Chapter 9

Austin sat at the small table flipping through his planner, writing notes, and occasionally muttering to himself. The Rattlesnake had kept himself busy and planning for most of the day. Sometime in the morning he'd gone grocery shopping and upon returning had started doing his laundry. The laundry was now done and packed in a suitcase, ready to go.

Matt sat on the couch across the room, legs up and arms folded across his queasy stomach. He remained quiet, not wanting to draw attention to himself, however the Rattlesnake had pretty much been ignoring him. The Rattlesnake could ignore him forever, for all he cared. Still, the need to know what the hell was going on was beginning to gnaw on him.

From the packed bags, it was obvious the Rattlesnake had traveling in mind, but where and what for? Was Austin moving him to a new location? If so, why? Was it because he was close to being found and the Rattlesnake was nervous? Matt chewed his bottom lip, studying Austin's face through his lowered lashes. His capture didn't seem to be nervous or worried about anything.

Austin closed his planner and looked up at Matt, regarding him thoughtfully. He rubbed his chin as though trying to make his mind up about something. Matt shifted on the couch and looked away, preferring Austin went back to whatever it was he was doing.

"You probably wouldn't be feeling like shit if you'd ate your breakfast." Austin said, indicating to the paper plate of cold food left on the table.

"I'm not eating that shit." Matt grumbled.

Hungry as he maybe, he couldn't put it past Austin to have put some kind of drug in the food. Just like he did the water the night before. After drinking the tainted water, the rest of the night was a blur. Besides feeling sick to his stomach, when he'd woke, he also felt a little uneasy. While changing his cloths, he examined his body closely in the bathroom mirror. If Austin had tried anything, he couldn't find evidence of it.

Austin stood and picked up his planner. "Fucking starve then." He went to the door of the other room and unlocked it. "I'm going to get some wood. Stay put." He left, re-locking the door behind him.

Matt heard him leave out the backdoor, which was inside the other room, and watched out the window as the Rattlesnake grabbed a wagon from the side of the cabin and dragged it over to a pile of wood. The 'stay put' order was unnecessary. He was perfectly content to remain on the couch for the rest of the day.

However, sighing, Matt forced himself to get up and sluggishly made his way to the table. Why do people willingly do this shit, he wondered. It seemed pointless to get high, when all you got afterwards was a dull depressing sickness.

Picking up a plastic fork, he used it to pick through the cold eggs and hash browns. The food seemed fine, then again, so did everything else he'd ate and drank. He tossed the fork down, deciding against it.

Eddie walked in circles around the room, bored and restless. I can relate, Matt thought with a sigh. The poor dog had nothing to entertain himself. Matt went to the cold fireplace and picked out a stick that hadn't burned. "Can you fetch?"

Eddie jumped about excitedly and when Matt threw the stick, he kicked up a rug, scrambling over to get it. Once he had it, he returned to Matt, dropped it at his feet and stood ready to go again.

"Good boy." Matt smiled, a little surprised Austin had bothered to teach the dog the game. The psychotic fuck probably had a lot of time to kill while he was waiting for me.

Eddie gave a small eager yelp and Matt threw the stick again. He wasn't trying to aim for anything in particular and, as a result, the stick ended up falling between a bookcase and the wall.

Eddie whined and clawed at the floor trying to reach it, but the space between the case and wall was only about an inch.

"I'll get it." Matt went over and grabbed one end of the case. The heavy oak bookcase was almost three feet taller than he was and probably would have needed two people to move it. But all he needed to do was pull it far enough from the wall to be able to reach in and grab the stick.

It was a stain on his weakened muscles and he barley managed to move it a few more inches out. Good enough. Matt knelt down and reached through the opening then halted, his mouth dropping. A phone jack with a connected line was hidden behind the case, the cord running up to the top. Matt stared at it in disbelief. This whole time Austin had a phone?

He quickly stood and pushed the bookcase back to the wall, forgetting the stick. Eddie whined in disappointment, but Matt didn't notice as he hurried over to the window. Austin was busy loading the wood and oblivious to all. Matt returned to the bookcase, chiding himself for his stupidity. How could he have never thought to look for a phone?

