A while back, I lost my notes and since then I've been wondering what the hell to do with this story. I have a few things planned and I know this chapter is kind of short like the last one but it won't be that long before I update again, if you guys are still into this story…that is. I apologize for leaving you guys

As soon as the sheriff's cruiser drove off into the distance, Mac had the front door slammed shut and ran a dirty hand across his forehead, wiping the sweat from his face and sighed in relief. This close. He greasy hick had been this close to being busted by no one other than Sheriff Collins himself and after the altercation the other way, there was no way a little visit and light interrogation wouldn't come his way. He should have expected it but he had nothing to fear in the end. So easily was he able to charm his way out and was certain Walter would cover for him, like always. He might not have always been there for him but Mac knew that in some other way, he would be. Getting in trouble with the law, having murder and kidnapping on your record, wasn't something that wouldn't help you out here, unless scaring people off was your true intentions.

With the sheriff out of his way for now, there were other matters to attend to and one of them was tied up in his basement. Turning his head slightly, eyes glaring at the opening to the basement, no sounds could be heard except for the occasional whimpers he assumed were coming from Cristina. If she made any other noises while the sheriff was here then he was unaware of them which meant the goddamn noisy Sheriff Collins hadn't heard them either. And now with her end of the bargain held up, he'd have to reconsider his little promise to her which forced him to groan.

Does the bitch even deserve to walk around free, Mac thought, biting is lower lip. She kicked me so why the hell should she get rewarded? She has no respect. Samuel Abernathy described the girl as beautiful and as radiant as the sun but never did he mention what a mouth she had on her, calling him a fucking hick and bastard. And how she kicked him…no respect. He loved a feisty woman but was getting tired of her constant disobedience. He ought to whip her….Oh, he would love that, alright….

He could very well leave Cristina gagged and bound on the cement floor and close the basement door, leaving her there for god knows when and that would show her but he couldn't have her starve to death. He wanted her alive.

She's making it real damn difficult for that, huh. He thought long and hard before coming to the conclusion, he ought to feed her and see how things went. Trust wouldn't come, not for a long time, he judged but he'd watch her like a hawk. There would be no way in Hell he would ever leave her alone where she could just slip off. Mac's nightmare had to be Cristina escaping while his head was turned, running off to Sheriff Collins, and opening her mouth to him about all he'd done. Before she could even think about doing such a horrid thing, he would break her first, no matter how long it took. Eventually, she would speak and submit to no one but him. Pfft…I'd like to see that happen.

He reached for his hunting knife in his back pocket before remembering that last night, he left it on the messy end table in the bedroom when he went to sleep, never mind worrying about intruders. No one would dare venture over to his residence and try to break in. Without restraint, he could easy knock a person out with just two or three punches and with the knife he always carried, he was considered dangerous. Citizens of Caineville knew where their place was when it came to challenging the greasy hick so if he had his eyes set on something, it was all his.

Just as he grabbed his knife, tucking it into his back pocket, and started to go down the basement stairs, the phone went off.

Fuck, who the hell could that be? It could be either two people: Sheriff Collins or Walter. He debated over the two as he went to pick up the receiver and answer in a bitter, annoyed tone. "What do you want?"

"Oh, are you busy?" It was Harley. Again, Mac sighed in relief for not having to deal with the sheriff again but was still annoyed for the interruption.

"I was about to take care of something but I guess it'll have to wait now." Well, I was going to go tend to the bitch but now she can wait.

"Walter has a few things that need to be sent over to you so he hired me for the job."

"What does he have for me?" Mac demanded.

"A couple packages. I don't know what's inside them, though."

"That's fine," Mac breathe. "Just come on over and bring them to me. I don't have all day."

"Okay, okay…I'll be over in ten."

And with that, Mac hung up, nearly slamming the receiver down. He had ten minutes to clean things up which involved nothing but a few threats here and there. No time was wasted to go down to the basement and as soon as he reached the bottom step, Cristina Abernathy was glazing up at her abductor, eyes full of desperation and fear. She had no idea of what was really going to happen to her. He was unpredictable.

"Alright, listen up." Mac boomed, standing only a couple inches from her head. "I'm expecting another visitor so you better keep your fucking mouth shut, you hear? Harley's no threat and isn't too bright but if he ever finds out about you…word will get to the sheriff. Remember my promise to you? I might consider it if you stay put."

To Mac, she only nodded her head and attempted to muffle a 'yes' through the disgusting gag but with word of another person coming to the house, a second chance of getting help was being given to her and this time, she could not be ignored.