Jackson put a hand on Erica's back as she sat beside him. He could feel her vibrating as she glared at their captor. The man who was calling himself Mr Campbell hadn't spoken a word to them since he had the children taken from the room. That felt like hours ago. He was now talking to the man Jackson had first thought was just another thug. Of the two other men Jackson had taken for body guards; the huge hulking brute, Mr Campbell had called Mr Salt, had left with the search party; the other scrawnier figure had stayed. Now he could examine him more clearly Jackson realised the third man wasn't wearing the right clothes. He looked shabbily dressed and had been watching the hold scene unfold with a detached curiosity. Now it looked like he was talking to Mr Campbell like an equal. Was this someone else that they needed to worry about?

After a moment the young Mr Campbell paced back in front of the prisoners.

"Have you been given enough time to consider my offer?"

"What offer?" asked Kendall. "What do you want with my sister?"

"She is going to make me very rich." said Mr Campbell smugly.

Jackson scowled; something about this wasn't making sense. Erica Kane was sitting right in front of him and yet Bianca was the one he was after?

"If it's money you want." said Jackson, a hand on Erica's shoulder to restrain her from her own outburst. "I have money. How much? How much would it take for you and your goons to let us be?"

"More money than you have I guarantee it!" said Mr Campbell with an annoyed sniff. "Where is Bianca Montgomery… and where is her girlfriend as well? I notice now that both are missing. Tell me where they are hiding!"

There was a stubborn silence.

"I'm waiting!" Mr Campbell snapped.

"And I've told you they aren't here." said Erica suddenly pulling from Jackson's touch. "Bianca isn't here!"

Mr Campbell sighed and paced forward slowly to stand over Erica.

"The more you protest, the more I think you know exactly where she is..." he said coldly

Erica glared back in silence.

"… And the more I think that you and I should continue this conversation elsewhere, just the two of us."

Mr Campbell met Erica's Kane stare with a smile. He turned and nodded to one of his mercenaries. "Take her somewhere a bit more private will you."

"No!" cried Jackson, trying to push the soldier back.

The guard with the gun stepped up and pushed the muzzle into his face.

"It's okay." said Erica, as she was pulled to her feet. "I'm going to be okay."

Jackson watched helplessly as Erica was marched out of the room. She was keeping her composure but Jackson felt nothing but fear for her. He would have leaped to his feet and chased them down if it wasn't for the gun still pressing against his brow.

Mr Campbell smiled as he followed Erica.

"The rest of you need to think about what you want to tell me when I get back." he called as he walked out of the door.

Jackson noticed the other man in the scruffier suit also shuffled to the door leaving them alone in a room with eight heavily armed and angry looking men.

What was going to happen now?

Suddenly Jackson was startled by the sound of birdsong from outside. The hint of an orange sunrise was seeping through the window blinds.

It was morning. This ordeal had lasted all night but how long would it take for this to be over?

…