Charlie could feel the rough burn of the thick rope against her wrists; her feet were tied steadily to the chair legs as she desperately pulled about. Slowing a fraction as the rope cut into her arm, her breathing heavy and heart beat unscripted. She couldn't let Robbo win, not so easily. Her head flung up as she heard Joey scream, wishing intently for the rope and tape that bound her to magically disappear. Joey was putting up a struggle as Robbo violently tried to tie her to another chair; her legs kicking wildly as he easily began to overpower her. She looked scared her skin pale and eyes haunting to look at. Robbo fluently grabbed tightly to her arm throwing her harshly to the ground, Charlie hearing only that of a muffled sob. How could she just be forced to sit here? How could he be so evil? Charlie gritted her teeth tightly as Robbo pinned Joey down, his hands holding her wrists tightly as he gave her a hard smile.
'Get off her!'
Charlie yells she can't just watch Joey get hurt. She won't! Charlie can feel her anger starting to rise as Robbo ignores her, pulsating around her body as though it was now a part of her. She pulls against her restraints once more watching as Joey thrashes trying to free herself. Her mind becoming over whelmed as Robbo's sick laugh fills the room, his empty eyes fixed on Joey. Like he is taunting her, taunting both of them. She needs to get his attention to catch him off guard, but how? Charlie's mind isn't working properly all her police training suddenly lost as the situation engulfs her. Taking away her cool and calm outer-exterior and replacing it with her irrational thinking. Her feelings for Joey clouding her judgment, and her anger for Robbo increasing the ability of her jumbled thoughts. She shakes her head to clear up the cobwebs knowing that if she doesn't do something things will go from bad to worse.
'Leah will be home soon!'
She screams probably louder than the moment needed. Robbo seems unaffected by her slight threat, as though she is just making things up. Truthfully she isn't, it's just the whole 'soon' part that was kinda a white lie. She knows Leah won't be home until late; at least another three hours will have passed before she enters the house. But she also knows that Robbo doesn't know this, and that if she can get him on edge maybe she might have a chance at escaping…maybe.
'Hey, did you hear me?!'
Charlie screams her voice serious yet she even surprises herself at how calm her tone was. Finally Robbo turns his focus on her. His eyes waiting for her to continue.
'Leah, she will be home really soon. And if it's not her calling the police it will be Ruby, I'm sure they will both take pleasure in making the phone call!'
Robbo hesitates a bit and Charlie keeps her eyes on his, knowing that bluffing has always been a strong point of hers. She calmly looks to Joey who has slowed her struggling only occasionally thrashing against Robbo's tight restraint. She winces as Joey is violently pulled to her feet; maybe threatening Robbo wasn't such a good idea. She should have known that in her line of work when criminals are under pressure they tend to do stupid things, things that hurt innocent people. She watches carefully as Robbo edges forward making sure his grip on Joey is escape proof, he leans closer to Charlie as though what he is about to say is top secret. Charlie tries her best to keep her strong façade up, knowing that she can't let Robbo see her fear. She needs to be strong for Joey; she doesn't want two of them being vulnerable. Robbo would have a field day with that.
'It's damn sure lucky I have a plan then isn't it?'
His voice is pitted with amusement as he talks, his eyes studying Charlie's features to see her reaction. She doesn't give him the satisfaction instead she adverts her gaze and looks at Joey, seeing the younger woman almost pleading with her eyes. How are they going to get out of this one? Her question is one she doesn't answer, she can't. She doesn't know how to, her mind has gone through every possible escape plan. This was her last one, and Robbo has basically crushed any hope of it working.
'Now if you don't cooperate and play nice, things will get messy.'
Charlie tears herself away from Joey her eyes looking at Robbo she wants to yell at him, hit him just so he can know what it's like. But her current status of being tied to a chair kind of stops her. She thinks for a moment as she goes to speak, stopping herself quickly as she again looks at Joey not wanting to entice Robbo she shuts her mouth. Her head slowly slouching a fraction in defeat. Robbo is pleased by her actions his smile untamed as he reaches into his pocket, pulling out a set of car keys he shakes them quickly in front of Charlie.
'Who's up for a drive?'
His voice is stricken and mixed with a dry laugh, Charlie's stomach drops and all she can do is stare at the silver keys. Oh no!
----
Charlie could see Robbo's car park behind a few trees, the red shine making it obvious it was there. She was tempted to run; his grip on her upper arm wasn't enough to stop her. Although seeing him holding Joey harshly by the waist pulled close to him was. He wasn't dumb and walked quickly making sure his actions didn't look to suspicious, although Charlie did doubt his sense of colour hiding a bright red car behind a flimsy pale green tree, I mean come on! They reached the car surprisingly fast, considering Charlie was doing her best to keep at a slow pace. His hand releasing her arm as he opened the back door, Charlie again considered running, hitting him or screaming to catch someone's attention. Her mind contradicting herself as she just stood there. Feeling her heart beat rise considerably as he roughly forced Joey into the car, slamming the door with extra might.
