Chapter 21
No one responded but that doesn't mean no one heard. A king size bed would've been able to fit 3. A queen size bed does not. Sleeping on the small couch was as uncomfortable and painful as expected. Burnt marks from the taser probes are still there.
What's this? Getting better treatment than last night is a good sign. Aria is not here. That's good. She might not be but two guys can be seen outside. There are probably more, not just guys too. Getting escorted by more than just one woman last night was unexpected. Maybe they didn't want the hotel receptionist to know that there was anything wrong. If that was their intention, then it worked. Why this place though? Being forced to wear blindfolds last night, it was impossible to tell. Now being allowed to be in the dining room, it's still hard to tell. It's a big house with a big yard but where? Is this still New York? Eat first, questions later. Actually, there's no need to wait even if there are cameras here.
"What's wrong?" Lucy asked, expecting an answer from Ace since he's acting very strange. Not only is he sitting far away from Niki, he's keeping his eyes down at his plate. He probably got a few punches but he doesn't look seriously hurt. Something must have happened since he took a quick glance at Niki as if he's afraid to. Niki is giving him the death glare. Woah. What is happening? Whatever Ace just said, Niki is responding back with frustration and not in English. Holly seems surprised too. Does she know what they're saying?
"Good morning, I'm so glad everyone is doing well."
Niki may have stopped talking but she's clearly still upset with Ace for whatever reason. Whoever this woman is, she's obviously in a good mood. Aria still looks the same as last night, pissed.
"How's the food? I do apologize for not asking first. Is anyone allergic to anything?"
Nothing about her looks familiar other than the way she carries herself like someone who is not afraid of anything. Who is she?
"Let me know if you are and definitely let me know if you're not feeling well."
Looks like she's not as fearless as she looks and looks like they've already eaten since they're both just standing, waiting. This is weird. Are they waiting for us to finish eating? "I don't mean to be a bother but would it be possible if I could have a hot cup of coffee? This got cold." Lucy asked, not surprised that Aria would be glaring but is wondering why everyone else is staring especially Niki. Didn't she say a deal has been made? Obviously, she didn't ask for better food than McDonald's. "Do you have a pot here? I can boil it myself." This house is furnished so there must be pots and pans in the kitchen. It's just coffee. It's not an unreasonable request. "I get headaches if I don't have my coffee and cold coffee gives me diarrhea. You don't want me to get sick, do you?" Of course they don't. It was obvious last night since Aria wasn't allowed to continue. It's more obvious now that she's not the one in charge since she volunteered as if she was expected to. "Thank you but I want to do it myself, not that I don't trust you but you did try to kill me last night." Lucy took the cup of coffee from the table before Aria could. "Does anyone else want theirs boiled?" Lucy asked but didn't get the response she thought she would. "Ace?" This would be a good time to get away from Niki but it seems that he's too dumb to get the hint. Oh well. Maybe he's hungry. Lucy continued to walk towards the kitchen while knowing that she might not be allowed to. Getting no rejection could only mean that there is no chance of escape. Wow. This is a nice kitchen. Marble countertop, powerful ventilator, huge stainless steel refrigerator, nice fancy drawers with...nothing in it?
"What are you doing?"
"What do you think I'm doing? Looking for coffee." Lucy said, wondering why the cabinets are empty too. Maybe this place is rented? There are pots and pans, appliances and a microwave but nothing in the refrigerator other than bottles of water, cans of soda and...apples? No knives, not surprised. There is a coffee maker so there must be…
"Just boil it."
"Did you spit in this?"
"That's why you want it to do yourself?"
