Chapter 7

Jeff climbed out the car with a pack of Budweiser and pizza, he'd picked up on the way back. The guards pulled into the parking lot a few seconds later, but Jeff continued to his room. Let the guards think Matt had already gotten out the car.

Chris sat at the table playing solitaire and smiled when Jeff entered. "Cool, I was hungry. Think that will be enough for everyone."

Jeff tossed the pizza box on the table. "It's enough for you and me. Matt and Rob are off doing their own thing." He sat on Chris's lap. "The nights all ours and we can do our own thing too." He gave Chris a kiss.

Chris wrapped his arms around Jeff's waist pulling him closer. "I can go for that, Junior." He said, kissing Jeff back. When someone started knocking on the door they both groaned.

"Who could that be?" Jeff complained. He climbed off Chris's lap to answer the door, then paused. What if it was the guards looking for Matt? Did they notice after all, Matt hadn't been in the car with him?

"Are you going to get it?" Chris asked. "It might be Rob."

"Why would Rob be here?" Jeff went ahead and opened the door and sure enough it was Rob.

"Hey Man." Rob greeted. "Sorry if I'm interrupting anything, but do one of you have matches? I bought some candles and totally forgot to get some."

Jeff raised his eyebrows, not expecting to see his friend. "Uh...No. Matt should have a lighter, but... I thought you were planning a surprise for him?"

Rob smiled. "I am. I've picked up this really cool dinner. Everything his favorite" He looked around the room. "Where is he anyway?"

"He already left in the limo to go meet you." Jeff explained. "You seem to be running a little late."

Rob furrowed his brow. "Limo? Late for what?"

Jeff gave Rob a funny look. "I don't know. Whatever it is you've got planned. We found the note on the sunflower and... You did arrange for him to be picked up in a limo didn't you? For a surprise?"

Rob shook his head. "I don't know what you're talking about, Man. I planned on surprising him with dinner in the room."

Jeff studied him for a second. Rob really didn't have any idea what he was talking about. "But... The note said it was from you and..." He trailed off, a horrible thought suddenly occuring to him.

"He left in a limo?" Rob asked, his eyes going wide. "He left thinking he was going to meet me?"

Without replying, Jeff grabbed his cell phone and dialed Matt's number. After a few seconds, he hung up and sank slowly onto the bed. This couldn't be happening.

"Well?" Rob asked impatiently.

"No answer. His voicemail automatically picked up." Jeff whispered, fear and dread knotting inside his stomach. "The note was signed from you. But if you didn't send it, that could mean..."

"AND YOU JUST LET HIM GO?!" Rob yelled, increadibly.

"I DIDN'T KNOW." Jeff yelled back.

"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Chris quickly jumped up. "We don't know what's going on yet."

"I think it's obvious what's going on." Rob snapped at him. "Who would leave a note saying it was from me? Who other than the stalker?"

Jeff closed his eyes, his head falling forward. To think, he might have let his brother go into the hands of a madman.

Rob picked up the motel phone. "I'm calling the police." He dialed the number and waited, glowering at Jeff. "Good to know, you've got your brother's back."

Jeff let his face drop into his hands. How could I have been so stupid? God, please let everything be all right.

Matt jerked awake from his dream and raised his head off the pillow. The motel room was completely dark. Not even the light of the moon shown through the window. His knuckles ached, making him realize how hard he was gripping the pillow and he released his hold, just as Rob started stroking the back of his head.

"Sorry I woke you." Matt laid his head back down, Rob's touch always comforting. "I just had the worst dream." Nightmare was more like it.

"Don't worry Kid. You didn't wake me."

Matt's eyes popped open. That wasn't Rob's voice! Rolling away from the touch, he quickly sat up, his heart pounding. He squinted his eyes, trying to see in the dark. Please let me still be dreaming.

Stone Cold turned on the lamp and smiled from his chair beside the bed. Matt could only stare at him. Everything was too crisp and clear for him to be dreaming. Austin was alive!

"What's the matter, Kid? You look like you've seen a ghost." Austin commented casually.

Matt quickly drew in a deep breath. He'd literally stopped breathing. Austin simply regarded him with amusement and Matt swallowed, trying to find his voice. "I...I saw you die." The words were barley above a whisper.

"I saw you die too." Austin held out his arms in a shrug. "Yet, here we are."

Matt couldn't stop staring. How could this be happening? Austin looked the same as he did the night he'd died. Matt scooted further away until he was pressed against the headboard, almost afraid he really was seeing a ghost.

