Jaeh – Well, here's another chapter. It's not as… disturbing as the last one – I think this one maybe rates a 5 or a 6, maybe even less, but yeah... Enjoy :p
Lori- Yeah, sorry for freaking people out… but we warned you guys! It's more psychological torture than anything else.
Jaeh- We enjoy that sort of thing, so you just have to bear with us :P
Abigail paced the ground, looking up every now and then at Ben. She then sighed, and stopped. "We need to get help."
Ben turned to Abigail, still trembling in rage. "Abigail-"
"Ben, we're not helping Riley. Devin is always one step ahead of us. I don't want Riley to be hurt for another second." Abigail bit her lip, and frowned thoughtfully. "We need to call the police. Walking around trying to look for them in this manner isn't doing us any good."
Ian cut in. "There's phone back where Riley was held for the first time. It'll save time, maybe." He shrugged.
Abigail looked suspiciously at him. "Since when did you want to help us call the police?"
Ian glared at her. "I offered to help, so you can shut up, Ms. Chase."
Abigail glared back, and was about to say something when Ben shook his head and spoke. "I'm not going to send Abigail out by herself, and let alone with you Ian. Look, we'll all go… I'm not leaving you alone with him."
"Ben, I can handle myself. Don't worry about me." Abigail turned to Ben. "Please, let me go. We need to do something – "
"No, Abigail. I can't let you go with that… with that scumbag!" Ben gestured at Ian. "Who knows what he might do to you!"
Ian looked offended. "Ben, I'd never hurt a lady. You know that."
Abigail rubbed her forehead, and resisted the urge to shake Ben. "Ben!" Abigail shouted in frustration. "This isn't a time to be chivalric! I can handle myself!" She sighed, and lowered her voice.. "One of us needs to keep looking for Riley. You can't go with me, Ben, because we don't know where the phone is. You can't go with Ian because I don't want you to kill him before we even find Devin. And you don't want me left alone. See reason."
"Oh, that's just great," Ben snorted, throwing up his hands. "Didn't do much good – "
"While we're standing here, Devin is doing God-knows-what to Riley," Abigail said her eyes pleading. "We have to split up. I'll go by myself if I have to, to look for Riley. Please."
"No, if anyone's going to be by themselves it's me," Ben told her. "I'll keep looking for Riley. You and Ian try and find some help."
Abigail leaned up and gave him a heated kiss on the lips, while Ian stood there awkwardly.
"Love you," she whispered hoarsely. "I love you so much." She just wanted to melt in Ben's arms until the whole ordeal was over. She couldn't believe this was happening to Riley. But no. I have to stay strong. We have to find Riley.
"You too. Be careful!" Ben said, hugging her tight. "Be safe." They broke apart and Abigail followed Ian the way they came. She sighed, and quickened her steps. The faster we could call the police,the faster we could find Riley. Abigail watched Ian's back as he walked faster, and thought to herself, Well, I'm better off with Ian that being alone with the psychopath running around, I guess. Her thoughts went back to Riley, and she sighed again.
Riley, please hold on. We're going to get you back.
Abigail hurried after the ex-treasure hunter, her eyes jumping to every dark corner of the carnival. Ian was silent, looking straight ahead, as he walked quickly to their destination.
"Why are you helping us?" Abigail asked him. "This is not about the money anymore, is it?" Obviously.
"Contrary to popular belief, Ms. Chase," Ian said, still looking straight ahead, "I'm not a complete monster." I find that hard to believe, Ian.
"Okaaay. But, that doesn't answer my question. As far as I can tell you hate Riley."
"There are some things no one should be subjected too. Even annoying motor-mouthed pipsqueaks."
"Who knew villains could be so chivalric. I feel so safe now." Abigail commented sarcastically. "Kidnapping and attempted murder are a-ok, but torturing is a no-no. I guess even villains need their moral standards." It amazed her how much like Riley she sounded - she spent way too much time around him. She felt a pang when the thought surfaced and she bit her lip.
"Don't start with things you know nothing about." Ian growled, as he picked up his pace.
Abigail just looked at him thoughtfully. He's serious about this. "You know, calling the police could lead them right to you." She said quietly, trying to see how Ian would react.
Ian glanced at Abigail, and grimaced. He looked away. "By then, I'll be long gone."
Abigail sighed. As long as he was helping them find Riley, she wasn't going to complain. The more help we can get, the better. We need to find Riley now.
Riley. Abigail frowned, and her eyes watered. She had heard countless stories of kidnap victims coming back alive, but they were never…normal or like they were before. Abigail had this fear, that if they got Riley back, WHEN we get him back, that he would never be the same Riley again. Please, God, let it not be so.