He stretched up on his tiptoes and felt around on the top of the bookcase, until his hand fell over the phone. Pulling it down, he held it to his chest, giving silent thanks. If Austin thought he had him fooled, the last laugh would be on the Rattlesnake.

Please work. Bringing the handset to his ear, he let out the breath he'd been holding, relieved to hear the dial tone. Thank you God. Without wasting another second, he dialed Rob's cell.

"Shit!" Matt cursed, hearing the automated message. Wherever he was, he was far enough away that the call was long-distance and Austin had a long-distance block on the phone. He breifly set the phone aside and went to the window, peering out again. Austin almost had the wagon full, meaning he'd be returning soon.

Matt moved out of sight and grabbed up the phone, this time dialing 0 for the operator. Somehow, he was going to get through.

"Directory Assistance, how may I you?" The operator answered.

"I need to make a collect call." Matt whispered.

"I'm sorry Sir, will you repeat that."

Matt glanced at the open window. "I need to make a collect call." He repeated, raising his voice as high as he dared.

"Number starting with the area code, please."

"(707) 555- 9206"

"Just one moment."

Nervously, Matt twisted the phone cord in his hand, keeping himself alert for Austin's returning footsteps. Hurry the fuck up.

After what seemed like forever, the operator finally returned. "Please state your name for the party you're trying to reach."

"Matt!" Matt snapped, exasperated. "Tell him it's Matt!"

"Just one moment."

Matt clenched his fist. Come on you stupid bitch...

"Midnight!?"

Matt gasped. "Rob! Rob I'm..." He jumped as the phone was suddenly snatched out of his hand.

Austin threw it to the floor and stomped on it with his boot then grabbed Matt's shirt and rammed him against the wall. The Rattlesnake's strike was so fast, Matt didn't have time to react and yelped painfully as his beaten back hit the wall with such a force, it felt like every lash had split back open. He grabbed Austin's wrists, instinctively, but couldn't find the strength to push him away.

Austin kept Matt's shirt in his fists, holding him pressed to the wall. "Who did you call?" He hissed in a low dangerous tone, bringing his face inches from Matt's.

Matt turned his head away, disgusted by the Rattlesnake's moist angry breath on his face. The wall rubbed his shirt, which in turn, rubbed every welt on his back, setting it ablaze. Austin's knuckles were digging painfully into his collarbone and the Rattlesnake dug them in deeper.

"I said, who did you call?" Austin slowly repeated.

"No one." Matt managed to whisper through the haze of pain. "I couldn't get through."

Austin released a hand and roughly grabbed Matt's chin, forcing him to look at him. Matt held Austin's intense gaze as best he could, his heart pounding.

Finally, Austin completely released him. Wincing, Matt pushed himself off the wall, but Austin blocked him from going any further.

"If you want to keep trying your stupid little tricks that's fine." Austin said. "But before you do, remember this first." The Rattlesnake punched Matt in the stomach.

Matt doubled over, falling to his knees from the sledgehammer-like blow. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to draw in a breath, but couldn't do it. He could almost feel his solar plexus crushed, then came the horrifying sensation of not being able to breathe. Fear and panic washed over him, like the horrid waves of the river, causing him to choke.

Suddenly, Austin was kneeling beside him, shaking his shoulders. "Breath, Kid. Do the technique."

Matt couldn't. He was ready to pass out, but Austin wouldn't stop shaking him then whacked him hard on the back. Matt gasped, more from the painful whack, but the gasp helped bring in air.

"Do the technique and go slow." Austin patiently coached.

Matt slowly drew in a breath then another, concentrating on the techniques he'd been trained to do in the ring. Finally, he was breathing.

"Good job." Austin said. "You'll be fine."

Still hunched over, Matt held his arms around his stomach barley hearing the other man. Barley aware of anything else other than the dull empty ache, spreading through-out him, physically and mentally. He should have just let himself pass out or, if he'd been lucky, the Rattlesnake would have just knocked him out. Unconsciousness seemed to be the only escape from this living nightmare.

