin's stomach squirmed inside as he used that word. But she had to play along. He reached over at a large velvet box that was next to the vase on the table and opened it to reveal one of the most beautiful diamond necklaces Kristin had ever seen. He reached over and placed it around her neck. Kristin just stared blankly ahead as he reached behind her to hook the clasp. As he leaned back, he kissed her ear and trailed kisses down her jaw and neckline. She tried to move her head away from him but he followed her moves. He cupped her face in his hands.
"I am a very wealthy man. I can give you anything you want and all you have to do is ask."
Kristin looked down at the necklace and reached her hand to touch it. She looked back up at Sinclair, who was smiling brightly at her. She forced a smile at him.
"Anything I want?" She asked rather seductively.
"Anything, my pet." He leaned over and kissed her full on the lips. At first, she didn't have the strength to resist. Something was making her succumb to him. Her mind was reeling with thoughts. Thoughts about what was happening. She had been drugged. She needed to get away. She needed Nathan to come rescue her. Nathan. She quickly pushed at him and tried to break away, but he became more insistent. Finally she kicked him with what little strength she had, but it wasn't enough to hurt him seriously. He did, however, let her go. He looked down at her menacingly. Short of breath, she managed to utter a few words.
"The only thing I want is my family back. Can you give me that?"
She quickly reached for the vase that was nearby and tried to swing it at him, but her arm was weak and she didn't have enough strength to hit him hard enough. The vase merely rubbed against him and fell to the floor, shattering into thousands of pieces. Now Kristin was scared. Her plan had failed because he had drugged her. Sinclair was visibly upset.
"Kristin, I have tried to reason with you and make you understand that you will never see your family again. I have given you a choice between having them killed or living happily with me, I offer you the world and you refuse. I will not stand for this! You are mine Kristin. And if I can't have you willingly, then I shall have to use force."
Kristin felt lightheaded. She could barely stand up on her own. She tried to make her way towards the door, which was open, but Sinclair beat her to it and quickly grabbed her and slung her over his shoulder.
"Let me go, Sinclair! Please! You don't have to do this!"
"Be quiet, my sweet. I'm about to show you that I own every part of you. And if you know what's good for you and your family, you will not struggle against me."
Kristin couldn't stop the tears. Nothing made sense right now. She was feeling dizzy and scared. She knew what was coming, but refused to believe it would. Her body was limp in his arms and she had no control over it. Sinclair carried her and dropped her on the bed, forcefully. Kristin used up all her strength and pushed herself back towards the headboard, but Sinclair matched her every move and remained on top of her. He was kissing her now, his hands and feet pinning her down. He used one hand to hold both of hers over her head while the other one worked on her dress. He untied the back of the halter around her neck and quickly yanked it down, revealing her chest. He grabbed her left breast, groping and rubbing, and proceeded to kiss his way down her neck and over her nipple, biting harshly. Kristin let out a harsh cry of pain, but Sinclair didn't seem to care. All of a sudden one of Sinclair's men ran through the open door.
"Sir! Sir! I'm sorry to interrupt! It's an emergency! "
Sinclair was really upset about the intrusion. Keeping a hold on Kristin's hands, Sinclair turned his head to look at the guard.
"I do not appreciate the lack of privacy! I'm in the middle of something here! What is it?!!" He was seriously angry. The guard was very nervous, looking everywhere but directly at Sinclair and Kristin.
"Uh, sir. It's about Captain Bridger. You should come see."
Kristin thought she saw a hint of compassion as the guard glanced at her for one second. Sinclair let go of her hands and she quickly gathered her dress over her chest and pulled the blanket towards her. He got off the bed and walked over to the guard.
"You. This better be good." He turned around and stared at Kristin. He pointed a finger at her.
"And you. My dear, I hope you will be a little more submissive when I come back. Now excuse me while I go tend to your dear husband and son. Make sure they're not getting themselves into any trouble. We haven't finished, love. No, we've only just begun."
He turned back to the guard.
"Watch over her. Make sure she doesn't try anything stupid. I want her ready when I get back."
With that, he left to tend to important matters. The guard looked back at Kristin, who was huddled in the bed covering herself with the blanket. He slowly approached her, making sure not to startle her. He whispered the following words to her.
"Mrs. Bridger. I do not mean to harm you. My name is Joseph McNeely. I am a UEO agent working undercover for Sinclair in hopes of stopping him. He is a very powerful man with a lot of influential friends who will stop at nothing to make sure he gets his way. We have been tracking him for several months now. Before his alleged suicide. We all knew he bluffed it, but it made the public much more calm to think he had disappeared. We, however, have been waiting for the opportune moment to get him. I know you are scared and I know you miss your family. I can't say more, but I can tell you that they are safe. They reached a hospital nearby. In the meantime I will try to watch over you and make sure he doesn't hurt you. Pretend you've fallen asleep so that Sinclair can't...hurt you anytime soon. I'll help convince him. You must trust me on this. If I were to be found out, I'd be killed. I need you to cooperate."
Kristin was still shocked. She had been praying for a miracle and here it was in the form of a UEO officer. If they got out of this alive she would remember to pay more respect to the military. Sometimes they had ways of making up for their wrongdoings.
"Mr. McNeely. You have no idea how grateful I am to see you. I'd begun to lose all hope."
There was a noise down the hallway that made them both look toward the door. "Shh He's coming back. .Quick, go to sleep."
She quickly nodded at him and curled up on one side, eyes closed. He stepped back a bit and stood on guard. Sinclair entered the room and spoke to the guard.
"Well, I'm glad you informed me of this. I guess Bridger and son did better than I thought. No matter, they have no clue where we are. And they know what's at stake if they try."
He looked over and saw that Kristin was asleep.
"Why is she asleep?"
