Chapter 4:

The next few days for Isabella were extremely irritating for her. She was following General Speice's orders by working at home and that bugged her greatly and on top of that, though she loved her parents dearly, they've been doing constant check-ups on her every few hours.

"I am a trained and experienced young military solider," she grumbled to herself as she aggressively typed on her laptop, "I don't need to be monitored like this!" Isabella muttered as she finished typing up one of her daily reports. She hit the 'send' button on the top of the screen and sent her work to her father's computer who would eventually review it and have it filed. Then she sat back and let out a bored sigh; there's not much one can do when working at home. Feeling restless, Isabella closed her laptop and set it aside before she rose from her seat at the kitchen table where she was working at and headed for her bedroom. Inside, she quickly changed into a purple sports bra and black running shorts with tennis shoes and quickly tied her long hair back into a high ponytail before she snatched up her IPod from her nightstand and left as quickly as she entered. She was at the front door in one minuet and out of it in a second; outside was sunny and cool and the moment her feet reached the sidewalk in front of her small apartment, Isabella took off at a run. While running she slipped the earphones into both her ears and blasted an upbeat song while she kept up her fast pace; a small pulled at her lips as she clearly enjoyed the feeling of working out, to her running was exhilarating. She ran down the street till she found the turnoff which would take her back onto a mountain trail behind the apartment lodgings. She cleanly left the firm cement sidewalk and found her feet running on the rugged dirt trail which led into the trees. Isabella followed the trail up the mountains and back down, running nonstop for a little more than an hour and a half. When she finally left the trail road and headed back for her apartment, her face was flushed and sweat dripped down from her forehead and trickled down her exposed torso which was nicely toned for a young woman of her age; Most of the Marines that she worked with always looked at her with admiration when it came to her physical being, she had what could only be described as the perfect body with both muscle and full curves. As she approached her apartment she slowed her pace to a walk to cool down before she marched up to her front door and reentered her home. Naturally, Isabella headed straight for the kitchen to grab a large glass of water which she took back with her into her room where she then went for the bathroom and started a shower. She chugged the water down in a few deep gulps and set the empty glass down on the sink before she started stripping off her work out attire. Once she stood naked and had let her hair down from the ponytail, she swiftly walked over and stepped into the steaming shower. She grabbed some shampoo and conditioner and began washing her hair efficiently; once her hair had been rinsed of all the soap, she picked up a sponge and poured some bodywash onto it that smelled like white gardenia before she scrubbed her body down, washing away all the grime and sweat she had picked up when back on the trails. Then after she had rinsed off once more, she turned the hot water off and stepped out of the shower. The moment the chilly air hit her wet and exposed body, Isabella shivered softly before she snatched up a large towel and wrapped it around her entire torso and then she grabbed a smaller one which she used to wrap her hair in. Isabella swiftly walked out of the bathroom and into her bedroom and headed for her closet; on her way across the room she glanced at the clock, it read 5:56 and as Isabella just remembered, it was Friday.