Austin carefully pulled Matt to his feet and slowly walked him over to the couch. Matt let Austin led him, too sapped of all energy to care. Austin could be leading him to hell and it wouldn't matter. How could hell be any different from where he was now?

Austin made sure he was comfortably seated then gently ran a hand down the back of Matt's head. "I'll be right back." He headed into the kitchen.

Matt sat in silence, staring dully at the floor. Austin's sudden change in demeanor only seemed to worsen the ache. To think that Austin could feel remorse for his actions was laughable. He glanced over at the broken pieces of the phone lying on the floor and quickly looked away. This is what I deserve for my own stupidity, he decided bleakly.

All he had to do was call 911 and the police could have traced the call. But like a fucking fool, he'd called Rob. Even if Rob called the police, how the hell were they to find him?

Letting out a long sigh, Matt leaned over, laid his head on the side of the couch and closed his eyes. Despite making the wrong decision, he felt more longing than he did regret.

Whatever punishment Austin would give was almost worth being able to hear Rob's voice. Especially, Rob saying his name. Everyone else in the world might be happy with sharing; Darling, Dear, Honey, or Babe. But he alone was Midnight- A name he loved and was giving by Rob. No one other than Rob would be able to say it and claim him as their own.

The shifting couch broke his thoughts and Matt raised his head to see Austin sitting beside him. Instead of a belt or stun gun, Austin held a glass of water, offering it to him.

"You think I like having to hurt you?" Austin quietly asked. "Because I don't."

Matt sat up, regarding the Rattlesnake with disdain then looked away without responding. The statement was so fucking absurd there was no point. There was no explanation for how Austin could practically beat the shit out of him in one second then try to take care of him the next.

"I'm not mad, although I should be." Austin shrugged. "You made a mistake and learned your lesson. Just do as you're told and you won't have to worry about anything, understand?"

Matt hesitated then slowly nodded, suddenly feeling more unsettled than ever in Austin's presence. Austin had always been a sick individual, only now it was beginning to dawn on him just how mentally unstable and fucked up the Rattlesnake truly was. It was as if Austin believed his actions were justified and he was doing no wrong.

The realization sent a sliver of fear down his spine, causing him to shudder. Somehow he had to get away from the Rattlesnake and do it on his own. He couldn't rely on the possibility of being found, for who would search for someone who was supposed to be dead.

Austin noticed Matt's shudder and held out a little pill. "Take this. I'll get you something to eat later and you will eat it. The last thing I need is for you to make yourself sick."

Matt studied the pill, knowing it was some kind of drug. Taking it was the last thing he wanted to do, yet at the moment Austin was tolerable. How would the unpredictable man's mood chance if he were to refuse?

Reluctantly, Matt popped the pill into his mouth and took the glass of water from Austin's hand. Just humor the sick fuck.

Austin gave him an approving nod, pleased to see Matt do as told. "Good boy."

Matt held back his sharp reply, hating the patronizing 'Good boy', and turned his head before Austin could notice his angry flush. The Rattlesnake might as well give him a fucking doggy biscuit. It was obvious he was nothing more than a new pet that needed a little misguidance and discipline.

Austin reached over and turned Matt's head to face him again. He let his fingers linger over Matt's heated cheek, the tips lightly playing on his skin. The loathsome touch caused Matt to tense instantly, but if the Rattlesnake noticed, he didn't care.

"Do we have an understanding?" Austin asked, firm and quiet.

The question was simple, but Matt could detect the malice behind the words. The answer Austin expected was clear. "Yes." He forced through clenched teeth.

Austin slowly smiled. "Thought so." Moving his hand to the back of Matt's neck, he pulled Matt closer.

Before Matt was able to comprehend what Austin was doing, the Rattlesnake's poisonous mouth was covering his. He briefly froze with shock then threw his hands to Austin's chest, about to shove him away, but quickly caught himself. There was no way he could defend himself from Austin's crazed fury.

