Mac was breathing fast, probably too fast seeing as he was gagged and there wasn't much air filtering through his mouth. He slowed his breathing and his heart rate down, there was no point in panicking. It was over, the words had stopped which meant the hour was up, his father would be in soon to see how it had gone. He was still hearing the words, he just hoped that once the sedative wore off his brain would be clearer, and he would realise that you can't just brainwash someone so easily. As he sat there he went back to his father's words before he put the headphones on, his breath quickening slightly again, 'we may play the second tape as well.'
What was on the second tape, surely he wouldn't do that, he'd just suffered through an hour, his father wouldn't make him sit through anymore. He needed to calm down and be ready when James came in, he needed to make him believe that he was compliant, so that it got him out of that room.
Once he was more alert he'd come up with a plan.
He flinched as the headphones were removed, he hadn't even heard or sensed his father had come in.
"I can't tell if that's had any effect on you, there doesn't seem to be any noticeable differences, I'm going to remove your gag so that you can speak." James leaned forward and loosened the knot pulling it out of his mouth and letting it hang around his neck. "What did you learn from the tape Angus?"
He wasn't sure what James wanted him to say, he had to be convincing otherwise his father would believe he was just telling him what he wanted to hear.
"To behave." Angus said, the words sounding a little wrong, his mouth was so dry.
"Drink," his father said, pressing a bottle to his lips.
Mac drank as much as he was allowed, his throat and mouth felt so much better.
"Try again Angus, what did you learn."
Mac wasn't sure if he was supposed to just repeat what he just said, this time a little clearer or his father was telling him that he got it wrong. "I learnt I need to behave."
"Is that all?"
Mac wracked his brains, surely that was what his father wanted to hear, his head was still a little fuzzy. He obviously paused for too long as his father started speaking again.
"I really thought that might work on the first go, I guess maybe we'll have to try it again. We'll play the first tape over and I'll leave the second one for another day." James spoke quickly, he was leaning over pulling the gag back into Mac's mouth before he could even think.
"No," Mac said, shaking his head, he wasn't going to go through that again.
"Well it obviously had no effect on you at all, if this is what you call behaving, maybe we should play the first tape again, then the second, give you something to think about!"
Mac managed to pull the words out that he hoped his father wanted to hear, praying that he would listen. "I will behave, or I will be punished."
Mac couldn't see his father, but he felt him step back slightly, obviously trying to decide whether what he'd heard could be believed. He tried his best to look compliant, he dropped his head slightly like he was defeated, there wasn't much else he could do.
"Ok Angus, I think you've learnt your lesson today, the experiment went better than I expected," James finally spoke.
Mac breathed a little deeper, but didn't move, he didn't want to do anything to make his father suspicious.
"The notes say that the subject might need more than one session, it even says that multiple sessions can be given at the same time. I'm not going to make you sit through that again, but you need to remember the words Angus, if there's any misbehaving today, I won't hesitate to bring you back in here. The notes also say that the subject is to be left in place with the headphones removed for at least an hour, so they can think about what they've just heard. I think that's a good idea, I have a few more things to do so that's perfect."
Mac couldn't believe that his father was reading from a set of notes, almost like a guide to torture techniques, let's hope he doesn't have anymore. He was not looking forward to sitting in that position for another hour, he was starting to get uncomfortable, but he obviously wasn't going to tell his father that. He lifted his head slightly and as he did his father's hand brushed past him, fixing the gag back in place and tightening the knot again.
"Sorry Angus, I need to go outside for a bit, can't have you making any noise while I'm gone. I'll be back in about an hour and I'll make some lunch, maybe we can test your new behaving skills and you can stay in the kitchen."
With that he walked away, shutting the door behind him, Mac tried to get into a more comfortable position, but if he moved his arms the ropes just seem to tighten. He stayed where he was, trying desperately to come up with a new plan. His head was getting clearer. He hoped that if he didn't do anything to upset his father, that in the next day or two he'd be allowed to roam more freely, only then would he be able to put any plan in motion. He was worried that no one had come to find him yet, had James really hidden them that well?