"Found some" She might not have but probably thought about it because why else would she have volunteered? "I also wanted to get Ace here so I can ask what they were arguing about but he didn't get the hint so." Why is she again looking confused? Maybe she knows what they were arguing about? "I also want to ask…are you Brooke's sister?…half-sister?...step-sister?...cousin?" Why can't she just tell me? She doesn't want anyone to know? Maybe. Are there cameras here too? None can be seen but there are guys outside. Escape will be difficult. Wish I still have the tracker. Wish I can remember. That's one pissed look. It's time to change the topic. "You really had Niki fooled." Compliments should help. "That was very clever but the whole friend thing. That's kinda odd." There was nothing wrong with her story of having sold it to a friend since she wouldn't have any use for it. What sounded odd was when she said her friend gave it to a stripper as a form of payment. There is no need to keep the wedding band anymore if the marriage didn't work out but why did he buy it in the first place? It's not 2 bands. It's just one. Did he make a replica? That's odd if he did. "If you had said he's married to the stripper, that would make more sense." What? It doesn't matter now but it does make more sense.
"I didn't make that up. Everything he said, I didn't tell him to say that. I did sold some things there but I didn't get a wedding band from her."
"really?" That's hard to believe but the Greek key does sound very convincing. Jack's Underground chamber was filled with Greek sculptures, paintings and artifacts. Maybe the key was his. Maybe he asked Brooke to marry him so he gave it to her. But why didn't he say it's a wedding band? Maybe it's not his? "Then how did she get it?" There's the confused look again. Right, she wouldn't know. "This is why I need coffee…can't think." Should've told Anthony about it. Too late now. Niki must know something to believe that it is. So the question left is "If she didn't give it to you, then who did she give it to?" Right, stupid question. "Just thinking out loud, it helps…sometimes" A yawn came out spontaneously. It's hard to think without enough sleep. Being forced to be here doesn't help. Seeing her with that same look as Ezz, it's hard to think of anything else other than what did I do? Maybe it's another misunderstanding. The only way to find out is get her to explain. But first, "want some?" No? She probably prefers a cappuccino or caffe macchiato or some classy drink over instant k-cup since she looks like that type. The way she's dressed, the way she talks shows she's a classy lady. What she did last night was a shocker though. "Is that real? your Australian accent, I mean." What? It's a good question. "Or is it British? Hard to tell. Brooke could. It's one of her many ways to make me fall for her." Oh, there's a different reaction from before. "That's what she told me. I don't remember." She's listening. No questions though. Maybe she already knew? "You do look familiar." Maybe this will get her talking. "Have you ever been in a movie, acting I mean because you definitely have the looks for it." It's a compliment. Who doesn't like compliments? Looks like she doesn't. Lucy puts the coffee down on the counter. Without cream, it's bitter but that's okay but it's too hot.
"You said that to me before."
"Ohh" That's possible. She has a pleasant voice. She has the body. She's prettier than a lot of actresses and she definitely has the moves to get guys forget everything else. Ace did. She might not look like Brooke but there are similarities just like what she's doing now. The way she's moving with her hands behind her back, one small step at a time, one foot in front of the other, along with that small lift of the corner of her lip makes one wonder if she had plastic surgery done on that perfect…
"I did."
"You did?" This is what happens without enough sleep. The mind gets easily distracted. "Did what?"
"I took your suggestion. I tried out acting…" Aria continued.
Oh, no wonder she had us all fooled. She took acting lessons. It is hard to get into that business without connections even if she has the look, the body, and the talent. It takes luck too.
"The first time I auditioned, they told me I looked like Margot."
"You do, except for the mouth and hair color and" Lucy trailed off since she doesn't look pleased. Most people would take that as a compliment. Guess she doesn't. Guess they don't need another Margot.
"I was offered a role, you know what I was asked to do?"
It must not be good since she's not smiling.
"I met with the producer. We talked about the role. We had a few drinks. Then…he invited me to his hotel room to talk about the script."
Oh...shit.
"After that night, I was offered many roles I didn't want. They see me but they don't see who I am. All they see is this, what this body can do for them. Do you have any idea what I"
"Give me his name I'll make sure he'll never be able to touch another woman again." That bastard must still be…what? She looks confused. Why? Is my beard falling off?
"You think I'm that stupid?"
Oh. "I thought, I mean, you're not, others might, I just thought that I could do something…so he'll never be able to do that…to anyone else." She may not have fell for it but that incident must have deterred her from trying out again. "Sorry"
"No you're not."
