Chapter 17

Hoping not to draw any attention their way, Alex gathered a small band of trusted people to him and organised a more thorough search of the house and gardens. An hour later they reported back, there was still no sign of Sue. Feeling slightly nauseated, Jack moved away hoping that the fresh air would help. He felt as if he had been punched in the stomach, where could she have gone? A whole myriad of emotions flooded through him, "I ought to have handcuffed her to me," he muttered to himself. "It's the only way I could ever make sure that she didn't wander off without letting me know where she was going!"

"We'll find her," Ana said, coming to his side and patting his shoulder. "She's always been found before. I think it is safe to assume that she hasn't just gone for a walk so I think we need to explore the tunnels."

"Of course!" exclaimed Jack. "Everything that has happened has involved the tunnels, it makes sense that she should be there." He began to set off towards their rooms but felt Ana's hand on his arm. "Jack, I know what Sue means to you but you really must put your FBI head on. We aren't going anywhere unless we are prepared. Come on, we need to join the others in Alex's study."

Jack followed her docilely realising the wisdom of her words. Alex, Jason and Will were already in the study along with two burley guys who Alex introduced as Ted and Brian from 'security'. Jack nodded his head in greeting before turning towards Alex. "We think that she may be in the tunnels," he said. Alex nodded moving towards a door in the corner of the room. Jack was surprised to see that it needed a retinal scan and thumb print to unlock it but once the door was opened he could see why. It was a veritable Aladdin's cave of weaponry. Alex began handing out guns to everyone, everyone except Jack who immediately bristled and began to protest. Rolling his eyes Alex reluctantly handed him one, "Try not to use it," he said. "I'll fill out the permission paperwork later." Weapons concealed they made their way to Sue's room and the tunnel entrance.

Sue was regretting her impulsive action. Her hands had been bound behind her back and she had been pushed, not too gently, along the tunnel to the hidden passageway that she and Levi had found, the narrowness of the passage preventing her from trying to escape. Lionel and Frances were in front of her, behind her was the hulking goon who had grabbed her and right at the very front, leading the way, were two men dressed as waiters. Sue had expected to be taken to the cavern they had found when they had explored the passageways but, to her surprise, she was taken through another hidden doorway and into a small room that had been carved out of the rock. It was cold and damp with a musty smell that tickled Sue's nose making her want to sneeze. The floor was slippery underfoot and Sue could feel the water soaking through her thin, impractical party slippers and beginning to chill her feet. Frances followed her in and the door closed behind them.

"Sue, you really should have left well alone," she said without emotion. "These are terrible people, they'll probably just leave you here and no-one will ever find you." Sue had already come to that conclusion and was hoping to try and persuade Frances to let her go.

"What about you Frances?" asked Sue. "Are you safe from them?"

Frances shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. Perhaps, whilst ever Lionel is safe I should be." Sue decided to lay all her cards on the table.

"I saw you talking to Lionel this morning," she began. "I broke my rule and read what you were saying because I am worried about you and I want to help you. Lionel said that you could go to prison, why?" Frances said nothing.

"Alex could help you," she continued. "I know that you aren't related but you are friends and Alex helps his friends." Still Frances said nothing.

"What happened to your brother, why is he in hospital? I can tell that you care for him a lot. Please talk to me Frances, I want to help you. I want to stop Lionel from hurting you. Please let me."

Finally Frances spoke, "You can't help me. I've made my bed and now I have to lie in it."

"What did you do Frances, why does Lionel have such a hold over you?" asked Sue desperately. Instead of replying, Frances produced a blindfold. "I'm sorry Sue, I have to do this, you can't be allowed to escape. I'll be taking the torch with me; it will be quite dark; you won't be able to find your way out. I'm really sorry but these people are dangerous and I need to protect my brother." Quickly and deftly she tied the blindfold over Sue's eyes trying hard not to look at the terror which flashed across her face.

"You don't have to do this Frances!" Sue struggled with her bonds but they were tightly secured. However, she was talking to herself, Frances had already gone and Sue was alone in the dark.