The next hour was the longest in Mac's life, even longer than the one listening to the tape. His shoulders had started hurting, being at an awkward angle for so long and his mouth was so dry. He was also flinching at the slightest noise, the blindfold completely left him in the dark, he started to wander what the material was, it had to be strong to not let any light through. As he was running through a list of materials in his head the door opened, causing him to jump, great, how much more weakness was he going to show in front of his father.
"Let's get you out of here Angus, you must be getting uncomfortable," James said, approaching.
Understatement of the century, Mac thought. He sat still while his father started to free him from his restraints, first the gag came off, completely that time, then he untied his legs. He flinched again when James gripped his upper arm but felt relief when whatever attached him to the wall was released. The grip on his arm stayed.
"Time to stand now," James said, steadying Mac when he wobbled. "First stop the bathroom, I'll let you have a shower and put on some clothes and then we can have some lunch."
Mac felt himself be pulled forward, he was eager to get under the hot shower spray and put on some clothes, the room they were in was unpleasantly cold. He had decided that there must be somethings his father didn't want him seeing, why didn't he take off the blindfold?
The walk to the bathroom was short and he was given the same speech, the pattern then remained the same after his shower, he was handcuffed and taken to the kitchen, one wrist secured to the table.
"I didn't like doing that to you Angus, if only you had behaved from the start, things could have been so much different. You were always stubborn though," James spoke up from across Mac, a slight sound of remorse in his voice.
Mac looked at his father, he really wanted to answer back, was his father really blaming him for the torture. But he held his tongue, that would not get him anywhere, except maybe back in the room he'd just come from.
"I bet you're hungry, I am. I'll fix us some sandwiches."
Mac sat in silence, his head was now clear, the drug had obviously worn off and the water from the shower helped. He needed to make his father believe that he wanted to be there, he needed him to let his guard down, he couldn't escape if he was constantly restrained when he was in the main house. It was extremely hard for Mac to keep quiet, even harder for him to act like he had been broken. He also knew that he had to make it look convincing, he couldn't be too compliant too quickly, or his father would get suspicious. He had a horrible feeling that he would have to endure that brainwashing at least once more, it was probably the only way to convince his father.
"Peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches and some milk, you always loved those when you were a kid," James said, placing the plate and cup in front of his son. "Are they still your favourite?"
"They're great, thanks dad," Mac replied, hoping he put enough in the words to make them sincere.
"My pleasure, eat up," James smiled, putting his own plate on the table. "I thought after this you could come into the living room for a bit, we could watch a documentary I've been saving, I think you'll like it."
"I'd like that," Mac decided keeping his answers short was the best way to go. "I remember we used to watch them together when I was a kid."
"I enjoyed that Angus; it would be nice to do something like that together again."
They sat in silence for the rest of the meal, James bringing over some fruit once the sandwiches were finished.
"Right, I'll do the dishes later, let's go watch that documentary."
James got up and unlocked the handcuffs, Mac was hoping that they'd be removed altogether but that was just wishful thinking, his father secured his wrists once again, in front this time and grabbed his upper arm. He walked them to the door Mac had seen the day before and led him through to the living area. He had Mac sit in an armchair off to the side and then pulled something out of a box, it was a piece of chain. Now Mac understood why his hands were handcuffed in front of him, his father attached the chain to a ring in the floor and then to the handcuffs, satisfied they were secure he sat on the sofa across the room.
"I hope next time we do this I won't have to lock you up like that, I'm afraid I don't trust you just yet," James said, taking the remote and turning on the TV.
Mac hated the words that came out of his mouth, but he knew it was all part of the plan. "I understand dad, trust has to be earned."
Riley opened her eyes and blinked at the strong lights over her, she would recognise them anywhere, Phoenix medical. Not that she spent a lot of time there as a patient, it was more when she was visiting Jack and Mac.
"Mac!" she exclaimed, sitting up, feeling instantly dizzy.
"Hey Ri, slow it down," Jack said, coming up beside her. "You scared me."
"I'm sorry, what happened?"
