Mike gulped audibly as time seemed to finally choose now to slow down.

Harvey's eyes pierced his own which seemed to look through him, invading his head like he could read his thoughts. He was close enough to feel his warm breath upon him, to study his features more finely, committing them to his indelible memory. For law enforcement purposes of course like a police sketch or that he may accurately identify him in a line up or in court. If he ever made it that far. His eyes followed the crows feet that betrayed Harvey's age to his very solid jaw that could probably break Mike's hand if he ever decided to strike him. His eyes scanned over to his lips, the bottom more plump than the top lip which now curled into a smile.

His gaze shot back to Harvey's eyes now wondering how long he'd been staring at him. Mike could feel butterflies in his stomach for some reason. His face started to turn red and a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. He wanted to speak up but when opened his mouth to do so he immediately shut it. Those weren't butterflies in his stomach. A burn started rolling up through his esophagus. Those definitely weren't butterflies. He shoved Harvey aside and rushed towards the kitchen sink relieving the contents of his stomach.

Harvey replaced him in his chair taking a sip from his drink with a smirk as Mike ran the water.

"Can't hold your liquor, kid?"

Mike ran the back of his hand across to wipe the excess water, ignoring his captor's comment.

"What're gonna do with me?" Mike asked, afraid of the answer but the suspense was getting to him.

"I'm going to use you."

This did nothing to assure Mike but instead sent a shiver up his spine at the possible insinuation. It must've shown on his face because his captor clarified.

"Easy, kid. I going to use that brain of yours." Harvey poured himself another glass. "I've had a job in mind for quite some time and I want to pick your brain and make it happen. You help me and maybe you get out of all of this safe and sound."

"Maybe? Doesn't sound reassuring. And if I refuse?"

"Then you definitely don't make it out safe and sound. How reassuring does that sound?" Harvey asked raising a brow and awaiting an answer.

Mike averted his eyes. He really didn't have much of a choice here and even though 'maybe' didn't sound comforting it was better than the alternative which would more than likely come swiftly. So he'd have to bide his time, look for a way out. Try to get out of this alive.

"So what's the job?"

"I'm so glad you asked." Harvey smiled smugly getting up from the leather arm chair. "But that'll have to wait. For now, we're going to go over your living arrangements."

"My what?" Mike asked dumbfounded.

"Your living arrangements. Your situation here. Conditions. Rules. You getting any of this?"

"Yeah, I just meant like where am I going to be living?"

"Here of course. I need to keep you somewhere where I'm going to be able to keep an eye on you. And I don't exactly have a hostage room where I can keep you seeing as how I'm not exactly in the business of kidnapping."

"Really? Could've fooled me seeing as how- ", Mike gestured at himself.

"Don't be smart."

"Why not? Isn't that exactly why you kidnapped me?"

"You really wanna annoy me?" Harvey rolled his eyes but couldn't help a small smile slip onto his face as he walked ahead towards the hallway, Mike following cautiously.

Harvey led him to a door at the end of the hallway taking out his keys from his pocket and unlocking the door. Mike wasn't able to snoop into this room but now he wasn't so sure he wanted to know what was on the other side. Harvey swung the door open and stood aside for Mike to enter. So Mike did.

He wasn't sure what he was expecting; a closet, a torture room, a body storage. It wasn't any of the above though. Just a plain room. Well not exactly plain. It looked like a small suite at a 5-star hotel, perfectly immaculate. It was nicer than his apartment. Probably most apartments in the city. He walked in slowly taking it all in. He wasn't sure what kidnappees went through or where they stayed, but he was sure it wasn't anything like this.

"You've got a TV and some books for entertainment. A restroom right behind that door. Closet,

but I'll get you some clothes."

Mike looked around taking it in. He eyed the wide window, ideas starting to form in his head but was cut off immediately.

"Oh, and if you get any bright ideas about trying to signal for help from the window or anything like that. Just remember it's not just your life at stake."

Mike swallowed his hope and thoughts of escape begrudgingly.

"I'll be back to check on you later."

And before Mike could turn around to say anything the door was immediately shut and locked.