'You're in the front with me.'
He said turning to face Charlie; his eyes traced her body slowly making her feel very uncomfortable. If she had her gun with her right now she would have shot him without a second's hesitation. He smiled dryly as he again grabbed her upper arm yanking her forcefully then shoving her in the front seat, joining her moments later. The car started loudly and she could feel his eyes watching her movement.
'Let's go shall we?'
Robbo laughed. Patting Charlie on the thigh which made her flinch.
----
Joey stayed quiet as the car sped, her mind racing and heart becoming out of control. She didn't dare move; even if she tried she doubted that she could. Fear had overtaken her body and everything seemed like a blur. Where was he taking them? God! If she could just have done something, fought harder or at least not freeze. Why did she have to go and freeze? Charlie hadn't, she had tried to fight at least. Yet Joey didn't. Well not until after he had already tied Charlie to the chair, turning his attention then on her. Even just the sight of his eyes and croaked smile sent fear pulsating through her, it wasn't until Charlie had screamed for her to fight that she had. Inedible she had got nowhere ending up pinned to the ground, barely making Robbo struggle as he easily held her down. She shut her eyes tightly when thinking of this, remembering the feeling of being utterly helpless to save herself. Remembering how every memory of Robbo's first attack, then the second came flooding back. Third time lucky for Robbo. Her eyes shot open as the car rounded a corner, the tires screeching loudly. For a moment she contemplated jumping forwards and strangling him from behind, but the fear that he would over power her stopped her. That and the fact that if she did he might lose control of the car, leading to a crash. Joey didn't want injuring Charlie on her conscious.
Although Robbo was talking she could barely hear what he was saying, her heart beat thumped loudly in her ears; and for a minute Joey swore she was going to pass out. The only words that got through were Charlie's remarks and warnings. Telling Robbo to stop now before he gets in too deep. Although her statement went un-answered as the car came to a complete stop, Robbo turning back to look at Joey.
'We're here.'
He laughed making Joey feel sick. Seconds later she was being violently pulled from the car, her legs weak threatening to buckle beneath her as Robbo basically supported half her weight. What was portrayed in front of them was a small shack like house. It looked old. And Joey couldn't help but notice the run down condition it was in. Trees surrounded them, adding to Joey's fears that they were in a very secluded spot. Great!
Robbo roughly pushed both Joey and Charlie through the front door, Joey hitting the ground hard as Charlie staggered a little. Managing to keep her footing. The place was just about empty, save for a flimsy old table, torn curtains and a badly standing sofa with one broken leg also a few beer cans scattered though out. Joey cringes as Robbo slams the door making a few windows rattle. His figure turning to face the standing Charlie, pointing strongly at her.
'You!'
He basically yells, Joey watches worriedly as Charlie stands her ground not allowing Robbo the satisfaction of seeing her fear. He points again this time to the ground next to Joey. Charlie complies and instantly Joey feels a bit of relief wash over her, just knowing Charlie is next to her makes her feel safe.
--
'Sit back to back, now!'
Robbo's voice is laced with a gruff impatient tone his eyes watching them intently. Charlie is the first to move taking a quick glance at Joey and trying to give her a reassuring smile. She turns her focus back at Robbo who has grabbed a roll of duck tape. She notices Joey's breathing has become elevated her own rising as she desperately thinks of a way to get out. Although her mind suddenly stops as Robbo walks over to them, his laugh dry as he stretches out the tape. Making quick work of tying the two women together.
'Looks like you're a bit tied up.'
He laughs, his humour being lost on both Charlie and Joey. Charlie can't help but glare, god! If she could only get revenge, she'd lock his sorry ass up for sure. But not before giving him what he deserves. Her mind is on Joey, she must be going through a whole lot worse…her history with Robbo isn't exactly a good one. She wants to comfort her, tell her things will be okay. But if she talks she knows Robbo will probably make things hell for both her and Joey. So she keeps her mouth closed her eyes shutting tightly as she suppresses the urge to cry, she can't break down now. She will not let herself. Her internal promise to stay strong for Joey is one she bids to keep. Her thoughts are interrupted by a muffled sob, Charlie's eyes opening fast to see Robbo leaving the room. Her attention being drawn to Joey's quiet whimpers the sound tugging at her heart.
'Joey…?'
She asks her voice low as to not be heard by Robbo. She hears Joey mumble something but can't quite make out what it is.