Riley slumped in his chair, his eyes staring straight into nothing. His hands were tied rigid to the arms of the chair – tighter than they should have been, but Riley didn't feel anything. At least his legs were free, for all the good it did. His shoulders sagged, making him look tired and defeated. His whole body ached. Every inch of him seemed to throb dully, most likely from multiple electrocutions.
Devin snapped in finger in front of Riley's face, but Riley didn't respond. Devin sighed, and shook Riley a bit. Still no response, and Devin raised a hand and struck Riley across the face. Riley's head snapped to one side, and he blinked at the sensation, looking up at Devin. Wha – ?
"Hello. Welcome back to the land of the living, Mr. Poole."
Riley ran his tongue along his lips, and spat. "I didn't think blood tasted like that." Am I really saying this?
Devin blinked at him, and smiled in amusement. "How does it taste like, Riley?"
"Metallic, salty, kind of bitter… Kind of sweet, too." What is wrong with me? What am I talking about? Riley shook his head and spat again, and Devin laughed.
"It tastes better when it's not your own," Devin commented casually, and placed the spoon in his mouth. "Mhmm. Yummy."
Riley's eyes widened in horror, and he sat up straighter. His muscles were suddenly rigid. "That is disgusting."
"You should try it." Amusement still laced Devin's features, and he turned away. He walked towards a table, and grabbed a bowl of something and a spoon. He waved it at Riley, and took a bite.
Riley still stared at him in disgust and horror, and his stomach twisted with the thought of whatever Devin was eating. His imagination suddenly ran wild. Blood? He kept thinking of puncture wounds on his skin while he was sleeping, and needles and tubes… his blood running and dripping on a plate… Riley, think happy thoughts. Actually, any other thought would do. Other than…that. He shuddered, and Devin laughed. "Mr. Poole, I was only kidding."
"Oh, good, I was starting to think you were a vampire," Riley spat out sarcastically. "Actually, it wouldn't have even surprised me if you were. Scratch that, even vampires aren't as sick and twisted as you. It's an insult to compare you to them." Might as well be true.
Devin smirked and crouched in front of Riley. "Ah… Riley. You never cease to amuse me. Don't believe me, then. You're scaring yourself, Riley, not I." He leaned closer and Riley grimaced. "Besides, at least I don't sparkle."
Riley rolled his eyes, and watched as Devin turned back to his food. The more he watched Devin eat the more he realized… he was famished. It felt like forever since he had eaten. His mouth watered and his stomach grumbled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten for more than a day now. Riley squirmed in his chair and his stomach grumbled louder. Oh no, I hope he didn't hear that… Riley thought fearfully.
"Do you want something, Mr. Poole?" Devin asked, raising his head from what he was eating. He took another bite, and smiled with satisfaction.
Riley didn't speak – instead he continued staring at the spoon Devin was waving around. I am not going to tell him what I need. I don't want him to make me beg. His stomach growled again, and Riley bit his tongue. I am so hungry…
Devin scooped up some of his food, and walked towards Riley. "What do you want, Riley?" He scooped it in his mouth, and sighed. "Hm. Oatmeal. With bananas. My favorite comfort food."
Riley stared at the bowl, and bit his lip. He could smell the food… his body was demanding food. Oh… damn pride and all to hell... "I… I'm… Can I have something to eat…?" He asked, looking away.
Devin feigned surprise, and waved his spoon at Riley. "Oh… oh! You want this?"
Riley squirmed uncomfortably again, and nodded.
"Well, I want to hear you say it. I want to hear you say, 'Devin, I'm hungry. I want something to eat.'"
Riley stared at the floor. I am not going to give him the satisfaction again. Not again. I already said what I wanted, and if he doesn't want to give me anything, fine. I knew he's going to make me beg. But no. I won't eat for a week if I have to.
"Come on, I want to hear it." Devin started tapping his foot, but Riley wouldn't even open his mouth. Devin's voice took on a dangerous lilt. "No? Not a word? Well, then I won't give you anything."
Riley heard a clink of silverware, and he looked up. Devin was walking away, whistling Little Miss Muffet. Riley cringed, as his head involuntarily recited the nursery rhyme.
Little Miss Muffet, sat on a tuffet
Eating her curds and whey
Along came a spider, and sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away.
This is the second nursery rhyme he's ruined for me. It reminded Riley of his encounter with the spiders, and he started shivering uncontrollably. He held fast to the chair to stop himself. Devin turned, and raised an eyebrow. "Look, Mr. Poole, if you want food, you just have to say it. You don't have to get my attention through means like that."