"I am. I'm sorry it happened. I'm sorry you"
"no you're not, so stop saying that."
Letting her get too close is definitely a bad idea. Lucy leans her head back as far as she could.
"Lucy Diamond never apologizes to the women she slept with. Never. She uses them, then discards them like trash."
"I think you have the wrong person ugh" Okay, maybe I should just shut up. One more word, she might just slit my throat.
"You know what I want to do to you."
Is she expecting an answer?
"I want to tie you up, rip your clothes off, then...do what we used to."
Excuse me?
"You'll feel so good, you wouldn't want to stop. Aria…ohh Ariaa…remember that?"
She is crazy.
"What do you think your wife would do when she sees you with another woman?"
Fuck. She wasn't recording it last night. Did she?
"She won't believe it until she sees it. You'll never know how it feels until you experienced it. First pleasure, then comes pain. That pain never goes away. My dream, my dignity, my worth, you, you took all of that. Do you know how much it hurts…to be treated like a whore?"
"ugh" Pushing her away would be easy to do but with the knife so close, getting cut might not be avoidable. She's not going to kill me. She's not… "What're you doin?"
"Maybe this will help you remember."
How is coffee going to help me remember? Are there any cameras here? Why the hell aren't they coming in? It's now necessary to take the risk before she throws the hot coffee in my face.
"Aria!"
Oh good, just in time but it doesn't look like she has full control, whoever she is, since Aria is not listening.
"Not now!"
Okay. That's not good. Sounds like they made a deal. Not now means later. Later is better than now. Aria's reluctance to step away is apparent. At least, she's not that mentally unstable to ignore the consequences. Her motive is now clearer than before but what does she mean I treated her like a whore? "Aria" Calling for her at this moment when she's leaving might not be wise but what's done is done. "I might not remember but I would never do that." That's not a laugh. That's a sneer.
"Lucy Diamond always thinks she's right. You wouldn't doesn't mean you didn't. You think I'm the only one?"
There she goes again, leaving without explaining. What does she mean she's not the only one? Shit. "Are you…were we…who are you?"
"Adalyn…and no, she wasn't talking about me."
Oh thank goodness. That's one less person to worry about but that doesn't mean she's not going to kill me later. Most likely, Adalyn is not her real name since no last name is given and whoever this guy is, he's taken the virus very seriously since he's wearing a hazmat suit. He's the guy they're waiting for? Why? No explanation is given again.
"Try to relax."
He's kidding right? "You do know I'm forced to be here, right?" His face can't be seen but he must know this is an odd situation because why else would he be asked to be here in this office room with all the shades drawn and the lights on to give me a lie detector test.
"Just do as he says."
"Fine" Lucy responded to Niki in the same manner as Niki always did to her. As nice as this office is, it's hard to relax with others watching especially with the crazy Australian actress look-alike.
"I'm going to ask you a few questions. Just respond with a yes or no."
Whoever he is, he must think that I'm outdated. Is saying that even necessary?
"Is your name Bob Smith?"
"no" Lucy rolled her eyes at Niki, Aria and Adalyn while wondering whose idea this is. Whatever. It's better than being tortured.
"Are you a man?"
"yes" Lucy smiled at each one of them who apparently didn't find it amusing. Why is he nodding? Does he know I'm lying or does he think I'm a man? It seems that Adalyn is confused too since she had to see the results herself.
"Ask another question." Adalyn said.
Oh, that could only mean he doesn't know. Gender is a complex question these days.
"Is it raining now?"
"I don't know. I don't think so. What? That's a stupid question. How should I know if it's raining? I don't have xray vision." All the shades are drawn. It wasn't raining 10 minutes ago doesn't mean it's not raining now.
"Do you have 10 fingers?" Aria asked.
Hint taken. "yesss" Lucy kept her eyes at Aria until she heard the response from the polygraph expert. Good? Whoever he is must know something about me. That would explain why he didn't find that question odd. This would explain why he's in a hazmat suit. It's not just because of the virus. It's to hide his face too.
