.
"... Not that Charlie was ever brutal. He just did brutal things."
- Jedediah
July 18, 2010
Bella
"I'm not a bad person," my abductor says as he opens the kitchen cupboard, pulling out a can of something unidentifiable.
Since I'm still rooted to my spot at the table, I can only catch glimpses of the shelved contents by looking over his shoulder.
Hiding my bewilderment is impossible as he takes out can after can, stacking them on the counter. It looks like he's making a miniature fortress out of peas and corn.
I really hope those aren't as old as the Y2K scare.
We both remain silent while he unloads a dozen more, checking the seemingly off-brand labels. Making the aluminum wall even taller.
"You were just...there," he mutters before spinning on his heel, giving me a clear view of his troubled expression. The sudden movement makes me flinch.
"I couldn't not take you. I mean, what are the chances?"
Anxiety is clear in his voice, as if he hopes I'll forgive him for this tiny lapse in judgment.
Despite my horrified curiosity, I don't reply. Yelling "fuck you" doesn't seem very prudent, considering the likely cause of my injured head. And I have more important things to say when my voice finally decides to start working.
Things that will get me out of here. I hope.
He brushes bothersome hair away from his eyes as he waits for my response, proving that he's badly in need of a haircut. The innocent gesture makes him seem very boyish, but judging by the rest of him, he can't be any younger than Edward.
After realizing I won't reply, he returns to his task, appearing content to mumble to himself instead. I go back to my own thoughts, trying to block out the disturbing background noise.
While it's troubling that I don't remember how I got here, I'm more focused on the why.
He must want a ransom. That has to be the reason why he brought me here. He didn't choose the easy option of only running off with my keys. He recognized me.
But Edward is kind; he'll pay it. It doesn't matter that we're not together anymore. He could never leave me here, knowing I'm in danger.
I take in a deep breath, letting a small amount of relief wash through me. This doesn't have to end in disaster.
Everything will be fine.
Well, not everything. But I'll be okay. Eventually.
Maybe.
My eyes look back up, focusing on the source of all the clinking. They widen once they see that the counter is completely covered.
The man is still mumbling too quietly for me to make out the words.
This is insane.
He must be insane. That's the only explanation.
I wonder how long this particular chore will take. The sound of metal against metal is making my headache even worse, but I doubt he cares. He definitely doesn't care about the stiff position he put me in.
I sigh inaudibly as I try to make my back more comfortable. I squirm against my seat, scooting my body as much as possible. I'll probably have to stay on this chair for a while longer.
Not too long...
I close my eyes in concentration, willing the words to be true.
It's hard to think positively, but I have to believe that I'll be able to leave this house soon enough.
I just have to wait.
July 31, 2010
Edward
"Please don't look at me like that," I beg.
Alec and Heidi stare back at me from across the desk, taking a moment for the words to register.
While their bodies are sitting professionally still, their faces are betraying them. Nervousness, pity and disbelief are the most visible. And underneath all of that, there are varying amounts of "Do we really have to do this on a Saturday?"
Both lower their heads at the unintentional chastisement, trying to modify their expressions.
"I know I fired a lot of people when I was more...volatile. But I won't get mad if you point out how much of a jerk I was. I promise."
"Are you sure we need to..." Heidi trails off, quickly realizing her mistake. Alec stares at her with shock, but she isn't looking at him.
I stifle my sigh.
Yes, I know you think she left me. Thank you for the reminder.
For a short second, I consider only having Alec help, but Heidi's already here. And she might remember someone we don't. So I continue with my explanation, pretending that I didn't hear the disheartening question. Snapping at her wouldn't be any better, and I don't have the desire or energy to do that.
"Marcus wants me to check all the names he hasn't looked into, but I don't remember every person. Or I don't remember anything suspicious about them. I just need you to to look these over and see if you do."
I hand them their papers before motioning to my desk.
"I'm going to go through their ID photos and reasons for termination on the computer - and I'd like you to look as well - but I'm hoping we can flag some names right away. That way, we can look up the urgent ones first."
"So you're looking for people who might still have a grudge," Alec concludes, resigned to the task. I'm relieved by his quick compliance.
"Yes. You two have always worked closely with me, so I thought you might know."
The stress of everything is making me sound so formal.
After receiving a few slight nods, I look down at my print-outs, getting to work. Despite their reluctance, I'm glad they're willing to do this. I'm obviously not making much progress on my own.
Heidi flips through her stapled pages experimentally before starting, but Alec doesn't deviate from the first page until he's done reading.
A minute or two pass, the only sounds coming from turned pages, scribbling and highlighting.
Heidi is the first to speak.
"Who's Kim Cameron?" she asks, sounding more curious than alarmed.
"Cat lady," Alec mumbles, unconcerned.
"Oh yeah."
I nod absentmindedly. It's strange that this short-term employee is one I remember clearly, but a meowing purse tends to stick in your mind. Especially when you're allergic to it.
"I think it was sick," Heidi sympathizes. She's a cat person.
I don't offer anything, remaining unwilling to feel bad about that one.
Both employees wordlessly continue their assignment, having never looked up to begin with. I spin my pen between my fingers as I proceed down the list, resisting the urge to break up the silence with an obnoxious tapping noise.
This may take a while.
A/N:
Rosebud is now a "Fic of the Week" over at The Lemonade Stand, which makes me very excited. Thanks to everyone who voted! Also, thanks to Jaime Arkin for the rec, and to KitKat and texasbella for writing the review.
What The Fun prereads, laughs at my jokes and indulges my Writer's OCD. She's an angel.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed last time.
xoxo