"The Birthday Ball is tonight…." She mumbled out loud as she reached her closet and opened it up. She rummaged through its contents in deep thought before she came across the gown she had planned to wear to the grand event. A sincere smile came across her face and she carefully pulled the floor length gown out and walked over to her bed to neatly lay it out. It was an off the shoulder satin gown with a clean scoop neckline complete with a full ball gown skirt and what made Isabella even more happier was the fact that the gown was in one of her favorite colors, a deep sky blue. Isabella Then went to her dresser and pulled out a white strapless bra with matching lace panties; with her underwear tucked over one arm, she went back into the bathroom to get semi-dressed. Once that task was done, Isabella freed her still damp hair from the towel and ran a comb through it before she started up a hairdryer to dry her hair. It took close to about 15 minuets before her hair was completely dry and ran smoothly down her back in soft, silky waves. Then with a couple hair ties and some bobby pins, she skillfully styled her long hair up into a neat bun with a few loose curls left hanging down by her cheeks to give her a more elegant look. She did her makeup next, applying first some mascara and eyeliner before topping it off with a soft brush of metallic blue eye shadow on her eyelids. After that, Isabella walked over to her bathroom door and pulled on her bathrobe before she left the room itself. It was now around 6:20 and the Birthday ball would be starting at 7, though Isabella didn't plan on showing up till about 8. So knowing she had some free time to just relax, Isabella left her bedroom and went into her living room where she took a seat on the couch there and turned on the TV for some amusement. She browsed through the TV's selections before she settled on the show called 'CSI Los Vegas'; this show always kept her amused because it allowed her to use her observation skills. And so for the next hour and a half she simply laid back and watched. When the clock read 7:28, Isabella turned off the TV and got off the couch before she made her way back into her bedroom to finish getting dressed for the evening. After shedding her robe from her body, Isabella reached for the ball gown and took it off its hanger before she slowly undid the laces on its corseted back; then once it was loose enough, Isabella carefully slid the gown over her head and watched as the skirt filled out nicely as it hung around her hips. Now that she was fully dressed, she reached behind her back and laced up the back of the gown so that it clung to her every curve and emphasized her small waist. Isabella then accessorized with a pair of crystal dangly earrings and choker. Feeling very satisfied with her appearance, Isabella then walked back over to her closet to pull out the final touches for her outfit, first was a pair of blue silk gloves that would stop at her elbows and last but not least was the matching mask that she had picked out for the special occasion. After she had slipped on some silver heels, Isabella left her room with her mask clutched in one hand, ready for the evening. She gracefully left her apartment and strolled out to her car which she soon climbed in and started up. It was now 7:58 and it would take her about 20 minuets to drive to the Club where the Ball was being held at. The drive there was swift since there wasn't a lot of traffic and as she pulled into her reserved parking place right outside the large building she could already tell that there was going to be quite a few people there tonight, cars were parked everywhere. Isabella turned off her car's engine and picked up her mask which she then secured on her face before she opened up the car door and slid on out. The night's air was cool like normal with a slight breeze every now in then; as she gracefully approached the two doors leading inside the Club she was greeted formally by the doormen before allowed to enter. She passed into the entrance way and made her way over to the ballroom which she charmingly entered; her turquoise eyes scanned the many masked faces in the room with amusement as she made her way around the groups of people. Some glanced her way and offered her a polite smile which she returned before she stopped at a particular group of Marine Officers whom she could recognize even with masks on,

"General Speice, General Wright how nice it is to see you this evening." She greeted formally with a teasing smile. Both masked men turned toward the young woman before them,

"Ah now what do we have here? I was unaware that royalty would be joining us this evening." General Wright teased back with a fatherly grin, on his face he wore a simple black mask that went along with his black and red Marine uniform; General Speice looked just as similar,

"Yes indeed, what an honor it is to be in such a fine lady's presence." General Speice agreed. Isabella gave a soft laugh and shook her head,

"The honor is all mine, gentlemen." She replied. General Wright smiled approvingly before he held his arms out to his daughter, who stepped into them and gave her father a hug,

"You looked very beautiful tonight, Bella." Her father stated proudly as the two pulled away.

"Well it's good to know that the almost thee hours I had spent prepping for it paid off." She lightly replied making both men chuckle. Her father than offered his arm out to her which she took before he escorted her over to their reserved table. He helped her take a seat before he and General Speice joined her at the table.

"So how has everything been for you this past week, Lieutenant?" General Speice asked.

Isabelle gave a soft shrug, "Eh….it's been rather quiet and dull actually. I've certainly been missing work at the office." She confessed. Both men gave her a soft sympathetic smile,

"Well to be quite honest, your presence has been missed as well. Things aren't as…..well lively when you're not around." General Speice acknowledged. Her father nodded his head in agreement,

"But on the bright side," he interjected, "The General here and I believe that it is ok for you to return to work again. So far no threats have been made and nothing else that is out of the ordinary has been occurring." Her father stated. A huge grin came across Isabella's face,

"Yay!" she happily stated, before formally adding, "Er….thank you Generals." Both men smiled and nodded while chuckling at the young woman.

