"You know why I'm doing this? Because I can't get her back myself. Contrary to what you believe, I do look after family."
David snorted behind me. "You really expect me to believe you?"
"No. But ever since I heard what had happened, I managed to find where she's being kept. Think of it as an exchange of favors, a fair trial in exchange for her location. I know you'll stand a better chance than me."
He was quiet for a considerable amount of time. Finally, he moved to the young woman and whispered some instructions to her. She nodded and David glared at me as he and the other officer exited the small room.
For a few minutes, she stayed where she was; watching. So I watched her in return; assessing, analyzing. I came to the conclusion that while she was no one to really worry about, she could still cause me considerable trouble.
She then decided to break the silence.
"Tell me, what do you know about a rogue organization located in the heart of Siberia?"
Her voice was disarmingly soft and soothing, especially after David.
"Why would you need to know?"
She paused for a moment and seemed to come to a conclusion. "They are a very enigmatic group. Not much is known about them. Only two things are certain. A single man has escaped alive with the knowledge that could destroy them." She leaned in close, holding my gaze. "And they will stop at nothing to see that man dead."
"Oh what, are you one of them and you're working to weed this man out? What does this mean to you?" Think I'm overly cautious? You're probably right.
She looked confused. "What? No! I'm CIA, this man may be instrumental in preventing them from regrouping and causing untold damage. I'm aware you have multiple sources in the underground who could help."
I thought about it, finally reaching a decision. Not a very hard one. "That would be nice if you were able to do that, they are quite annoying."
"If you can help me find this man, they will become decidedly less annoying. I could even talk to your brother about granting you clemency."
"Well, when you put it that way, then maybe I'll consider it."
Just then the door behind me slammed open.
"Maybe I'll consider it if you let my daughter go."
"Sold."
Silence. Golden.
"Really? Just like that?"
I sighed. "That's what I've been trying to get at. Although with slightly more conditions than I had hoped. It'll have to be good enough."
"Well then," he let out a breath. "What do you need?"
"My phone, first of all. And arms that can move."
He groaned. "Fine, I can get you that." And he left the room again.
The young woman pulled out a small remote and pressed a button. Instantly I could move my arms again. The first thing I did was tend to my aching scalp, making sure nothing was getting ready to fall out and cause lasting damage. Then I realized my legs were still clamped down. Hm, apparently they didn't trust me completely. So I crossed my arms and waited for David to return with my phone.
A few minutes later he came in carrying it in his hand.
"This is a really interesting device. It appears to be a normal model, but it's much heavier. The OS seems different as well."
"That's because it's a custom job." I put my hand out to receive it. "A favor from a while back."
"Hm." He placed it in my hand.
Phone in hand, I was about to get started when I realized something. I looked up at my brother, who was waiting expectantly.
"What?"
"A password is private for a reason."
He looked away, disgusted. Now with prying eyes away, I could unlock my phone. Just a few seconds after he looked away, I could see my brother's gaze creeping back to the screen.
Once I was done, I leaned back.
"You'll get the coordinates momentarily, though I'm wondering what you did to piss off the mob" Locked and asleep, I set my phone down.
"The mob? What does this have to do with the mob!?"
"You didn't know...?
He was distracted then by his own phone buzzing. When he pulled it out, the screen lit up and displayed the coordinates. He studied them for a few seconds before groaning, "Oh no, I think I know what this is about." He turned to me and asked, "How did you find her?"
I shrugged. "Asking the right questions to the right people. Oh yeah, she's under lock and key. And twenty-four-hour surveillance. Who knows how long she'll last." David looked at me in horror. I glanced at him and sighed. "I told you I wouldn't be able to get her on my own."
He looked at me, then at his phone again, before running out the door.
Now I turned to face the woman.
"There. I've completed that part of the bargain, let me go and we'll see about the rest."
She looked me over for a few seconds, obviously deciding whether she could trust me. Ultimately she came to a decision.
"Come on," she said as she released my legs. Sweet freedom. "We're moving to a more comfortable setting." She looked at me meaningfully as I got up. "Need I remind you of the position you are in?"
"Oh, no no. I know. I'll be good."
"Then follow me."
To the officer just outside, she said, "Tell him we'll be in his office if he comes back looking for us." The officer nodded and we continued on our way.
Ah, freedom.