Austin shook his head at him. "Think about it, Kid. Did they ever find my body?"

Matt sat numbly, trying to remember all the facts. The police had swept the river for Austin's body and Matt, wanting to move on with life, never took the time to find out the results. Obviously the results were sitting right in front of him. "Everyone thinks you're...you're dead." He whispered.

"From what I hear, everyone just thinks I've left wrestling." Austin chuckled to himself. "The things Vince can do."

Matt had almost forgot that too. Vince had made the world believe Austin left the company. Besides Vince, only he, his brother, Rob, and Chris knew the truth. But now, the truth was one giant unbelievable lie.

Austin stood and walked to the door. "I've got things to do. I'll see you come morning." He left the room, without another word, locking the door behind him.

Matt sat in stunned silence. How could the Rattlesnake possibly be here? He looked around, realizing he had no idea where here was and finally it dawned on him the situation he was in. Austin had led him here. Tricked him. The evil man was a master of manipulation, as he'd proven in the past and was proving now. It was like nothing had ever changed. Once again, he fell into Austin's web of deceit.

The Rattlesnake had drugged him with his venomous poison, but why? Why had he been stalking him? Was Austin taking out his revenge in some sick way? He remembered seeing his cloths in the chair and now that he thought about it, he hadn't brought them on the trip. Austin was the one who broke into his house so the Rattlesnake had to have taken them.

In their haste to get out of the house, Matt never noticed anything missing. How long had this been planned? Had Austin been planning and watching him the whole time he was supposed to be dead?

Matt held a hand over his stomach, nauseous at the thought. Had his life been an open book for the Rattlesnake to read? Every moment and perhaps every intimate detail? He lay down, still feeling the lingering effects of the wine or drug or whatever the hell it was. He couldn't think right now, his head hurt too much. It was all too much to try to comprehend.

Jeff sighed, his head hurting as bad as his brother's. He sat on the motel steps, watching every car that passed by. He'd been there since returning from the police station and couldn't bring himself to go inside. What if, by some chance, the limo drove passed and he missed it.

A car pull into the parking lot and a second later Rob got out. Rob had been driving around for a while hoping to spot the limo too. Jeff lowered his eyes when Rob walked up the stairs and passed by him without a word. It was just as well. He couldn't blame Rob for being upset and angry.

They'd made such a scene at the police station, yelling and fighting, it was surprising neither of them were arrested. It was also surprising he was still employed. Vince had been furious when the guards informed him of what happened- Of how he'd tricked them so Matt could sneak off in the limo.

Still, neither one's anger compared to the anger and gut wrenching guilt he felt within himself. The thought of his brother dying was more horrifying than the first time he'd almost lost Matt. This time, whatever happened to his brother would be because of him. And if the worst happened, he honestly didn't believe he could live with it.

Chris exited the room and came to sit on the steps beside him. "Stop doing this to yourself, Baby. It's not your fault." He wrapped an arm around Jeff's shoulders.

Jeff shrugged off Chris's arm, not wanting to be consoled. "Matt could be dead. And I let him go..."

"You had no way of knowing." Chris said firmly. "We'll find him. The police said the stalker didn't fit the profile of a killer. Besides, this guy obviously wanted Matt bad. After all this, he's not going to just kill him."

Jeff nodded, praying Chris was right. It made sense. Why would the stalker do all this just to kill Matt? Wiping his eyes, he took a deep breath and drew himself up. Where ever Matt was, he knew Matt wouldn't be happy with him acting like this. He could practically hear his brother telling him to stop whining and get up off his ass.

"You want to go inside now?" Chris said, seeing Jeff more composed.

Jeff nodded again. "Yeah. Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow I want to go back to the park and check things out." He stood, feeling a fresh sense of determination. No matter what, he was going to find his brother.

The next morning Matt lay in bed, staring through the iron bars of the single bedroom window. How long he'd been lying there, staring, he couldn't say. All morning long, unanswered questions floated through his mind. But slowly the answers were becoming clear.

Austin had obviously been responsible for everything. Slashing his tires, the notes and flowers, the drugs in Rob's prescription, the gifts of spiders and rose petals... Everything. How he gained access to the arenas was no question. He was, after all, Stone Cold Steve Austin. How easy it must have been for the Rattlesnake to stay hidden in this cabin. This cabin that seemed to be out in the middle of nowhere.

Matt finally sat up and noticed some of his cloths were folded neatly on the end of the bed. Austin had come back sometime during the night without his knowledge. How much shit had Austin been doing without his knowledge?