The evening went on as such; it was filled with pleasant conversation and laughter. When the Marine's band started to play music and people began dancing, General Speice left to find his wife while Isabella's father escorted her out onto the dance floor. Once their dance ended, her father glanced at his wrist watch and explained to her how he must leave because he had promised her mother that he wouldn't stay out all night. Isabella nodded in understanding and walked her dad out of the club to his car where she gave him a goodnight's kiss on the cheek,

"Night Dad." She murmured.

"Goodnight sweetheart. Try not staying out too late yourself, ok?" he asked. Isabella smirked but nodded,

"Yes sir." She promised mischievously. Her father grinned and rolled his eyes before he got into his car and started up the engine. Isabella stood and watched his car until he drove out of sight, then she turned around and walked back into the Club. As she reentered the decorative ballroom, she glanced over a large grandfather clock which now read 10:57. Silently, Isabella weaved her way through the groups of chattering people and just as she was about to head back over to her table, a man mysteriously stepped out of nowhere and blocked her path. Isabella came to a quick stop and instinctively looked the man over; he was dressed in an all white suit with a white mask that was pulled up over his mouth and nose and covered his head. All that Isabella could really take notice was his dark eyes. She met his gaze with her own and offered him a polite smile,

"Sir." She greeted formally. The man gave a silent nod before he extended his hand out for her to take,

"Dance with me." He softly ordered. Isabella glanced down at the open hand before she slowly placed her hand in it. Without another word, the man in white escorted her out onto the dance floor before he took her by the waist and held onto one of her hands in the proper form of ballroom dancing; Isabella placed her other hand up upon the man's broad shoulder before he began leading them in a simple slow dance. They spoke not a single word to each other but instead stared intensely at the other one's face, carefully analyzing each others form. Finally, Isabella was the one who broke the silence between them

"So…..let me guess, "She began calmly, "….. you're the mystery man who texted my phone Monday night.." She stated. Isabella watched as the man's mouth beneath his masked turned up in a soft smirk,

"Surprised to see me?" He answered; Isabella shook her head,

"Not really no but I am most curious about who you are. I've never seen you around before so that makes me wonder how you got a hold of my number in the first place." She answered frankly.

The man in white smirked again, "Let's just say I'm a man with many connections."

Isabella's eyebrow rose softly at his answer, "Connections that allowed you to hack into the War College computer system?" she boldly threw out. The man chuckled,

"Possibly." He answered.

"Well aren't you the mysterious type." She stated as her eyes narrowed softly but still kept her elegant composure.

"It's all apart of the job." He lazily replied.

"And what job is that?" she asked curiously as her head cocked itself to the side to study the man in white before her. The man leaned in slightly and lowered his voice,

"If I told you that, I'd have to kill you." He answered calmly.

"Ah…." Isabella replied. Though she recognized the man's words as a popular joking phrase, there was no hint of playfulness in his tone; in fact it was rather serious which made Isabella naturally tense up inside. Once the song that they were dancing to came to an end, Isabella wasted no time in stepping away from the man in white, "Well….thank you for the lovely dance." She stated. The man's dark eyebrow rose softly but he nodded in response,