Austin's ragged nails snagged in Matt's hair as he crushed the younger mans lips harder against his. Matt couldn't stop the sound of repulse that escaped him and was nearly at the breaking point, but thankfully Austin broke the kiss first.

"I've got something for you to do." Austin said, standing. "I'll be right back." He paused, waiting for Matt's response.

Matt gave a quick nod, sure if he opened his mouth to speak, he'd throw up. However, Austin was satisfied and headed into the other bedroom to go outside. Once the bedroom door closed, Matt spit out the pill, he'd been hiding under his tongue, and shoved it between the couch cushions. He then grabbed the bottom of his shirt and began to harshly wipe the vile taste of Austin off his mouth.

Eddie jumped on the couch and lay down, resting his head on Matt's lap. Still shocked over what took place, Matt didn't even notice the dog. Austin had kissed him! The sick diseased man had actually forced their lips together and... He just sat there and let him!

He vaguely recalled a time when he'd told his brother that Austin was only one man. The only people that gave him his power were them. Then why do I always fucking give in to him? Why do I let him intimidate and control me? Angry tears came out of nowhere and Matt furiously brushed them away, despising himself for being so pathetic.

"I'm fucking stronger than this."

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and forced himself to get under control. Control was all he had left to lose. No matter what, he had to make sure Austin didn't give him any more drugs. Besides physically breaking him down, they were obviously mentally breaking him down as well.

I have to stay in control. Drawing in one last breath Matt let it out slowly and opened his eyes. Let the son of a bitch think he's breaking me. Once this shit's out of my system, we'll see who's breaking who.

About fifteen minutes later, Austin returned from the room, pulling the full wagon of wood behind him. He stopped to look Matt over. "Starting to feel better?"

"Yes." Matt lied, not sure if the drug would have kicked in by now. It wasn't a total lie. His back had gone numb, but his head still throbbed steadily and his stomach felt like a hollowed-out pit.

"Glad to hear it." Austin pulled the wagon up beside him. "Stack the wood up by the fireplace and be sure to keep it neat." He casually ordered. He went to grab a beer out of the fridge and flopped down in a chair, leisurely kicking up his feet.

Matt sat for a moment, glaring at the Rattlesnake. This is how Austin expected it? He was to just happily jump up and do as told, whenever beckoned?

Austin glanced over and raised his eyebrows, seeing Matt still sitting. Matt turned his glare away. For now he had to play along. For now. Still, looking at the wagon of wood he was tempted to refuse and lay down instead. Unfortunately, the Rattlesnake probably wouldn't go along with it.

Sighing, he stood up slowly, in order to avoid the wave of dizziness that usually accompanied his movements. It still hurt to fully stand upright and he held a hand over his stomach, reminding himself, he'd felt worse after most matches. Grabbing the wagon handle, he pulled it over to the fireplace, got on his knees and started unloading. Luckily the wood wasn't stacked that high.

Austin watched him, slightly frowning. "Thought you said you felt better? You look like you're in pain and you shouldn't be feeling shit."

Matt silently cursed himself. "I do feel better. I'm... I'm just a little tired." He wondered if he'd said the wrong thing, when the Rattlesnake was silent.

After a moment Austin finally shrugged like it was no big deal. "That can happen." He started rocking comfortably in his chair. "Tell you what, Kid. You're little ass is lucky I was going to get some wood anyway."

"What do you mean?" Matt asked, hardly caring to converse with Austin. But the more submissive the Rattlesnake thought he was going to be the better.

"I was going to wait until I got back, but thought you'd like a nice little fire for yourself while I was away." Austin explained.

Matt paused in his actions. So Austin really had been making travel plans. "Where are you going?"

"Don't worry about it." Austin replied. "I'll be gone a few days and like I said, I got the wood for you, but it's obvious you can't be trusted to stay in the cabin alone."

Matt resumed his work, without saying anything. Maybe the whole incident hadn't been in vain. If Austin can't trust him to stay in the cabin that must mean Austin was going to take him with him. Then he'd have his chance to escape! All he needed was to get out of the prison-like cabin.