He climbed out of bed and went into the small bathroom, which was nothing more than a tub, toilet and sink. It was as bare as the bedroom, which was nothing more than a bed, dresser and nightstand. He returned to the room and went to look out the window, seeing only an endless amount of trees and part of a building that could have been a shed.

Austin had picked the perfect location. Who the hell would ever find him here? He clinched his fist around one the bars, angry with himself for not paying attention to where the driver was going. Austin, no doubt, intended that or he wouldn't have drugged the wine.

Matt left the window and went to study the door. It seemed as thick and heavy as the front door, but still, he might be able to break through. Breaking out of this cabin couldn't be too difficult. Even if he had to break Austin's neck while doing it. He reached out to test the knob and to his surprise it was unlocked.

He opened the door and stepped into the main room. Austin sat on a small couch by the fireplace and looked up with a smirk. "Just remember, you're out because I'm allowing it."

Matt regarded the Rattlesnake calmly. Now that he knew his enemy, the fear had been replaced with loathing. The Rattlesnake gave him a pleasant smile, like they were old friends. Matt felt his face burn with anger at the smile. His past with Austin, the humiliation and pain, would be a scar on his soul for the rest of his life. And for the Rattlesnake to just sit there and smile like it never happened...

Taking out the diseased man would be a long awaited pleasure. Austin may be bigger, but size meant shit.

Austin snickered, guessing his thoughts. "I wouldn't try anything cute if I were you. I'd hate to make things unpleasant."

"You're not me." Matt coolly replied. "And I suggest you tell me where I am or I'll be the one making things unpleasant."

Austin threw back his head and laughed. "That's what I've always liked about cha, Kid. You've got a set of balls. But as I said, you're not going anywhere." He held up a small black device, warningly.

Matt studied the strange artifact as best he could. "What's that suppose to be?"

Austin gestured him over. "Why don't you come here and find out."

Matt narrowed his eyes, not sure if the Rattlesnake was bluffing or really holding some kind of weapon. Whatever it was, it seemed inadequate so he went to the front door and tried the handle. No surprise it was locked.

Austin watched him with no worries. "Told ya kid, you ain't going anywhere. If you try to break the door down, you'll end up breaking your bones instead."

Matt turned to him, his dark eyes blazing. "Give me the fucking key or bones really will be breaking."

Austin laughed again, shaking his head. "You ain't gonna do shit to me. You do what I allow you to and go where I let cha. Understand?"

Matt didn't respond, his anger laced with amazement. Did Austin actually believe he was going to keep him here? The sadistic man was even more of a psychotic fuck than he remembered.

Austin started patting the side of his leg and Matt frowned, wondering what the hell the gesture meant. Then out of nowhere a German Shepherd came running over to Austin's side. Matt grew a little leery, having not noticed it before. Was it supposed to be some kind of attack dog?

But the dog only laid its head on Austin's lap and wagged it's tail. Austin pet its head then suddenly, stuck the black object against the dogs neck.

The dog let out a yelp and fell on its side. For a few seconds the dog's whole body shook spasmodically then went still. Austin chuckled cruelly at it. "Stupid dog." Using his foot he pushed against the poor animal, which couldn't do anything more than whimper and whine. He stood and, warningly, held the weapon out in front of him.

Matt back away, stricken by the whole scene. Austin was holding a high voltage stun gun.

"I've got things to do. Eat that food on the table and stay put." The Rattlesnake hissed. He went to the door, unlocked it and left, re-locking it behind him.

Matt waited until he heard Austin step down the stairs then went over to try the knob again. There was no point. He took a step back and kicked the door, but the action proved to be just as meaningless. The hard wood was as solid as steel.

Biting his bottom lip, Matt looked around, calculating his options. There was another door in the cabin, which might have been another bedroom, but upon closer inspection he found it was also locked and made from the same hard material.

The only other way out was through the bared windows. Grasping a bar with both hands, Matt pulled and pulled. He planted a foot on the wall for leverage and pulled again, until he could nearly feel his arms coming out of socket. The bars were embedded so deep and were so strong, not even Mark Henry 'The Worlds Strongest Man' could have moved them. Still, he tried every bar on every window, before finally giving up.

Rubbing the strained muscles in his arms, Matt wandered over to the kitchen, which was only seperated from the livingroom by a small counter-like bar. He opened up all the drawers, hoping to find something that could remove the door from its hinges, or maybe even his own weapon.