"Leaving so soon?" he quickly asked. Isabella straightened up,

"Yes I'm afraid so. I have some important business that I need to attend to. So you'll just have to excuse me…." She finished explaining and quickly turned away before she walked off and exited the ballroom. "So he was the one who broke into the N.W.C…." she thought to herself, "….contacted me….but made no demands besides meeting up with him tonight…." Isabella glanced over her shoulder quickly before she quickened her pace and practically ran out of the club to her car, "He's after something." She concluded as she reached her car and opened up the driver's side door before she swiftly climbed inside her vehicle. She started the car up and switched it into reverse so she could smoothly pull out of the parking spot she was in; then once her path was clear, Isabella drove off. As she passed onto the almost empty highway, Isabella pressed down on the gas and sped down the road, "Of all the nights to leave my phone at home…." She swore under her breath as she realized how important it was to get a hold of either her father or General Speice at the moment. Once she made the turn off the highway and found herself driving down her street, Isabella quickly pulled up in front of her apartment before shutting the engine of her car off and climbing out of the vehicle. As she jogged up to her front door, with the skirt of her gown clutched in both her hands, she heard the growing roar of a larger vehicle speeding down the street towards her home. Instinctively, she glanced behind her shoulder to see a large black and unfamiliar box car braking in front her apartment. Isabella spun away and threw open her front door before she ran inside and slammed it shut while locking it shut with the deadbolt.

"Well this can't be good!" she swore out loud before she picked up her long gown and ran into her kitchen where she hastily began rummaging around in some drawers. Outside, Isabella could hear the distinctive sound of a car door opening up and slamming shut. She yanked a final drawer open and gave a huffed sigh of relief before she reached inside and pulled out one of her many pistols that she owned. She took the safety off it and checked to make sure it was fully loaded before she took the weapon and ran for her bedroom. Inside she closed the door and for a few seconds set her gun down on her bed so that she could use both hands and tear her ball gown off her body. Then she swiftly sought out a pair of skinny jeans and her blue cami which she threw on before she again picked up her gun and readied herself for the worst. Then something hit her,

"Where's my blasted phone?!" she swore as her eyes searched all around for any sign of her phone but it was nowhere in sight. Thinking that she may have left it somewhere in the living room or kitchen, Isabella silently walked over to her bedroom door and cracked it open before she peered out; there was nothing but silence. Carefully, Isabella took up her gun in both hands so that it was at the ready before she snuck out of her bedroom. So far everything looked normal, no forced intrusion, nothing; When Isabella made it back to the kitchen to begin her search for her phone once more, she picked up the faint sound of movement coming at her from behind. With a finger on the gun's trigger, Isabella skillfully spun about, caught a flash of white in her vision and fired. Before she could blink, her bullet was dodged and the intruder whipped out his own weapon which Isabella recognized as a Katana.

"Oh shit!" she swore before she took up a fighting stance and pointed her gun at the intruder once more. Knowing what her move was going to be, the man took a powerful swipe at her with his Katana, effectively knocking her gun right out from her hands. Isabella watched as her only weapon flew across the room and naturally she made a move for it. But just as she made her move to dive for her weapon, the intruder picked up a large dark blanket from her couch and charged; he threw the material over Isabella's head so that it blinded and restrained her ability to move her arms and upper body in general so that he could catch her in his arms and throw her over his shoulder. Isabella let out a soft cry of protest before she wildly began thrashing about, trying to escape the man's hold as well as her binding. But his guy was strong and would not ease up. Before she knew it, Isabella was taken out of her house and roughly thrown into the back of the black vehicle. She heard her captor climb inside after her before he uttered a sharp single word.

"Drive!" the intruder's voice commanded. As Isabella heard the car start up and felt it take off down the road, away from her home, her arms fought for their freedom from the blanket. Once her arms had found a way out of the material, she yanked the blanket off her body and tossed it away before she tried jumping to her feet. A pair of strong arms wrapped themselves around her waist from behind before they tugged her close. Isabella felt a firm, rock hard chest press into her back as her captor held her close to his body; it made her furious. She used all her strength to pry the arms away that were keeping her caged in but soon found one of her captor's hands holding a piece of white cloth which he raised up to cover her mouth and nose. She gave another quick cry against the hand holding the cloth as she briefly inhaled and detected the sweet but bitter scent of Chloroform. After another minuet of struggling, Isabella found her vision going blurry before she fell unconscious.