"I'm gonna have to lock you in your room instead." Austin finished.

Matt nearly dropped the log he was holding and turned to Austin in disbelief. Austin was going to be gone that long and leave him locked in the room the whole time! Locked in solitary confinement! "You can trust me. I won't do anything."

Austin snorted. "Damn right, I'm gonna trust you. I'm making sure of it. Don't whine about something you brought on yourself. Consider this the rest of your lesson."

Matt turned away, unable to think of anything to say that would change Austin's mind. The apprehension and dread were already beginning to make him ill. Locked away in the middle of nowhere, with no one!

"I can't stay in there." He whispered. "I won't stay in there."

Austin leaned forward in the chair, his eyes burning holes in Matt's back. "Watch yourself kid. You're in no position to say shit. Especially on your hands and knees." He paused to chuckle. "Although that position does seem to suit you, if I remember correctly."

Matt flushed, his blood beginning to boil at the sound of Austin's mocking laughter. His grip unconsciously tightened around the log he held, picturing Austin's smug look. He couldn't stand the though of it. Couldn't stand the thought of being locked up for days. Most of all, he couldn't stand thought of the diseased man still breathing...

Before he even knew what he was doing, Matt twisted around and swung the log like a bat, busting it into the side of Austin's head. The blow, sent Austin flying over the side of his chair and he crumbled to the floor.

Matt could only stare in bewilderment at the Rattlesnake's still form, barley remembering what he'd just done. Dropping the log, he slowly got to his feet and after a moments hesitation, stepped around the fallen man. He watched Austin closely, expecting him to reach out and grab his ankle, but Austin didn't move. The Rattlesnake was out cold.

Rushing to Austin's bedroom door, Matt grabbed the knob and to his surprise and relief, it hadn't been locked back. He ran across the bedroom and nearly rejoiced when he was able to open the back door and step outside.

"EDDIE!"

Eddie sprang to his side and leaped down the steps. Matt closed the door and headed straight to the shed a few yards away. Just as he guessed, Austin's black truck was inside, but to his dismay the shed doors were held together with a metal clasp and padlock. He could push the doors open enough to see the truck, but no where near enough to squeeze inside.

He looked back at the cabin, contemplating. The last thing he wanted to do was go back and search Austin for the keys, but what else could he do? From what he could see, there was a long dirt road that led away from the cabin. The road looked more like a path and where it went, he didn't know or care. All that mattered was that it took him away from here. Just get the keys and get the fuck out, Matt ordered himself, returning to the cabin's backdoor.

"MATT!"

Matt froze with his hand on the handle. Austin was up! Eddie ran to the dirt path and stopped, looking back at Matt expectantly. Matt hesitated, looking at the path and back to the door. Austin called out for him again, only this time, his voice was closer. Matt backed away, realizing he had no choice and no more time. Willing up as much strength as he could, he left the door and took off running down the path.

Austin stumbled out the door just in time to see Matt take off. "You little bastard." He yelled. "Get your ass back here or I'll..." His yelling wasted time and he quickly ran back inside to retrieve his keys.

Matt heard Austin's livid yelling behind him and looked for any road or path to turn off on. There was none. Trees surrounded him on both sides, giving him no where else to go but ahead. Once Austin got his truck, he'd catch up in minutes.

Matt mentally tried to force himself to run faster, but the path was stretching into an endless road to no where. His legs grew heavier and every step grew slower, until he ended up stumbling and falling on the unforgiving rocks and gravel.

Ignoring the pain in his shredded palms, Matt pushed up to his feet and nearly fell again, a sharp pain shooting into his knee. He cursed furiously, barley able to limp let alone run, then to his horror, the sound of Austin's truck became audible.

Matt desperately looked around, searching for any kind of escape. The woods had hidden him from Austin before and were his only hope now. He limped off the path and into the mess of shrubs and bushes, frantically beckoning Eddie to follow. The sound of the truck was almost upon them.