But Austin had carefully planned out every detail. All the drawers were empty, except one holding plasticware, and every cabinet he opened was empty, except one holding plastic cups and paperplates. Frustrated, Matt slammed the last cabinet shut and turned to lean on the counter. There was nothing around that could do shit.

Glancing into a corner of the room, he saw his jacket lying on the floor and hurried over to get it. He was surprised to find his cell phone still inside the pocket but unfortunatly, it was as useless as everything else. Even if he could get a signal, the battery was completely dead.

Matt angrily threw the jacket and phone back down. No wonder Austin was so confident about leaving him by himself. There was absolutely nothing he could do to get out. The cute little cabin in the woods had manifested into an isolated prison. He glared at the door with an expression that could practically burn the wood, and then a thought occurred to him. All he had to do was wait by the door and attack Austin when he came in. It was as simple as that.

The dog let out a pitiful whimper and Matt looked over, momentarily forgetting all about it. He approached it cautiously, knowing a wounded animal could attack out of fear, but the dog still couldn't move. He got on his knees beside it and reached out to pet its head. The German stuck out its tongue and tried to lick his hand, it's eyes almost pleading.

"It's okay." Matt tried to sooth the scared animal. Running his hand down the German's side, he was appalled at how thin it's body was. Obviously it was malnourished. He felt his anger build more, remembering how the dog had run to Austin with complete trust. It was sad how an innocent animal could have nothing but unconditional love and trust for its owner, despite the way the owner mistreated it.

Leaving the dog, briefly, Matt got up and went to the table where Austin had left him a couple of sandwiches and a glass of juice. He picked up the paper plate and returned to sit by the dog, pulling its head onto his lap.

"Do you have a name?" Matt asked, gently stoking the animal. He hadn't heard the Rattlesnake call him anything but stupid dog.

The dog licked his hand in response, desperate for the care and attention it rarely received. Matt tore off part of his sandwich and feed it to him. "How about I just call you Eddie."

The dog muster the strength to lift it's tail and let it drop to the floor as though happy with that. Matt faintly smiled, petting the top of the dog's head. "When I leave, you're coming with me." He promised. He sat quietly, sharing the rest of his food, while keeping himself alert for Austin's footsteps outside the door.

The police had already been at the amusement park, earlier, conducting their investigation. They found nothing. However it didn't stop Rob, Jeff, and Chris from going incognito, benieth hats and sunglasses, and conducting their own search. They'd been there all afternoon asking questions that no one could answer and searching for clues.

They always ended up in the same spot, where the limo had been parked. Rob sighed tiredly, but continued to look, sure they'd missed something. A receipt, a piece of paper, a cigarette, anything... but once again found nothing.

Jeff also sighed, ready to give up on the area, but not on finding his brother. Where are you Matt, he mentally called. Weren't siblings suppose to have some kind of psychic connection that could lead them to one another? Whatever it was, apparently they didn't have it.

"Nothing." Rob muttered, ready to give up too.

"Maybe we'll find something back in Cameron." Chris said. "He was in Matt's house, after all. The police could have missed something."

Rob looked at Jeff. "You're going back to Cameron?"

Jeff nodded, feeling conflicted. He hated to leave, for fear of missing something that could show up. Mainly his brother. What if Matt tried to contact them here? Then again, what if his brother tried to contact him at home and he wasn't there. Also, like Chris said, he'd have a chance to check out Matt's house.

"I'm going to stay around here." Rob said. "If he tries to contact us, I'm not sure which place he'd try. Better one of us be at both spots."

Jeff smiled gratefully. "Thank you Rob."

Rob didn't return his smile. "I'm not doing this for you."

Jeff flushed. "I know, I just... I know Matt would be thankful."

"Look guys..." Chris tried. "If we're going to help Matt we need to help each other okay?" He could sense the tension steadily growing between Jeff and Rob.

Rob just gave a quick nod. "Let's just try to keep in contact."

Jeff nodded. "I will."

They drove back to the motel, Jeff and Chris heading for their room to pack, and Rob returning to his, not sure what to do. One thing he knew he needed to do was apologize to Jeff. He knew the younger brother was going out of his mind with worry, even though he was trying to be strong.

Rob had been acting out of his own worry, but it was still no excuse to place the blame on Jeff. All that mattered was finding Matt. Gathering up Matt's things, he placed them in his travel bag. The surprise dinner, he'd planned, sat untouched on the table. If he hadn't gone out to get the dinner, he would have been here when Jeff called and stopped Matt from getting into the limo.

