Author's Note: Ok, finger feeling better, husband is back on his normal work schedule, I should be good to write again!
Kristin made her way down the hallway, still inwardly cursing her lack of shoes as she walked on the cold hard floor. Perhaps of the dinner went well, she could request them back. For her and for Lucas, it hadn't escaped her notice that he was going barefoot as well.
She still didn't understand the reasoning behind it. The current running theory was, judging from the snowcapped mountains outside, they were somewhere cold. The thin clothes and lack of footwear would certainly slow an escape. Even aside from the several jackbooted thugs she had seen in her travels, Kristin didn't think it would be as simple as running out of the first open door she found.
Glancing at Wendell leading her, Kristin stopped walking when a sudden revaluation hit her. He heard the steps behind him halt, and turned. "Is something wrong, ma'am?"
"You aren't wearing a gun."
"None of us do. He doesn't like them. He said something about not giving anyone the chance to change their mind." Wendell shrugged as if the conversation was boring him. "We have plenty of other defenses, don't worry. No one can get in here."
Kristin dropped her head so he wouldn't see her expression. "Thank you dear, that does makes me feel safer." They continued walking, but her mind was spinning. Zellar was a game player, no doubt he had anticipated every move she might make. But, she had outfoxed him before, she could do it again if need be.
They reached a door, like everything else here, it was cold and drab grey. Wendell knocked politely, and it opened. Zellar smiled welcomingly. "Hello Kristin, I am so glad you decided to join me."
"I wasn't going to say no to such a kind offer." Kristin replied, it was difficult to keep her voice even and friendly sounding. She only managed by keeping the image of Lucas and Nathan getting out safely in her mind.
He nodded, and backed out of the doorway. Despite the situation, Kristin gasped in amazement. This room was clearly his private living quarters, beautifully decorated with art work on wood paneled walls. A plush carpet underfoot was welcome to her freezing toes. She crossed the large room and let the heat of the immense and roaring fire soak into her bones for few moments. Zellar only watched as she left the fire and surveyed the outside world through a large window.
"Where are we?" She finally asked, "the view of the mountains is a lovely here as the other room. They must be all around us."
"Nepal," he answered softly, stepping up beside her. "I was rather taken by the beauty of the place. Not to mention..." a playful smile crossed his lips, "I guess I never got the cold from my veins."
"Perhaps it was always there." Kristin shot back dryly before she could stop herself.
Zellar only laughed, "perhaps." He causally wrapped one arm around her waist. Kristin resisted the shudder that threaten to envelop her body, but wasn't successful at hiding the disgust in her eyes. She turned her head away instead. Simply placing two fingers under her chin, Zellar turned her to face him. "I know you don't see it yet, but I am saving the world. When you accept that, this will be easier." He carefully placed a soft kiss on her stunned and unresponsive lips.
Gathering herself, Kristin shoved him away angrily. "I agreed to help because you are holding people I love, I will not become your plaything."
Zellar laughed and caught hold of her fingers, "how I love that fiery spirit. I hope you never lose it." He led her to the table in the center of the room and seated her in a gentlemanly fashion.
After taking the spot directly beside her, he clapped his hands. Three women came in, each with the same glazed and worshipful expression Wendell wore. They placed large serving dishes in front of them, then took positions against the wall. "Please, help yourself." Zellar nodded to the steaming plates.
"After you," Kristin countered with false sweetness.
He flashed his ever ready smile, and started to dish up the pasta on his own plate. "It's clean, I need no such medication as the rest of my employees." He took a bite, and sighed happily. "Speaking of which, aren't you afraid of the young Mr. Wolenczak going hungry?"
"Better than the alternative." Kristin didn't bother wondering how he knew of her orders. She could only hope that she had spoken quietly enough about overriding the camera systems that Lucas wasn't in danger. "I don't know what you put in his food, but I don't want his mental state to be compromised for the rest of his life. He's still young, being heavily dosed like you forced on him, could lead to problems down the road."
"Ah, I see, you still hold out hope for escape." Zellar nodded, and gestured for her to eat.
Kristin obeyed, it smelled delicious, and she didn't know when she would be able to eat untainted food again. "Of course," she responded after taking a few bites, "it's part of my fiery spirit." She tried to ignore the feeling of guilt racing through her. Lucas was alone in his room, already hungry. She didn't know how long he would continue following her order. The food that smelled so good now tasted like ashes in her mouth.
"I will have unaltered supplies sent." Zellar offered, "what ever I think you both may need for the next few days."
Kristin studied him for any sign of betrayal, "does that mean I can stay with him?"
"Yes, of course, if you wish. Although," he paused thoughtfully, "would you be interested in an option if you decide the withdrawal is too painful for him?"
"What do you mean?" Kristin asked, deeply suspicious.
Zellar hooked a finger to one of the women standing by. She promptly crossed to them, and deposited a plastic wrapped syringe and vial beside Kristin. "What is that?" She whispered, already knowing the answer, but praying she was wrong.
"His medication," he explained nonchalantly, fully seeing the impact of his words. "Why did you become a doctor, my sweet?"
Kristin flinched at the term, and wretched her eyes away from the needle. "I wanted to help people, to stop some of the suffering I saw in the world. But," she pointed a shaking finger, "individuals like you, you just destroy everything we do."
"But I am trying to save the world." Zellar picked up the needle and twisted it in his fingers. "Such a simple thing, this medication, it can bring so much chaos to a stop. It can stop pain, including the coming pain of our young friend."
Kristin watched the needle spin, "don't, just don't, I refuse to listen to you if you even try to pretend you are doing this for the betterment of mankind. I know it isn't true. You just want show everyone you were the best at playing your little game." She spat, and pushed herself to standing until she leaned over him. "You can't tell me that you aren't chomping at the bit to enact your little rule over the world."
"It is an added perk."
"Whatever happened to that balance you were so fond of?" Kristin was still full of righteous anger, but she slowly slid back into her seat. The truth was, she was exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally. She didn't know if she had the stamina to keep trading barbs with this man and work out a plan at the same time. "They say it's lonely at the top, Rubin, and it'll be very easy for someone to push you off."
"I know, darling, that is why I asked to eat with me, and why I don't mind the venom you spew so elegantly." Zellar dropped the needle and held both of her hands in his. It wasn't a controlling gesture, more one of pleading. "I need you, I need you to be the yin to my yang."
Kristin could only sputter, "what are you talking about?"
"From the first moment I saw you, standing so proudly on the bridge, I wanted you. I was yours, I just didn't know it yet. And I've spent the last months thinking about you. About how you managed to outwit me. You brought me to my knees in a way that no one else ever has." Kristin stared at him with shocked eyes, not believing what she was hearing.
"So I am here now, on the cusp of building an empire and all I ask is for you to join me. Think of the good you could do with our power. Save the oceans, stop pollution, stop wars, educate people. All that you have to do," Zellar released her hands to pick up the needle again and held it up in front of her wide eyes, "is help me."