Hi friends! A suuuuuper duuuuuper THANKS for reading this story. On with the next chapter. Sorry for mistakes.
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Mac must have blacked out for few seconds. When he opened his eyes, the first thing he felt was excruciating pain in his ankle. His head felt like someone was hammering nails on it. He could barely breathe properly due to burning sensation in his chest and the cuts in his wrists felt like they were on fire.
Mac looked up with his tear strained eyes "What do you want from me?" he yelled out and Harold fisted Mac's hair with his hand "Oh I don't want anything from you kid. This is just a reminder of what will happen if you try to pull a stunt like this again"
Harold harshly let go of Mac's hair who took heavy and forced breaths as he slumped down on ground. His attempt to escape had not only failed, it also caused him a broken ankle. He had no idea why he was brought here against his will and who wanted to see him. Ned was probably having a lunch with Jack who has no idea he is responsible for his disappearance. He felt himself being hauled up by Harold when a voice reached his ears
"What the hell is going on here? Harold what did you do?"
TWO HOURS BACK
Ned wiped the sweat from his forehead and pocketed his handkerchief. He eyed the Phoenix building and took a deep breath. The man hoped Jack wouldn't doubt him and he would be able to get as much information as possible. He had to do this. There was no option for him. If he didn't then... Ned couldn't even finish the sentence
Ned pressed the button on the elevator and reached Jack's work floor. He plastered a fake smile and knocked at the door. Ned heard a 'come in' and he stepped inside. The man could easily feel the tension in the air and on the faces of few people who stood in the room. They were obviously worried for the boy "Hi Jack. Am I interupting something?"
Jack stopped pacing and turned around to see Ned standing at the door. Matty had a question look on her face that matched with the rest of the people in the room. In his tension, Jack had totally forgot about his lunch with Ned. He walked towards him and greeted his friend "Hi Ned. Matty this is my friend Ned McKenzie and Ned this is my boss Matilda and they work with me...that's Cage Riley and Bozer"
"Hello everyone. I'm sorry if it isn't the best time. You guys seem busy" said Ned and Jack requested Matty few minutes alone with his friend. When they were out Ned placed his hand on Jack's shoulder "What's the matter? Why are you so tense?" he very well knew the reason still faked his worry
"Actually...it's about Mac"
"Who?" Ned asked as if hearing Mac's name for first time. Jack sighed "My partner Ned. The boy you met yesterday night" reminded the agent
"Oh yes ofcourse. What about him?"
"He's missing since last night. We've been looking for him everywhere but it seems the kid has just vanished into thin air"
"I'm sure he'll be back soon"
"No Ned. I know something is wrong. Mac isn't even picking his cell. It's not like him" Jack ran a hand on his forehead
"Oh..ah have you called the cops?" Ned carefully asked the question. For a second Jack thought of saying they were literally second best to cops but he couldn't expose their work "Yeah we've but I guess they wouldn't be much help. Ned..if anything happens to Mac.." Jack's voice grew heavy
Ned was coonfused on Jack's behaviour "You do seem to care lot about the boy" Jack smiled fondly thinking about Mac "I do Ned. I really do. Mac is all alone in this world..he has no one except a father who refuses to be a part of his life but I care Ned..I feel like he's my responsibility. He's like..like a son I never had or might never have"
Ned was stunned at the confession. He had no idea the kid meant so much to Jack. He thought of him as his son? He felt his heart ache but he was helpless. He couldn't do anything about it, only try to keep the boy safe and unharmed...for Jack. A guilt rose in his chest but the man steeled himself. He couldn't afford to have second thoughts "Well I hope you find him soon Jack. Do tell me if you need my help" Jack nodded and shared a hug with Ned
PRESENT
Ned was relaxed on hearing Jack had no clue where did Mac disappear. Things were going according to their plan and soon it would get over. He walked towards the abandoned building where Mac was currently being held and pushed open the door. Ned's eyes widened at the scene infront of him. Harold was holding Mac by his collar whose face was scrunched in pain. He couldn't help but shout
"What the hell is going on in here? Harold what did you do?"
Harold left Mac's collar "Nothing Ned...just showing the kid who's in charge here" he waved the bat in the air before bringing down to nudge at Mac's broken ankle. Mac cried out loudly at the simple movement and Ned glared at the huge man "This is not what we agreed on! The kid was not suppose to get hurt"
Harold scoffed unmoved by Ned's raised voice "He was trying to escape. Had to teach him a lesson. Don't worry, he can handle a broken bone"
"You broke his leg?!" Ned quickly hunched down to see the damage. Mac flinched when he felt Ned's hand on his leg. He tried to pull back his leg but Ned held him firmly, keeping his hand above the ankle "It's okay...I'm not going hurt you. Let me just check"
Mac was shocked at the gentle words. Was Ned the same person who kidnapped him. Who was betraying his friend's trust. He saw Ned inspect his leg and let out a sigh "It's definitely broken"
Harold bend down and took hold of Mac's arm and gestured Ned to do the same. Together they lifted Mac to standing position. A painful groan escaped from Mac and Ned whispered soothing words "Relax..put your weight on me"
Mac glared at the man "Suddenly you've grown a heart? What's with the good attitude?" Harold tightened his grip "Shut up! Either walk with us or crawl your way back to the room"
Mac kept quite. The ride back to the room was very painful for him. He was then dumped on the broken cot where Mac closed his eyes and let the tears fall freely. His leg was throbbing and head pounding. He slammed his hand in the cot "Why am I here? Who are you people?" he yelled at the two men but got silent treatment in response
Ned pulled Harold to the corner of the room "Have you given him anything to eat?" Harold rolled his eyes "Not my job and don't get too sentimental. You very well know what will happen if you disobey the orders"
"I know okay" hissed Ned "We still have two days with him before he comes. What good a dead boy will do? He needs to be fed and we need a doctor to look at his leg"
"Not happening! No one comes here except us" Harold said with stern voice leaving no room for argument. A coy smile played on his face "About the leg? I've an idea" Ned was confused at first but then he saw Harold go out of the room and bring a dirty long rag
Harold walked towards Mac and without warning took hold of his ankle. A heart breaking scream tore from Mac's mouth, his hands clutching his thigh "L..Let go!"
Harold then started wrapping his ankle so tightly with the rag that Mac could feel his leg go numb. Ned looked away from the scene unable to see the boy in pain. It reminded him of..
Mac's screams got worse and finally the room went silent after a minute as he passed out from the pain. Ned held back his own tears and walked out of the room "I'm so sorry kid"
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