Matt hurried deeper into the cover of the trees then wrapped his arms around Eddie, pulling the dog to the ground, and fully hiding them both. Austin's black truck speed by, kicking up dirt and rocks, and eventually disappearing into the huge cloud of dust it left behind.

Matt let his head drop on Eddie and panted to catch his breath. The desperation and adrenaline, which had been fueling him, were completely gone. Knifes cut into his sides and his pulse raced, threatening to make his heart explode. His vigorous cardiovascular training normally would have made a run like that nothing, but he couldn't remember ever pushing himself so hard in his life.

He rested for several minutes until Eddie started nuzzling him. Sitting up, he came to the bitter conclusion that what little bit of strength he'd gotten back, was probably all he was going to get back. Climbing to his feet, he had to grab a tree for support, dizziness hitting him like a tidal wave. Through it all, he could practically feel every shred of muscle in his legs twitching spasmodically.

He bent his knee a few times, testing it before putting weight on it. Whatever he may have done to it, there was nothing he could do about it now.

"Come on Eddie." Matt pushed himself off the tree and headed deeper into the woods. The woods offered the only hiding available and, despite what might be out there, it couldn't be as bad as Austin finding him.

Minutes passed like hours and hours passed like days. Matt completely lost track of how long they'd been walking. It had to have been a while, for the hot sun was beginning to lower, yet it didn't seem as though they were making any progress at all. The scenery wasn't changing, then again, he was moving much slower then he normally would have been. Trying to push past all the greenery wasn't speeding things up any either.

Eddie easy stayed ahead of him, able to walk under the low hanging branches and crawl under or slide around the shrubs. Matt followed the dog, fighting every inch of the way through the mess of branches, vines and flying insects. The canopy of the trees kept the hot sticky humidity trapped inside. He would have taken his shirt off long ago, but it was providing what little protection it could from the thorn bushes and twigs he kept getting caught on.

Walking through a jungle couldn't be much different, he guessed. As soon as he though it, he unexpectedly stumbled out into a clearing. The clearing was small with a little narrow brook and inviting. Eddie leaped over to the brook and started lapping up the water greedily.

Matt approached more slowly and sat beside it. The water was crisp and clear, making a soothing bubbly sound, but was it safe to consume? Fuck it, Matt finally decided and cupped his hands in the water to drink. Whatever he consumed couldn't be any worse than what was already in his body.

The water helped his dry parched throat and thirst, but did nothing to ease the hunger. He noticed a bush with bright red berries nearby, and quickly looked away before he was tempted to eat them. The thought of poisoning himself and dying alone in the middle of the woods, outweighed the hunger.

He pulled the rubber band out of his hair and wet it down, attempting to cool and clean himself off as best he could. Never in his life had he felt more filthy and grimy. Eddie went to a huge overturned tree and curled up against the trunk.

Matt started to call him so they could get going then stopped. He was so fucking tired. His legs were so sore and feet so swollen, he wasn't sure he could bring himself to stand. If they still had a long way to go, he'd probably collapse before he made it to the end. He had to get a little rest.

Crawling over to the trunk, Matt pushed away a few rocks and began spreading out some leafs, forming himself a make shift bed. The clearing was deep enough in the cover of the woods that if Austin drove past, he'd never see them.

Comforted at the thought, Matt laid down feeling so weary, the make shift bed felt as good as a real one. As he quickly began to fade, he couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the Rattlesnake. Maybe Austin had given up.

Austin hung up the payphone with an angry motion and stormed back to his truck. Instead of continuing his search for Matt, he'd driven to a convenient store at the edge of the small town to use the payphone. Thanks to that damn little punk, he could end up being late, so called ahead to give notice just in case.

Austin started the truck and clenched the steering wheel, practically fuming as he left the driveway. If Matt's little diversion caused him to miss his flight, the kid would pay dearly. Not that he wasn't going to pay now. If the kid hated being locked in the bedroom, he was going to hate the alternative ten times more.