Riley fought to keep his body under control, and he shut his eyes. His shivering stopped, and he opened his eyes – only to see Devin immediately in front of him. Riley yelped with surprise and struggled backwards, and his chair hit the ground. Riley winced in pain. Devin laughed, and pulled Riley up. "Here, little Riley, eat." Devin scooped from the bowl, and pushed it against Riley's lips. "Come on Riley. We haven't got all day." What in the world are you trying to do, Devin? Feed me like this? No thanks. I could go a week without eating.
Riley shook his head, but Devin held it still. "Here comes… the train…" Riley pressed his lips together as Devin tried to force the spoon into his mouth. Go and step in front of a train, you lunatic. Die. He envisioned Devin actually stepping in front of a train and getting squished – but that didn't even give him a flash of satisfaction.
"You need your nourishment, Riley… you still have a big day ahead of you." Riley shivered in disgust. He needed food, but he wasn't going to allow himself to be degraded to get some.
"Open uuup," Devin hummed. Riley shook his head angrily. Get the hell away from me, you psychotic FREAK!
"Open wide now, Riley! Daddy's getting annoyed..." Devin raised his eyebrow dangerously, and pulled the spoon away. "Come on now… just a bite…"
Riley glared at Devin, and Devin sighed exasperatedly. He grabbed Riley's nose, and grinned. "Got your nose!" Riley kicked out with his legs, but Devin had his body out of the way. Riley kicked and flailed until he couldn't breathe anymore, and Riley opened his mouth to take a gulp of air.
He received a spoonful of oatmeal instead. Devin jammed it too far in Riley's mouth, and Riley gagged. Devin tipped the contents into Riley's throat, and pulled out the spoon. "Another bite?" Riley leaned over, and retched. Devin grinned in amusement. "Guess not."
Riley took a few deep breaths. He felt stomach acid rise in his throat, and he gulped it back down. Oh God please – enough. Oatmeal's never going to be the same again.
"Come on, just one more bite," Devin laughed, and wiped the spoon with his shirt. He took another spoonful from the oatmeal.
"N-No… enough." Riley whispered, blinking back the tears in his eyes. He felt so humiliated.
Devin shrugged, looking pleased with himself. "Suit yourself, Mr. Poole. But I hope you enjoyed that. It's most likely your last meal."
Riley sat there numbly; the words didn't even seem to affect him. At least this will all be over with.
Devin looked at Riley with mock concern, and produced a small piece of cloth. "Aw, you look terribly dirty with all the oatmeal I spilled on you. I'm sorry, here, let me clean you up." Riley tried to pull away from the cloth, but Devin's hand steadied his head. Keep away from me! The cloth pressed against his face, and he was forced to breathe in. Immediately, everything blurred and spun around him.
The last thing he heard as blackness swarmed his vision was Devin's cheerful whistling.
Ben took out Riley's bloody handkerchief and stared at it for a moment. The night before this one, he was helping Ben crack a cipher for Page 47. Ben didn't even tell Riley what the cipher was for, and he couldn't even recall thanking him once. But Riley still helped, still trusted, because that was just who he was. And he trusted Ben to get him out of this mess. And so far, Ben hadn't even gotten close. He didn't even know where Riley was.
Ben clenched his hand around the handkerchief. I'm so sorry Riley… I'm coming to find you. Hang on, for a little bit longer… He slipped the handkerchief back into his pocket and sniffed, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. Just hang on.
Worry then filled him for Abigail, but her voice popped into his head, I can handle myself Ben! Go find Riley, NOW! Ben sighed. He knew she and Ian were getting outside help, but that didn't make him feel any better. He still didn't trust Ian, but he only hoped they would get help before it was too late.
Ben suddenly jumped when he heard a garbled voice announce: "Step right up, step right up! There is a new show in town, and I would like to invite everybody to see our brand new attraction!" Ben cursed and ran toward the noise, no doubt one of Devin's schemes. Ben followed the voice until he came to another striped tent. Not thinking twice, he burst in.
"Aah, Mr. Gates. I knew you'd come. But where is your little girlfriend? I would very much like to meet her, too!"
Ben looked up and saw a man leaning on the grating in the ceiling. "DEVIN! WHERE IS RILEY!" Ben roared at him. His eyes roamed around the tent, looking for a way up.
"Ben, Ben… You don't think you can possibility do anything for him?" Devin cackled. "This is all part of my act, you see. Oh, this one, you'll enjoy." He leaned forward and pulled at a black curtain that Ben didn't even notice was there. "PRESTO!"