"Sir, I think you may have given her too much of that drug. She almost immediately passed out as soon as you left. I tried to wake her, but she was unresponsive. Not even to force."
"You hit her?!" Sinclair was outraged.
"No, no sir...I merely jerked her a bit to see if she would wake up. I wanted her to be ready for you."
Sinclair visibly lightened up.
"Well. I guess I must be satisfied with only having gotten a taste. When she wakes up, the feast will begin."
He looked back mischievously at Kristin, then back at the guard.
"Come. I want to keep a close watch on the Bridgers and make sure they don't interfere. Maybe we'll send them a postcard."
He laughed a bit and led McNeely down the hallway and down the stairs. Kristin opened her eyes slowly, making sure no one was around. She stood up and fixed her dress and, with what little energy she had, went to the door. Just as she thought, McNeely had left it unlocked. She checked outside and saw that the coast was clear. She carefully walked out and down the hall. She could hear Sinclair and McNeely talking downstairs. There were also some other voices. She walked down the hall and saw an open door to the left. Her curiosity got the best of her and she peeked inside. There was no one there, but the television was on. Kristin listened in as she saw that the news was talking about Nathan and Lucas.
"...and we have received word that Captain Bridger and his son, Lucas, have been found. Lucas was badly bruised and is currently being treated at Miracle Mercy Hospital. Captain Bridger is at the UEO central office in New Cape Quest. The press has been kept off of this case and no one is allowed to see the captain or the young boy. Also, no news yet of the captain's wife, Kristin. It is thought that she may not have made it alive through this terrible ordeal. Stay tuned for more as the story develops."
Kristin sighed, relieved that her family was safe and being treated. Her relief was short-lived as she heard footsteps approaching. With nowhere to go, she quickly hid inside a closet door on the opposite side of the room. She left the door slightly ajar so she could see what was going on. Sinclair and a few men, including McNeely, walked in laughing.
"Yes boys, it seems everything is going well.It won't be long before our plan comes full circle. Pretty soon, I have Bridger's wife, his son has been beaten up and he has absolutely no idea where we are. He's like a chicken with his head cut off. I do wish I could have killed him. Or at least killed that brat of his. Watch him suffer slowly. But I did end up with a much better bargain, I must say."
He looked back towards where Kristin's room would be.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I would like to pay my prize a visit...see if she can't be woken up in a better mood. Don't interrupt me, gentlemen. I won't be coming back for a while."
Some of the men were laughing as Sinclair smiled mischievously. He walked out of the room and not one minute later came running back in. Kristin could see everything clearly.
"Men, I want you all to search the castle! She's gone! She must have woken up and wandered off. Find her! And when you do, bring her to me. She needs to know who's boss. I won't let her get away that easily this time. Go! NOW!"
Sinclair was angrier than she had ever seen him. They all left the room. The men scrambled in every direction. Kristin looked over and saw there was a communications desk in the corner. She could vidlink to SeaQuest. Let them trace the call and find out where she was. She ran over and turned it on. She grew impatient as the machine was taking way too long. Finally, the vidlink booted up and she began to type in a few commands. Before she got very far, a group of guards came into the room and spotted her. One of them got the radio on the waist.
"Sir, we've got her. She's in the communications room."
Another guard spoke up. "Mrs. Bridger you would be wise to step away from the vidlink. We don't want to have to hurt you."
Kristin backed away slowly from the vidlink. She looked around and knew she was outnumbered. Out of the corner of her eye she saw another door. She was close enough that she knew she could make it through before the men got to her. Without further thought, she turned and ran as fast as she could through the door. Sinclair's men quickly responded and tried to follow her, but she had locked the door behind her. She looked around and was shocked. Everywhere, there were maps of the world with targets on them, hundreds, maybe thousands of guns and other weapons racked on the walls and on tables. One corner of the room caught her eye immediately. Dozens of pictures of her, taking from a hidden camera. There were a few of her grocery shopping, watching tv with Nathan and Lucas, sleeping, showering, even one of her and Nathan in bed together. That one had Nathan's face scratched out. In large red letters was the word "MINE". Kristin quickly turned around and there, on the wall, was a giant map of New Cape Quest, with specific targets marked and several blueprints for bombs and missiles. She looked over and saw a blueprint of the SeaQuest, also with several targets marked on it. And a picture of Nathan, with a knife embedded right on his face. Kristin let out a small gasp.
"Oh my God. He's going to attack again!"
She walked over to the picture of Nathan and removed the knife. She dropped it on the floor. She reached her hand up and placed it on Nathan's cheek in the picture.
"Nathan, you've got to stop him. Please."
A noise behind her startled her. She turned around and found herself face to face with Sinclair. Several of his men were behind him.
"Well, hello there, dear." He forcefully grabbed her right arm and pulled her toward him.
"How did you..."
"I know my way around this castle. But that is of no concern to you. It seems I underestimated you. You really know how to upset me, Kristin. My patience is not to be toyed with!"
His voice was growing in intensity.
"Now, you were planning on calling your dear hubby, weren't you? Well, why don't we give him a call together! Show him all the fun he's missing."
He dragged her next to him towards a bookshelf against the wall. He pulled one of the books out and the whole shelf quietly moved out of the way to reveal a darkened hallway, lit by only a few torches. So that's how he did it, thought Kristin. Sinclair kept pulling her down the hallway as the men followed closely behind. They passed by many doors, but stopped at one in particular towards the end of the hall.
"Now, Kristin. Now, is when I make sure your family or anyone else at the UEO comes near me ever again."
He opened the door and led her in. Inside there was what looked to be a long examination table complete with arm and leg straps. Around it were various tools that could only be described as instruments of torture. Kristin couldn't hide her fear any longer. Sinclair looked at her terror- stricken face and smiled.
To be continued...
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