Austin turned onto the dirt road that would eventually become a barley drivable path. Dark was starting to set in, so he decided to continue his search first thing in the morning. He wasn't worried about losing Matt. He knew Matt would stay in the woods instead of coming out onto the path and if the kid had any sense, he'd stop for the night, before he really got lost. And kid had to be lost.

Even if Matt did go on, it was unlikely he'd make it out of the woods by morning, especially on foot. Austin didn't even bother to look out the side windows. He'd studied and mentally mapped out the area for months, so knew all the places he needed to look and could practically guess how far Matt would have made it.

The Rattlesnake slowly smiled to himself as he drove back to the cabin. He was already well practiced with following and tracking down his prey. Hunting him again, would be no problem.

Matt irritably tried to pull his mess of kinky curls back into a knot. He'd like to have never gotten the sticks and pieces of bark picked out of his hair, and the early morning dew made it wet and clingy against his skin. Finally he gave up and tucked as much as he could into the back of his shirt.

Sighing miserably, he rubbed his arms for warmth. His short rest period was suppose to be just that- A short rest period. Instead he'd ended up sleeping through the entire night and waking up chilled to the bone, and so stiff and sore it was all he could do to sit up. At least luck was on his side, for Austin hadn't found him.

As much as he wanted to hope, he simply couldn't dismiss the possibility that Austin was still looking for him. The Rattlesnake wouldn't have pursued him for so long and set up such an elaborate trap, to let him go so easily. Especially when Austin had to know, he would go to the cops the first chance he got.

Austin would never stop looking and the knowledge caused a strong shiver to run up Matt's spine. He'd been in many situations, due to the Rattlesnake, but never would have imagined being in a situation like this. He may have been raised in a small country town, but that didn't mean he knew shit about survival in the woods. Out here, he was absolutely helpless.

Feeling the urge to get moving, Matt rub his calves and stretch his muscles, before climbing to his feet. He took a moment to study his surroundings, wondering how much further it really would be.

Not once had he heard a car or seen anything to indicate he was close to anywhere. What if he wasn't going the right way? What if he was walking in circles or worse... Heading deeper into the woods? Matt chewed his bottom lip nervously. If I'm lost and die out here, who would know?

He couldn't imagine how his dear old Dad would cope with the loss of a son. Jeff would never give up the hope he was alive and search for him forever, never knowing his skeletal remains were scattered in the middle of some nameless woods. How long would Rob search, before finally moving on in life with someone else?

Eddie brushed up against his leg, breaking Matt's horrible train of thoughts. Matt pet Eddie's head, grateful for the interuption. If he thought about it any longer, he'd loose the nerve to go on. He had to believe he was going the right way. They just had to keep walking.

"Let's go, Boy."

They began walking and after only a little ways, the denseness of the woods began to thin out. Without having to push through so much stuff, the walk became easier and Matt felt his spirits begin to rise. If the woods were thinning out, maybe that meant they were getting close to civilization. He even felt silly for the morbid thoughts he had earlier.

"When we get someplace, I'm ordering a large thick as hell pizza." Matt told his companion. "Extra cheese, pepperoni, and tons of black olives."

Eddie wagged his tail as though he looked forward to it too. Matt chucked despite himself. Here he was traipsing through the woods, trying to escape from a psychotic madman, covered in dirt from head to toe, with nothing to his name but the ragged shirt on his back... And all he could think about was how hungry he was.

He wasn't sure what he wanted first, food or a shower, or maybe he could have both. He pictured himself relaxing in a hot steamy bubble bath with Rob, eating pizza from the box sitting on the side. He shook his head at the sappy image, but had to smile. From now on if Rob wanted to get gross and sappy all over him, in front of an arena full of people, he'd let him if not beg him to.

Eddie veered off to go drink from the brook and Matt stopped to wait. He'd purposely stayed by the brook so they could have water, but found drinking it only made his hunger worse. As he waited, he took-in the calm setting. If it were under any other circumstance, he'd considered it beautiful.