Rob sat on the bed, thinking about he limo. Whoever the person was must have money. Money and entrance to the arenas the fans didn't have. That still left a lot of people, but Rob continued to contemplate the thought. Even if he wasn't performing, he needed to continue to go to the shows. Who knows who or what could show up?

"Hey Kid, I got you some stuff." Austin said, walking out of the bedroom door.

Matt sat up in his chair, surprised. How the hell did Austin get in there? He looked from Austin to the front door. He'd been waiting for the Rattlesnake to return, but not from the other room.

Austin chucked at his expression. "You think I'm stupid don't cha? I bet cha had it all planned out. You were probably going to jump me when I walked in, weren't cha?" He shook his head, as though it was the most absurd thought he'd ever heard. Holding a big paper bag, he carried it to the table. "Like I said, you only go where I let cha. And you only do what I let cha."

Matt's surprise quickly turned to anger. "I'm not your fucking property."

Austin chuckled. "We'll see about that."

Matt narrowed his eyes, his anger turning to rage. Without another thought, he jumped out of the chair and flung himself at the Rattlesnake. Austin fell onto his back and Matt straddled him, raising a fist. Suddenly a wave of dizziness passed through him, making him falter. Austin used the split second delay to his advantaged and punched Matt.

Matt fell off the Rattlesnake and onto his side. The hit wasn't hard enough to have normally fazed him, but for some reason he was almost stunned. Austin jumped to his feet and moved to kick him, but Matt managed to roll out of the way. However, the movement only added to his dizziness.

Austin didn't seem to be in any hurry to do anything more and stood with his hands on his hips, slowly shaking his head. Matt sat up against the wall, his vision starting to blur again. What's happening to me?

"Don't say I didn't warn ya, kid." Austin said.

Before Matt could react, Austin pulled out the stun gun and shoved it into his chest. Matt gasped as the electrical current passed through his entire body, in a matter of seconds. He fell over, all voluntary muscle movement completely gone.

The thud of boots walking away, thundered in his ear, which lay against the wooden floor. He couldn't speak, even if he'd known what to say. His mind was too mentally confused with disorientation. What just happened? Something touched the side of his cheek like the gentle caress of Rob's hand. Rob had the most incredible hands, but for some reason, his touch felt strange. Everything felt strange. What was going on?

Several minutes passed and he became aware of a dog licking his face. He pondered for several more minutes, wondering where it came from. He didn't have a dog and neither did Rob. Jeff had a dog, though. And so did the Rattlesnake. The Rattlesnake? Just as the thought occurred to him, the hazy fog in his mind finally began to part. He was with Austin.

Austin sat at the table and watched as Matt's comprehension and mobility very slowly returned. Matt leaned his forehead against the floor, mentally willing his body to catch up with his mind. After another long stretch of minutes, he was able to push himself up and crawl.

He wasn't paying attention to, or cared, where he was going. He crawled over to the table and after a few attempts managed to climb up into a chair. To weak to do more, he lowered his head on the table and closed his eyes.

"Atta boy." Austin praised. He reached over and gave Matt's shoulder a congratulatory slap, nearly knocking him back to the floor. "Now as I was trying to say, before I was so rudely interrupted, I got you some stuff."

As though nothing was out of the ordinary, Austin reached into the bag and pulled out a toothbrush, tooth paste and other everyday necessities. Matt raised his head, thankful the amnesia-like effects of the stun gun weren't permanent.

"You can't keep me here." He said, trying to put strength behind the weak sounding words. "People will be looking for me."

"Let them look." Austin replied. "Why don't you go sit by the window and watch for them."

"Why don't you go to hell where you belong." Matt returned, not caring if he angered the Rattlesnake. At the moment, he felt too numb to care about anything.

"Forgot about your little smart-ass mouth." Austin muttered, unfazed. "You better watch it or it will get you in trouble."

"Fuck you."

Austin pointed a warning finger at him. "I'm gonna let that one slide because it's obvious you've lost your stupid little mind."

He pushed the items over towards Matt. "Here's your shit. You've got your little bathroom in there so I suggest you go clean yourself up. Look at you. You haven't even changed your cloths."

Matt glared at the Rattlesnake, but sat quietly. His strength was returning, but not enough to where he could do anything. Even before the Rattlesnake had stunned him, he'd barley been able to do anything. Something wasn't right.

"You've done something to me. What?" He asked. Was he still feeling the effects of whatever Austin had drugged him with?