"Apparently not taking care of yourself caught up to you," Jack replied, sitting on the side of the bed. "You were pretty dehydrated kiddo."
"Really? I guess I was so focussed on finding Mac that those things just got forgotten," Riley looked a little guilty when she said that, she hated that she'd worried Jack, especially as he was already so worried about Mac. "Has there been any news?"
"Nothing."
"How long have I been here?"
"About four hours," Jack said, knowing how Riley would react to that.
"What! That's four hours too long."
"Ri, you have to take care of yourself. When we find Mac he's gonna need all of us to be at the top of our game, not collapsing cos we're dehydrated, or sleep deprived."
Riley again looked incredibly guilty, she knew Jack was right, she was just having trouble with the fact it would soon be another day that Mac had been missing.
"You said when, not if," Riley said, her voice faint.
"Course I did, we'll find him Riley, if not today or tomorrow or a week down the line, we will find him eventually."
"Eventually isn't good enough Jack. We need to find him before his father can hurt him anymore than he already has." She was crying now, the emotions of the last few days coming to the surface.
"I don't know what to say kiddo, we can't find him if there're no leads," Jack replied, sounding defeated. He reached over and pulled her into a hug, a few tears of his own falling onto her shoulder.
They sat there for a couple of minutes and then Riley pulled away.
"Tell me what I've missed, did I follow the wrong car?
"No, it was the right car, right house, wrong time. We think James drove there and switched vehicles, because there are no camera's in that street we've no idea if Mac was there, although I'm guessing he didn't have time to drop him anywhere beforehand."
"So, we need to find out what car he drove out of that neighbourhood," Riley said, stating the obvious.
"Hopefully, we can, and hopefully it won't lead us to another dead end."
"I need to get out of here Jack, back to the search." She pushed the covers off her legs and swung them over the side of the bed before Jack could respond.
"Hey now little lady, I think the doctor needs to make that decision."
"Since when do you listen to doctors."
"That's absolutely true, but I don't want you following in my footsteps. Bad enough Mac does." Jack paused, as if it were hard to say his name. "Let me at least find the doc, he might say you're fine to leave."
"Fine, but I'm going whether they like it or not."
It turned out the doctor was fine for her to leave if she kept herself hydrated; Jack would make sure of it, even if he had to force it on her. They made their way to the war room so Riley could start searching surveillance footage once more. "Where is everyone?" Riley asked.
"Cage is still on the op she was sent on, she should be back soon, I sent Bozer home once we knew you were gonna be ok, didn't want him collapsing on me too. Matty's following up on some leads of her own with the CIA, I think she's convinced they know more than they're letting on."
Riley nodded, glad that everyone was doing something, settling on the sofa, booting up her rig. "I will find us a lead Jack, I promise."
"Ri, I know you'll do your best, but I don't expect miracles. If there isn't anything to find then it doesn't matter how hard you look."
Riley nodded, knowing that he was right, she just hoped that she was better than James, she wouldn't let him beat her.
"I'm gonna go grab as some snacks and some Gatorade, after all I just promised the doc I'd look after you, holler if you need anything."
"Take your time Jack, this is probably gonna take a while."
"OK, maybe I'll head down to the lab then, see if they've found anything from the car or the house."
"You think they will?"
"I don't think James would leave anything behind that he didn't want us to find, but like Matty said, he's not alone anymore, he might make a mistake."
"I'll cross my fingers and toes then; we could do with him making some mistakes."
"Ahem to that Ri, Ahem to that."
Chapter nine.
Mac was back in the basement; James had told him that he'd done well, and that he would make sure to bring him back upstairs the next morning. The time in the living room had been interesting, James had basically left Mac to his own devices, watching the documentary and then going into the kitchen to do the dishes. He had looked around as best he could, not wanting to be seen walking around by his father, not that he could go far, the chain wasn't exceptionally long.
Nothing stood out though, nothing he could get his hands on to pick a lock with, even though he was against escaping from the basement again, although he would try if the opportunity presented itself.