"Have you ever stolen anything?"
mhm, they told him. "yes"
"Have you ever lied to a loved one?"
"yes" Lucy resisted the urge to make another comment since this would only last longer.
"Have you ever killed anyone?"
"What is this? Are you recording this?" This time, asking is necessary since their motive is not what it seemed.
"Just answer the question." Niki again said.
If they want an answer, then the answer is "no" just in case they want to use that against me. It did seem that way until they were given permission to begin after five more questions were asked.
"Do you know where the key is?" Niki asked.
Seriously? All this time, she still thinks I'm lying. "no" Lucy said in an obvious tone.
"Have you seen the key?"
"nnno" Oops. Shouldn't have done that. That could affect the result. "no" Does that look better? Does she even know what to look for? Why is she even bothering to look over his shoulder?
"Do you want to help us find the key?"
Now there's a better question. Adalyn is being very polite too. "Yes" He's nodding so they should know that's the truth. "Ask me if I want the key, ask me." Why is no one asking? "No, I don't want it. You can have it." See, I'm not lying. "Any more questions? This is uncomfortable." Having all these pulse readers on the hand is fine but the pressure cuff around the arm and strap around the chest are getting uncomfortable. Of course they have more questions but getting the first one from Aria is unexpected especially when she should already know the answer. "No, I didn't kill Brooke." She should know I can't lie about that. "You should have yours checked. They said it could be genetics." Okaaay. Maybe they're not related by blood since she doesn't look like she cares.
"Did she leave you anything?"
Ohh, now it's a little bit clearer. "no"
"Nothing at all"
"no...nothing, nada, zilch" Satisfied? Apparently not since the questions about Brooke continued. Wanting to know where she went, what she did, what she talked about are logical questions but does she really expect me to remember everything? "Look, I know what you're getting at but I only found out about it after she passed away. She didn't tell me because she didn't want me to know about Jack. She knew I would've gone after him if I knew. You know about Jack?" Looks like they do since no one asked. "I don't know where it is but I know where it could be. Did you tell them?" Lucy continued without waiting for a response from Niki. "It's either in the underwater cave or the cave near the cliff. Go look there. But you better bring machine guns if you plan to go. There are giant poisonous geckos on that island." Why is everyone looking like I'm crazy? Even this guy is looking at me instead of the computer. "I'm serious. I almost died there. They have fangs." Maybe I should've kept that to myself. Adalyn no longer has that look of patience. Niki is in thinking mode. Aria has that wicked half smile again. What is she thinking of?
"Can I have her now? Maybe she'll remember after I get thru with her."
This is not good. Nobody is saying anything not even Adalyn. No wonder Niki is so quiet. She knew this would happen. No wonder they handcuffed me to this office chair. "I'll take you there. It's not going to take long." Lucy said as she stood up, noticing how the hazmat suit guy instantly stepped away at the same time. He may be afraid of me but these three aren't.
"Sit down." Adalyn said.
"I need to go to the bathroom."
"Sit down or I'll let her do as she please."
That's one easy decision to make. "I really do need to go to the bathroom so could you hurry it up." Lucy said after sitting back down.
"This cave"
"It's near the cliff. You can see the waterfall from there. The opening is covered with all sorts of flowers. It has a table and chairs made of rocks and " Lucy stopped talking after getting the hand signal to do so. Talking rapidly is so that she doesn't think I was lying about the need to go to the bathroom. Giving her the description is so that she doesn't think I was lying about the cave but it doesn't look like she's interested.
"Why do think it would be in the cave?" Adalyn asked.
"because we used to go there, she loved that place." Lucy again responded rapidly.
"So she told you about the cave?" Adalyn asked.
"No, I remembered."
"So you do remember her." Aria asked.
Oops. That's what happens when the mind can't keep track of all the lies. "No" It would be hard to convince her with just that. "I wish I do but I don't. I only remembered the cave after Jack told me about the island. Once I got there, it looked familiar." Convincing enough? It should since it's the truth.
