Ransom

7

Aaron wasn't sure if it was day or night. Thanks to the almost perpetual darkness he was being kept in, he was completely disorientated time wise. It hadn't mattered when he was first dragged in to his makeshift prison, but it did now. It was important he knew the hour, or at least that he have some idea if it was daylight outside or not.

He had an inkling that it was getting on for morning, but only because he hadn't seen his captor in ages, and suspected he'd gone to get some shut-eye. Aaron yawned at the very thought of a good nights kip, he longed for his own bed, to be snuggled up in its comfort and warmth. An image of his bedroom suddenly appeared in his minds eye, he could see his things, all his stuff. He wished himself there, safe in his own space, free of the ongoing nightmare he found himself in. 'Don't!' Aaron chided himself, he couldn't let his thoughts wander down that path, he couldn't let self pity take hold. That wouldn't help get him out of here and he was determined he would get out of this place alive.

His endless brooding had made him realise being released wasn't part of Robert's plan. Aaron was certain he'd be kept alive only until he'd served his purpose and then... goodbye cruel world! Aaron snorted scornfully at the phrase that had popped into head then quickly moved his thoughts on.

Robert wouldn't do the dirty work himself, he'd have the idiot who brought him here do that. It would probably be a bullet to the head, then his body dumped somewhere it would never be found, his family left to ... Stop it! He was doing it again, he was letting his thoughts run away with him. He had to stop his mind from wandering off point and concentrate on the matter in hand. There had to be a way to escape, he wasn't going to let Robert get away with this, he would make him pay for betraying him and for the callous unthinkable way in which he'd done it.

Aaron stifled another yawn, he was so very tired, he hadn't really slept, he'd just dosed, his thoughts stopping him from getting any meaningful rest. He'd determinedly kept Robert at the foremost of his mind, Robert Sugden was the fuel needed to keep the anger burning inside. Aaron knew he had to keep that flame burning bright, because that controlled rage was going to aid him in his escape.

That was why he'd kept going over their breakups, their bitter exchanges, their explosive arguments, especially the things Robert had said that had hurt him. He'd been cut to the quick by some of the comments Robert had made, especially what he'd said about Jackson. Robert knew how to wound, he had a cruel and vicious tongue, and he'd shown no mercy. Despite all that and the things he'd done Aaron had given him another chance, he'd really believed in him, trusted him, and so had let him into his heart. It had been left bleeding again but it was his own fault. He knew exactly what Robert was capable of, just how low he could stoop. He'd been stupid to think Robert was worthy of his love, but then he'd gone to great extremes to convince him of that hadn't he? He'd played a blinder, fooled everyone in the process. He'd certainly won him over quickly enough, like a lamb to the slaughter! Why hadn't he known? Why hadn't realised what was going on? Because he'd loved Robert that's why! So much so he was willing to forgive him anything... Aaron wiped furiously at his eyes, at the tears now forming there. You fucking idiot! He silently lambasted himself, another emotion had just overpowered his anger and so easily too. Why? He didn't love Robert now, not anymore, he hated him with a vengeance, wanted him dead. It had to be because he was so tired, you couldn't think straight when you were tired, your emotions could so easily get the better of you when you were at such a low ebb. He was going to have to get some proper sleep, he'd feel better when he woke up, his mind would be clearer. He just had to let go, block out his thoughts, allow himself to drift off into the nothingness. Shifting into a more comfortable position he heaved a weary sigh... he only needed a few hours, he'd be as right as rain then... just a few hours... just... just...

/

Robert woke with a start, immediately scrambling off his bed and on to his feet. He hadn't wanted to fall asleep, he hadn't wanted to give in to the weariness that gripped him. He had things he needed to do, phone calls he had to make. He was still in yesterdays clothes, and in desperate need of a shower and a shave. Checking his watch he saw with some relief that it was only just after eight. He had time to freshen up, he had to carry on as normal, brave the nightmare out, he had to act like nothing was wrong in his world when all the time it was falling apart. His heart lurched in his chest when he finally allowed his thoughts to settle on Aaron. Fear, worry, dread, and just about every other negative emotion consumed him when his mind visualised Aaron. Hurt, scared... all alone. He physically ached to hold Aaron, to feel him in his arms, to know he was safe. He would never forgive himself if anything happened to him, if he didn't secure his freedom.

Robert didn't doubt Shields would act on his threats, he had a formidable reputation for getting a job done. Aaron couldn't be in a more deadly a pair of hands and Robert knew he was going to have to move heaven and earth to save him. He could do that... he would do that. He wouldn't let Aaron down again.