His father hadn't talked much, only talking about the documentary and Angus's progress. The only thing that was of interest was the way he ushered Mac back down the stairs. He'd looked at his watch and jumped up, looking a Mac with a bit of shock.
"It's time to go Angus, I think I've let you stay up here too long."
Mac wondered what was going on, did his father have something specific to do at that time? Not that he knew what time it was, he still hadn't been able to look at a clock.
James quickly came over and took off the chain, packing it back in the box, he then pulled Mac up quite forcefully and quickly moved the cuffs from the front to the back. He then pulled the dreaded blindfold over his eyes, spun Mac around and then pulled him to the basement stairs, he was slower leading him down but there was obviously some reason for this speed.
Before he knew what was happening Mac was back on the basement floor, the manacle back around his ankle and James was rushing up the stairs. Mac waited until the door was locked and then he got up, getting as close to the staircase as possible, if something were going on maybe he could hear it. He was conscious not to make what he was doing too obvious; he hadn't forgotten the camera. He listened for a few minutes, straining his ears, he thought he could hear talking, but he couldn't make out any of the words.
Deciding that there was no point staying there any longer he went back to the middle of the floor, he realised he hadn't relieved himself for a while, so he took the opportunity to do that, noticing that the bucket had been emptied and cleaned. He then sat back down waiting for night to come.
"Eat up Angus," James said when he bought dinner down a few hours later. Mac couldn't be sure, but he thought it was later than usual. "I've put a higher dose in than usual, I need to go out in the morning and I'd rather you didn't wake up before I got back."
Mac paused, suddenly not feeling very hungry, he hated all these sedatives and he was sure this many wasn't good for him. He knew he might regret it, but he spoke up. "I promise I won't make any trouble; I really don't want to be knocked out for so long."
"I'm sorry Angus but I don't have a choice, one day of good behaviour doesn't mean I trust you here by yourself. I don't think you'd be able to get out of that restraint but it's always possible, and I can't have you awake and yelling for help, someone could hear."
"I.." Mac started.
"Don't argue, I've said this is happening so finish eating and lay down."
Mac realised that he had to do what his father said, he didn't want to jeopardise the work he'd made to gain James's trust. He ate silently, wondering where his father was going and if it had anything to do with what had happened earlier. No sooner had he had the last bite and the sedative took effect and he fell sideways, only just stopping his face from hitting the floor, wow those were some powerful drugs.
It took Mac a lot longer than usual to come around the next morning, the drugs in his system still present even though he was awake. He rolled onto his back, closing his eyes as that made the room spin, god his father had given him far too much, he was sure of it. He slowly sat up once he felt a bit more alert, noticing a bottle of water beside him, he downed the whole thing and then took a few deep breaths. He wondered what time it was, perhaps for the hundredth time and whether his father was back from his trip.
Mac had used the bucket and paced the floor a little, sitting back down by the time the door opened.
"I know I said that you could come upstairs for breakfast, but I don't have the time today," James said, bringing over a plate. "Here's some toast, that will have to tide you over until I can come back, although it probably won't be until tonight."
"Can I have something to do?" Mac asked without even thinking. He couldn't spend the whole day down there without some sort of distraction.
"Do?" James asked.
"Maybe a book or two? I'm sorry to ask but you can understand I want to keep my mind occupied."
"I'll see if I can bring you something later, right now I have to go."
James rushed up the stairs, like he had done the previous day, Mac really wanted to know what was going on. He started eating the toast, noticing that it was on a paper plate, not going to be doing anything with that. That was soon finished. Mac really hoped his father came back with some books, he didn't know what he would do alone for over ten hours, he was sure that it would be at least that. He would prefer more hours being brainwashed, at least it was something to do.
Luckily for Mac he had his wish, a few hours later James came back, bringing two books, a bottle of water and a bag of chips. He didn't speak and he was gone as quick as he'd come. Mac really wanted to ask his father what was happening, but he knew that it wasn't the best idea. He kept quiet and sat reading the books, stopping every now and then to eat and walk around. Before Mac knew it his father was coming down the stairs again with a plate, was it really that time already.