Riley appeared behind the curtain. From what Ben could see, he was supported entirely by his arms, as they were bound above him, and he dangled there. Ben squinted, trying to see how Riley was. Ben couldn't see if there were any immediate injuries, except that his shoes and socks were gone.
"You see Mr. Gates, I'm in complete control," Devin said menacingly. "You cannot do anything without my permission." He barked a laugh, and gestured at Riley. "You can't even find him without my direction!"
"RILEY!" Ben screamed, and he felt his legs go weak. "What did you do to him?!" Was he dead? No, he couldn't be… no. He's not dead – his chest's still rising… and falling… sluggishly. Riley… What has this maniac done to you?
"You already heard part of it Ben, but why spoil the fun, eh?" Devin chuckled. "Listen, I know you really want to save your friend, so I'm giving you a head's up, because you obviously could use the help. Poor little Riley has until sunrise before I kill him. Right now iiiit's…" Devin seemed to check his watch. "3:42am. So it gives you some time. How's that for a little clue?"
"Devin, let Riley go," Ben pleaded. "Don't do this to him. Take me instead, just let him go." Please don't do this to Riley. Do it to me. Not to my little brother. Anyone but my best friend, please.
"How decent," Devin scoffed. "But Riley is too much fun and I've I already invested too much time in him. I'll be disappointed to see this end, to tell you the truth Benny-boy…" Devin petted Riley's slumped over head and smirked. "I could play with you too if you want, but I'd like to finish what I started, first."
"Get the hell away from him you piece of malignant shit. I swear, if I ever get my hands on you I'm going to tear you limb from limb myself."
"I didn't think you'd have it in you to curse." Devin hooted and slapped his leg. "Maybe next, time Mr. Gates, maybe next time! But right now I have to skedaddle. Time's a-running out, and there's so much more to do!"
"Riley!" Ben shouted desperately to his friend. "I don't know if you can hear me, but you're going to be okay! We're going to get you out of here, I promise!" Just hang on.
Devin grabbed Riley's still unconscious form and smirked in Ben's direction. "Say bye-bye to your friend, Mr. Gates. Me and Riley are gonna have a load of fun without you!" He slowly untied Riley's arms, and waved one of Riley's hands at Ben. Devin smiled. "Say bye-bye to Mr. Gates too, eh, Riley? This would probably be the last chance you'll see him. Or him, you."
Devin paused as if he was remembering something. "Oh, and you can have these as a memento, if you want. They'd look good when hung from a wall – I'd keep it myself, but I figured I could give you guys something to remember Riley by." He tossed something all the way down to Ben's feet. Ben looked at them and with a churn of his stomach saw they were Riley's Converses.
"So, see ya around, Mr. Gates," Devin said, opening the black curtain again. "Or preferably not. Ta-tah!"
"NO!" Ben screamed, but could only stand there and tremble in helplessness and rage. "RILEY!"
"BEN, LOOK OUT!" Another voice shouted from behind him and someone yanked Ben back by the collar and he fell into the dirt, just as something hit the ground where he was standing a moment before.
"STAY DOWN!" Ian shouted as two shots blasted over Ben's head.
After a moment he raised his head to see Ian, standing there, his pistol raised. "BLOODY HELL," he swore vehemently. "Missed the rat. He's gone."
Ben saw a giant weighted bag, filled with sand. Undoubtedly, Devin had tried to drop it on him to kill him, to get him out of the way. He was still numb when he felt Abigail practically tackle him into a hug. "Ben," she cried. "are you okay!?"
Ben nodded and hugged her tightly, not able to respond for a moment. "Yeah," he said hoarsely. "You?"
She nodded, and sniffled. "We called the police. They should be here soon, I hope."
"Devin told me he was going to kill Riley at sunrise," Ben told her quietly.
Her eyes went big. "What," she gasped, horrified. Ben nodded grimly. He ran fingers through his hair, and massaged his temples. I can't believe this is happening. What kind of sick and horrible situation am I in? This should not be happening. Not to Riley. Not to anyone.
Abigail's eyes wandered over to where Riley's sneakers fell. She picked them up, tears dribbling down her face. "Well, we'll have to find him. He needs his lucky shoes back."
Jaeh – This is just sad. I LOL'D at Devin . He's... twisted funny. And AWWW. :( RILEY'S SHOES. :(
Lori- :-/ I know Ben and co. aren't doing much but bear with it. :P Darkness before the dawn and such ;) PLEASE REVIEW.