/

Chas settled herself in a corner of the cafe and took a tentative sip of her hot chocolate. She sighed appreciatively as the velvety liquid began to warm her.

She'd been disappointed to find that Bob was missing-in-action. According to Brenda he was making an early visit to the cash and carry. She was due a visit there herself that very afternoon, maybe Marlon would do the honours as she didn't feel like straying far from home today. Her spirits had taken a real battering, and she wanted the familiar round her, the sense of security that offered... because life had gone and brought her up short yet again!

She'd let herself believe that life was settling down, that some emotional healing could now take place. How wrong was she!

There had been a time when she hated the quiet life now she craved it. She seemed to move from one upset straight onto another. It wasn't fair was it? She seemed to have had more than her fair share of hurt and heartache, she seemed to attract it! The worst thing about it though was that she wasn't the only one who got hurt, those closest to her did too. Aaron in particular! No she wasn't going there, not now. She'd beaten herself up enough over the mistakes she'd made with her son, she would forever regret them, and have to live with the anguish and guilt. She was determined to be there for him, to be the mother he needed her to be. And Aaron would need her when he found out about Gordon...

Brenda's voiced roused Chas from her reverie, someone else had just walked into the cafe and she was talking to them. Chas supposed she could have asked Brenda about Hazel, but she was such a scatter brain and she'd just witter on endlessly. Chas just wasn't in the mood for her nonsensical chit-chat. There were more important things on her mind right now.

Taking another sip of her drink she planned out her morning. She would text Cain and ask him to call by, she didn't want to tell him about Gordon over the phone, although she knew she wouldn't be comfortable with his reaction. Cain would happily dance on Gordon's grave, the news of his death would undoubtedly make his day. But as much as she hated her ex husband she wasn't ready to rejoice at his death, she was too worried about her son's reaction.

While she waited for Cain she would phone Paddy, he'd be just as worried about Aaron but he'd have some words of reassurance for her. Chas felt tears well up in her eyes, she could do with Paddy's shoulder to cry on right now. He'd let her rant, let her pour her heart out... then he'd talk some sense into her. He was her closest male friend and his history with Aaron made him extra special...

Chas suddenly longed for the old days, when the three of them had lived under the same roof. They'd been happy, Aaron especially. She'd tried, she really had but the spark just wasn't there for her where Paddy was concerned. Maybe if she'd stayed, maybe if... No! Aaron would still have met Jackson, he would still have got involved with Robert and Gordon would still... Chas lurched to her feet, it was doing her no good sitting there on her own. She was getting maudlin, reliving old and new hurts and slowly sinking into a pit of gloom as she did so. She was going to have to keep busy, keep her mind occupied, try and hide her melancholy behind a smile.

As Chas approached the cafe's door it suddenly burst open, a harassed looking Bob then hurrying in through it. It seemed she wasn't going to have to wait to find out about Hazel.

/

Robert didn't feel any better for his shower. The steaming jets of water usually helped soothe any tension but not so this morning. His concern for Aaron was making him more and more on edge, he was so stressed now that he felt ready to implode.

As he strode into the kitchen his gaze fell on the table. He quickly averted his eyes, he couldn't bear to look at the chair Aaron usually sat in. It was too painful a reminder of his absence. He'd got into the habit of having breakfast with Aaron, he really enjoyed that time together. The radio would be playing in the background and he'd sit opposite Aaron, contentedly watching him munch away on toast, toast that had been thickly spread with jam. Robert's next thought served to add to his concerns, had Aaron been given anything to eat and drink? Shields wouldn't let him go without surely? Knowing how hard and unfeeling Shields was Robert feared he would.

Robert hadnt eaten since lunchtime the day before, but that was through choice, his appetite had deserted him. Coffee was keeping him going and he would make it extra sweet this morning, he was in need of a dose of energy. As he spooned the sugar into a mug he heard someone entering the room. Turning around he met Chas' suspicion filled eyes. What had he done now? He'd thought them a little closer after last nights events. "Chas?"

"Where is he?"

"Who?" Marlon wasn't due in til ten so who did she mean?

"Aaron!"

"You know where." Robert insisted. He was more than a little thrown by Chas' question but didn't want to believe she'd got wind of his deception.

"I know he's not with Hazel."

"What?" Chas sounded so sure, but then she could be a devious cow, she could just be trying to catch him out... or he could just be clutching at straws!

"She's in Canada! Very much alive and kicking." According to Bob, Hazel was teaching art in a school there, had been for the past month.

Robert didn't know what to say, he didn't know how to begin to talk himself out of the mess he was in, suddenly the truth seemed his only option...

TBC