"I thought you'd be hungry, so I bought dinner a little earlier than usual," James said, sitting on the bottom step after setting the plate down. "I apologise that I've left you all day, I've had to move our timeline up a little and I've been trying to get everything sorted."
"Timeline?" Mac asked, needing to know what was happening.
"I told you that this wasn't where I was living and that we would be moving once you were ready, unfortunately the move is having to be brought forward. I was hoping we could stay here for at least a few more days, moving now is not ideal but we'll make do."
Mac was eating slowly, wanting to speak to his father about this some more and knowing that once the meal was over he would be asleep. "Why do we have to move?"
"That's not your concern Angus. All you need to know is that we do, and you'll need to be ready tomorrow night. I'm glad this good behaviour is continuing, although I would prefer a few less questions. We'll have to continue the behavioural experiments once we get to the new place."
Great, his father still didn't think he was behaving as well as he should. What more did the man want. He finished the meal and laid down, wondering what would be instore for him the next day.
The next morning was a lot more productive for Mac, he was allowed upstairs to have breakfast, handcuffed to the table still, but he supposed it was better than being alone in the basement. He noticed that the room looked a lot emptier than it had the last time he was here, there seemed to only be the essentials left. Once again they ate in silence, the meal over quickly. Mac sat and watched his father clean up and move around the room, packing up a few bits, it seemed he'd forgotten Mac was there.
"When will we be leaving?" Mac asked, biting his lip when he realised he'd ask a question.
"After midnight, it's better to travel at night, not too many people around," James replied, looking a little startled when Mac spoke. "Would you like to watch TV for a bit? I think I can trust you in there for a while by yourself."
Mac nodded, at least it would pass the time.
James used the same process as before and once Mac was secure on the armchair he left the room. Mac had the remote in his hand and he turned the TV on, finding something that would interest him. He sat there for a few minutes and then thought it might be time to seize the opportunity to escape. He had no idea where James was taking him and how easy it would be to get away once they were there. The remote had small components in it he was sure he could pick the handcuffs with; the only problem was where would he go after he was free. The front door was too far away and unless he managed to incapacitate his father he wouldn't get far. He glanced over to the windows, wondering if they opened, breaking them would make too much noise.
Deciding it was now or never he looked for any sign of his father and then began to take the remote apart, he kept an eye on the door, knowing that James could come back at any minute. Finally, he managed to find the right part and he picked the lock, carefully removing the handcuffs and standing up. Just as he stood and started making his way across the room his father appeared in the doorway. They both froze, Mac knowing he'd have to fight and win to get away.
He approached the older man and managed to get a few hits in, unfortunately the man was stronger and apparently better trained, he had him in a chokehold before Mac could even get out of the room.
"STOP," James screamed in his ear, causing Mac to freeze.
The pressure on his neck tightened slightly and he knew what his father was going to do, he thought about fighting it but knew that it would just make it worse. His vison faded and James let him go, he wasn't unconscious, but he wasn't getting up for a few minutes. That was all James needed, he pulled his hands behind him tying the rope tightly around his wrists, he then dragged him by a hard grip through the kitchen and to the basement. Mac half expected to be pushed down the stairs but instead he was pulled to his feet.
"Walk."
He complied, walking down the stairs where he was shoved back to the floor, his ankle being fastened roughly into the manacle.
His father stood over him a furious look on his face, without warning he kicked him hard in the stomach twice. He then gathered all the things in the room he'd been given and made his way up the stairs without a word.
Mac lay there, trying to slow down his breathing, he curled slightly, his stomach on fire. He would have wrapped his hands around himself, but his father had left them tied behind his back. He screwed up, he knew he did, he couldn't stop the couple of tears that leaked out of his eyes. He had no idea what was going to happen now, maybe his father would leave him there, go without him. Or he'd come down there and give him a beating, he had promised to if he tried to escape again. The pain was lessoning, although he was sure that he had a few bruises, and probably not just on his stomach.
Mac wasn't sure how long he stayed lying on his side, he could hear walking upstairs, and he was sure he heard some banging and crashing. Hopefully, James was destroying things rather than taking his anger out on his son. He started to doze, the adrenaline leaking out of him, his eyes shot open when the door creaked, his father was coming down.