Instead of answering, Austin pulled a few packs of cigarettes out of the bag and tossed them on the table. "I got all these different brands, cuz' I didn't know what cha smoked."

Matt looked at the cigarettes and back at Austin, faintly surprised.

Austin snorted. "It's obvious you smoke. I can smell it on ya. Not very attractive, but I can over look a few flaws."

Austin was actually pointing out his flaws? Matt almost felt the urge to laugh at the stupid comment, but instead picked up a pack of menthols. "Got a light?"

Austin chuckled, reached into his pocket and tossed over a book of matches. It took a few tries, before Matt could strike the match, his hands still shaky. "Cheap-ass redneck, couldn't even buy a fucking lighter." He muttered.

Austin slammed his hand on the table. "I'm gettin' a little tired of your fucking mouth. Least I got you the damn cigarettes. Least you could do is say thanks."

Matt inhaled deeply then purposely blew the smoke out in Austin's direction. "No thanks."

Austin's face darkened with displeasure. "Guess I'm going to have to teach your little ass some manners."

Matt regarded him with contempt. Of all the fucking ludicrous things to say. If he could have flung himself over the table at Austin he would have. Austin's expression was almost daring him to. He took one last drag then studied the cigarette in his hand, contemplating his next action. He knew it was a stupid thing to do. Austin would probably stun gun him again, but he couldn't help himself, and flung the cigarette at the Rattlesnake.

Austin jumped up, slapping the burning embers off his bare arm. "YOU LITTLE BASTARD!" The Rattlesnake's face twisted so ugly with fury, Matt involuntarily shrank back in his chair.

Austin was on him in an instant, grabbing two handfuls of hair, jerking him out of the chair, and forcing him against the wall.

"THAT'S THE LAST TIME YOU'LL BE PULLING A STUNT LIKE THAT, UNDERSTAND?"

Matt winced as the Rattlesnake's hands twisted painfully in his hair. He reached up to grab Austin's wrist, but the Rattlesnake withdrew a hand and slapped him. The slap was so strong, sparks exploded behind Matt's eyes and he would have fell if Austin still hadn't had a hand in his hair.

The Rattlesnake drew back his hand again, growing angrier at Matt's hesitation. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"

Matt forced himself to nod, feeling his face flush with anger and humiliation. Satisfied, Austin dragged him over to the bedroom and shoved him inside, sending him sprawling on the floor. "Your punk ass is going to learn some respect." With that Austin slammed the door shut.

Matt gathered himself up and went to the door, beating his fists against it. "COME ON YOU FUCKING SON OF A BITCH!" He stood back and started kicking the door. "PSYCOTIC MOTHER-FUCKER, COME ON!"

"Keep at it, Kid." Austin called from the other side. "You might get what you ask for." The response he got was something clattering against the wood. "Your punk-ass better not be tearing up my shit." He warned. This time he heard the shatter of the lamp.

"That's just fine, Kid. Hope you enjoy the dark." Austin spat.

Matt pounded and cursed a few more moments, before finally sinking to the floor with exhaustion. It was just as well Austin didn't come back. In the physical state he was in, he didn't know what he could have possibly done. He brought a hand to the side of his face, still burning with the sting of the slap and with fury. Fury at himself for so easily giving in. When he pulled his hand back, he could see blood from his re-busted lip. Austin had intended it.

Bringing up his knees, he rested his elbows on them and leaned his forehead in his hands. His head was now pounding and his vision was starting to swim. The horrible realization that Austin might be able to keep him here was starting to sink in. And he had yet to find out what the Rattlesnake's intentions even were.

A small whimper sounded from the corner of the room and Matt raised his head, seeing the German Shepherd. The dog must have slid through the door before Austin closed it. It sat literally shaking.

"Come here, Eddie." Matt beckoned softly, realizing his outburst must have terrified it. "I won't hurt you."

Eddie hesitated, then approached with slow caution. When Matt did nothing more than reach out and pet him, Eddie wagged his tail and gave Matt's face a couple of licks.

"It's okay, boy." Matt whispered, feeling an odd sence of relief that he wasn't alone. "We will get out of here." Yet even to his own ears the words sounded uncertain.

Austin sat at the table and kicked up his feet. Now that things were finally quiet, he could enjoy a cold beer and popped open a can. Damn little punk was going to be more work than he thought. Hell, half the curses Matt had been yelling, he was surprised the kid even knew. Vulgar little shit.

Still, Austin smiled to himself, looking forward to the challenge. Just like any wild horse, Matt would eventually be broken and tamed.

TBC...