'It's going to be okay, alright? Someone will notice we are gone.'
Charlie's voice is a little louder her only goal being to make sure Joey is okay. She feels Joey move a fraction drawing in a deep breath.
'What if they don't? What if they can't find us?'
Charlie can tell Joey is starting to panic, her voice breaking as she puts her head down. Charlie had already been through the 'what if's' already thought of everything that could happen, and even she had her moments where she thought she couldn't keep going. But deep down her fear was rising, what if Joey was right and no one finds them? What happens then?
----
Ruby was in a hurry, she knew she had been rude and uncaring towards Charlie. Her own sister who had chosen to confide in her. She needed to apologize to explain why she freaked, how she was caught off guard and that with time she could accept the way Charlie felt about Joey. Surely Charlie would understand her reaction; it was a big thing to comprehend to understand. Everything had happened so fast and Ruby was just a little taken back…okay a lot taken back! But still she understood now, and that's all that mattered.
The door swung open quickly as Ruby made her way inside, dropping her school bag lazily upon the ground before looking around. Her heart sinking a little as she saw the broken glass, shards of it still on the ground. For a minute she thought about calling out, to check if there was anyone in the house. But if there was she didn't want to entice them to come out especially if they were someone bad. She quietly made her way into the living room taking in a sharp intake of breath as she saw the chair with rope and scrunched up tape around it. Her eyes also noticing Charlie's mobile phone lying under the table, what had happened? What does she do? Ruby quickly grabbed her phone from her pocket, her fingers punching the numbers with speed and desperation.
'Leah!'
She almost yelled, tears starting to appear in her eyes.
'Ruby, what's wrong?'
Leah answered, her voice calming the girl a bit as she tried to pull herself together. She didn't want to cause Leah to panic, she wasn't even sure if there was reason to. Although as much as she wished that were true she knew otherwise. Taking another glance around the room she sucked in a breath, turning around as not to see the sight.
'I think Charlie's in trouble.'
She said her voice breaking slightly within her throat. So badly wanting her words to be wrong.
----
Charlie hadn't answered Joey's questions instead they fell into a tense silence; the only sound that could be heard was a slight rustling from the other room and the occasional muttering from Robbo. Charlie wondered what he was up to; surely if he had wanted to seriously hurt them he would have done it by now right? Her focus shifted as he entered the room, his smile stuck steadily on his face.
'Who's ready for some fun?'
He asked, holding a container of gasoline in one hand. Shaking it ever so slightly, Charlie gave him a glare.
'Oh come on, you're not afraid of a little fire are you?'
This time he presents a lighter from his pocket, making Charlie falter her face dropping as she realized his plan. Surely he wouldn't kill them right? Although her mind desperately hoped he was just bluffing, trying to make them scared. She knew deep down that he was more than serious. She knew that before long the place would be up in flames, the question is would they get out alive? God! She wished she knew that answer. Her breathing became shallow as she watched him carefully, splashing the gasoline over the ground, walls and lack thereof furnisher. The clear liquid soaking quickly into the old carpet, a drop or two still visible. It hastily ran down the creamy-brown walls the droplets breaking apart to make little lines before slowly coming to a stop. He made sure the can was empty before chucking it discerningly aside, his focus on Joey and Charlie. His mind on what he was to do, how he was going to do it. His laugh uncontrolled as he looked at the two women.
'Let the fun begin,'
He said dryly, Charlie looking intently at his features. Her body littered with fear, fear for herself, and fear for Joey. Fear for what was going to happen she couldn't concentrate properly, her head unwilling to allow any common sense through. She could hear Joey's heavy breathing which in turn made her feel even more worried, her own heart beat thumping loudly in her ears, fighting to break from her chest.
'You won't get away with this!'
She yelled anger present in her tone. She meant what she said; every fiber in her body knew he wouldn't get away with this. Whether it be by her hand, someone else's or simply just the amount of karma that was owed to him. 'Cause she would bet her own life that he had plenty of bad karma on his side. She looked up as Robbo chuckled.
'I already have…'
He said slowly. Walking toward the door as he pulled out the lighter. His smile embedded into her memory. She watched as the flickering flame appeared a bright glow of orange, yellow and a slight touch of red. It danced quickly to the side as Robbo let out another laugh his breath causing a small amount of smoke to propel from the flame. Charlie wanted to scream but her throat was dry, causing her to swallow hard. Robbo giving both her and Joey a wink before he slowly threw the lighter, escaping out the door as the silver lighter clashed heavily with the carpet and the start of large flames grew. The heat escalating far too quickly for Charlie's liking, as thick smoke rose to the ceiling. Resenting Robbo for the use of gasoline, which quickened the fire and made things far smokier. This was going to be a hard one to get out of!