Another beautiful card, Matt cynically mused when he realized what he was looking at. It was the same bubbling brook scene in the polaroid picture that had been taped inside the second card Austin had given him. He pushed the stupid bubblebath daydreams aside. For a moment, he'd actually forgotten about Austin and couldn't afford to.

"Hurry up, boy."

Eddie finished and turned to go back to Matt's side then suddenly froze. He stood with his ears pointed straight up, concentrating on something behind Matt.

"What is it?" Matt peered behind him, not seeing a thing, yet it didn't strike him as strange. The woods were noisy with little animals and birds he could never see, but knew were all around him.

But Eddie still stood at attention and cocked his head to the side. A dog was capable of hearing things beyond human ears and it became obvious Eddie was hearing something else.

Matt felt his heart start to pound with alarm. 'Get the fuck out of there' a voice inside his head was saying. At the same time another voice was telling him 'Don't move' for what would he be walking into?

Matt willed himself to get a grip. There was no other option but to keep going and he had to stay in control. "Come on Eddie." He whispered, patting the side of his leg.

Eddie didn't move. He lowered his head and tucked his tail between his legs, letting out a small whine and nothing more. Then the noisy woods went silent.

Matt swallowed, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand and his grip on control slacken. Please God, get me out of here. As quiet as possible, he slowly stepped towards Eddie, hoping he could coax the dog to move. He cringed as every stick and leaf, cracked and crunched ten times louder than it should have. He watched as his shadow walked on the ground in front of him then out of no where, another shadow crossed his.

"WHERE THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?" Austin roared.

Matt spun around, gasping. The Rattlesnake's sudden appearance was like a physical blow and he stumbled backwards, falling to the ground. Austin wasted no time advancing with the stun gun.

"NO!" Matt scrambled back, trying to make it to his feet, but wasn't fast enough. His last conscious memory was of Austin pressing the stun gun into his chest then looking up as the Rattlesnake stood above him. Seconds later, all went dark.

However, the darkness was soothing. The startling surprise had been beyond draining and he welcomed it. Welcomed the darkness and the sleep that promised to follow, only he couldn't sleep. The constant scratching sound was scratching into the deepest part of his brain, causing his head to ache horribly.

Groaning, Matt rolled over and away from the noise. The hard bed was uncomfortable and cold against his face. Opening his eyes, he raised his head and blinked until he could see past the foggy haze. He wasn't on a bed, after all. He was on a floor.

Confused, Matt sat upright and threw aside the blanket that had been tossed across him. It took a moment to register he was back in the cabin and inside the tiny little bathroom of his bedroom. The scratching sound was Eddie on the other side of the door, trying to get in.

Matt let his head fall forward, and reached up to clutch his own hair. The frustration, desperation, and fury were overwhelming and it was all he could do to keep from ripping it out. Minutes passed before he finally lifted his head. Whatever the Rattlesnake did to him, he would fight back as best he could. If staying with Austin was all he had to lose, then there was nothing to lose.

Using the sink, he slowly pulled himself to his feet. A grocery bag was sitting on top of it and inside were bags of chips. He didn't take the time to wonder why they were there and went to the door.

"You son of a bitch." Matt swore as he turned the handle. The door was locked. Just then the sound of an engine starting up, touched his ears. He listened, knowing it was Austin's truck and tried to figure out what the Rattlesnake was doing.

Suddenly it hit him, causing his blood to run cold with horror. Austin had said he was leaving and was! Austin had meant to lock him in the bathroom!

"NO!" A surge of strenght came out of nowhere and Matt frantically beat his fists against the steel-like door, shoved his shoulder into it, stood back and kicked it. Even if he'd been in top physical shape, his actions would have still proved useless. The sound of the engine began to fade and fade until it was finally gone.

Squeezing his eyes shut, Matt let his forehead fall against the unbreakable wood and slid down the door to his knees, too ill and weak to remain standing.

"Please don't leave me." The choked words were barley above a whisper, but no one would have heard him if he'd shouted. The Rattlesnake was gone, leaving him to die alone in his cell.

TBC...