Mac didn't want to be an easy target, so he struggled to his knees, not easy to do with your hands tied and your ribs bruised.
"Why Angus, I don't understand, you were behaving so well," James exclaimed as he stood over Mac.
Mac swallowed and looked up at his father, glad that this seemed to be the nicer side of him. He hated it when the other one came out. He wasn't sure how to respond, all he could think was to apologise. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry you got caught, not sorry you did it!"
James started pacing, walking around Mac, causing his heart to beat a little faster. He just sat there, as still as possible, he didn't think now was the right time to start arguing or answering back.
"I was starting to trust you Angus, I thought when we got to the new house I might even start letting you roam around a bit more freely. I thought you understood that you had to stay here, I thought you understood why I've had to treat you the way I have. You've just been telling me what I want to hear, plotting to leave the first chance you got. You clearly don't understand a thing."
"No, I don't understand, I don't think I ever will," Mac replied, deciding that it was stupid to play along anymore.
"You will Angus, eventually. It just means I must put in more of an effort, I've been neglecting you, leaving you to your own devices, giving you too much time to think. That'll change, but it'll have to wait until tomorrow, there's no time for anything now."
Mac didn't think he liked the sound of that one bit. He really wished that someone would find them, come on Jack, where are you.
"Stay still I'm going to untie your hands," James said, pulling at the ropes. "Lift up your shirt, I want to see if I need to wrap your ribs."
Mac did as he was told, flinching when his father pressed against the bruises, he lifted Mac's chin up to look at his neck, satisfied he stepped backwards.
"Superficial, painful I'm sure but maybe that will act as a reminder. I don't like using my fists Angus, but if that's the only way you'll learn it might have to be added into my plans."
Mac certainly didn't want that, his father hit hard, he didn't know how he would be if it happened more often.
"It'll come as no surprise, but you will stay down here until we need to leave and there will be no more food. I'll bring a bottle of water down later; I can't have you getting dehydrated. Try and behave."
With that last statement James left, Mac's tense body relaxing immediately. James kept his word and brought down some water, but other than that he was left alone. As the hours wore on Mac fell asleep, the floor was a lot more uncomfortable with bruised ribs, but he managed. He was rudely awakened hours later by his father's voice.
"Wake up Angus."
Mac opened his eyes, fairly sure that it wasn't the first time his father had asked him to wake up and sat up slowly, knowing that the time had come for them to leave.
"It's time to go," James said, walking around Mac with the usual items. He put his hands behind his back before he was asked, and his father wrapped the rope tightly. The blindfold was then placed over his eyes.
"We're going out to the car, do exactly as I say when I say it, there mustn't be any delays."
Mac nodded, it was pointless doing anything now, it wouldn't change anything. They walked up the stairs and around to the left, walking out of the door into the air, it felt so good on Mac's face, he hadn't been outside for days. James steered him across the grass and stopped him with a pull to his arm, letting go for a moment, unable to see Mac stayed still trying to listen for any signs as to what was happening. He felt James behind him and then material brush across his face, as a gag was pulled into his lips forcing them open, the material was tightened and tied around his head and he was spun around. He was pushed slightly, and he was resting on something solid and uncomfortable, he couldn't make it out. There was a tug on his legs and his ankles were being tied together. He then felt himself being pulled backwards and his head pushed down, it was disorientating, and he instinctively tried to stop the decent, sure now where he was going to end up, the trunk of a car. James didn't seem phased by the struggling, the grip he had tightened, and the pulling was more forceful, and soon Mac was laying awkwardly exactly where he thought he'd be. He believed he was facing the car itself, rather than the outside. He was ready for the lid to slam down and trap him even more, what he didn't expect was the needle prick in his neck.
"It's a long journey Angus, can't have you waking up too soon. Don't worry, when we get there, you'll be alert enough to be acquainted with your new home."
James slammed the lid shut and Mac felt his world go dizzy, he was sure this was it; he was never going home again.