"and yet, you don't remember me."
"I don't remember Brooke or my wife." Happy? Probably not.
"No wonder she wants a divorce."
"What?" Aria may not have responded but the only way she would know is if she has my phone. "What did you do? She can't know about this." Niki is still standing here, saying nothing. "Did you tell her?" Getting an answer from Niki is no longer important since Aria just took out the taser.
"I think we should try this."
"Aria, please."
It's good to hear that from Adalyn but it doesn't mean she won't use that, just not now. She's running out of patience. That's obvious. What's not is she is more intelligent than these two. She's right. If Brooke didn't want me to know about the key, why would she put it in that cave?
"Unless she didn't want anyone to find it, she wouldn't have thrown it into the waterfall."
She's right again but that doesn't mean Brooke didn't. Why is she so confident? "What's the key for?" There they go again, keeping it to themselves. "If you tell me what it's for, then maybe I'll know where she could've hidden it." That's logical. Why isn't she convinced? "Is it a key to an alien spaceship? If it is, then I know she wouldn't have thrown it away bcuz she's fascinated with that stuff." What? Guess that didn't work. Maybe she doesn't know what it's for? How is that possible? Where the hell is she going? Whoever just called must be important. Session over? Oh good but being taken down to the basement bedroom is not good. Being tied to the bed like last night is bad. "Is this necessary? Don't you have the house surrounded? Or do you think I can escape like Houdini?"
"Houdini died trying to escape so I suggest you behave."
"No he didn't. That's just a movie, that's not truuue."
"Really? Did he died by electrocution?"
Hint taken. Why did I even say that? Talking in this vulnerable position is definitely a bad idea even if she's not the only one here. Niki is here but she has shown herself to be useless and obedient to them as a German Shepherd. Holly is here but what can she do? Adalyn may be here but that doesn't mean she will stop Aria from tazing me again.
"Aria, are you done?" Adalyn said.
Oh that's very good to hear. Adalyn is getting impatient. As long as she's here, Aria won't dare.
"I hope this will help you remembuh."
The kiss came in so fast, there was no time to think. With hands tied to the bedframe, it was impossible to avoid it. It wasn't just one kiss either. "What're you doing?" Shit. Most likely, she's not taking pictures for herself. "You can't send it to her. She's going to know something's wrong, she's going to call the cops." Why is Niki helping her when she knows what Amy would do? "I told you. I want to help you. You don't have to let her know." They seem to be listening but they don't seem to get it. "Adalyn, listen to me."
"I was listening and I am but so far, you have given me no reason to believe that you would know where the key is. So if I were you, I wouldn't worry about the pictures. I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to hurt your wife but you have given me no other choice."
What the hell? Now it's obvious. There is a deadline like Anthony said. Now it's obvious why Niki isn't saying anything. She agreed.
"I'm not going to have her killed but you should know how it feels to get shot. You have until 12pm. So I hope you have a good answer for me by then."
"I swear to God if you hurt her, I'll kill you. You hear me! Don't you fucking touch her! I'll kill you! Adaaa!..."
The door is shut and locked. Threats can still be heard.
"She hasn't changed. Still thinks that would...uh oh, you hear that." It's not Lucy's voice but there are sounds of fallen objects. "I told you we should've tied her legs."
Adalyn's frustration can be seen. Can't blame her but why is Aria smiling? Those are just pictures. If her intention is break them up, then that's a stupid idea. "You're not going to send it, are you? She's going to know." Niki said, wondering why they're both wearing the same expression, confused.
"What makes you think she doesn't already know?" Aria asked.
"because she doesn't want her to worry" Why is that so hard to believe? "She used to be a government agent." They must already know since they don't look surprised. What else do they know?
"If I were you, I wouldn't trust everything she says."
"Of course I don't. I'm just saying there's no need to send it to her." Niki responded, regretting to have used that tone since Aria looks offended.
"Aria, don't send it."
At least, Adalyn agrees.
"I wasn't going to. You have any rubbing alcohol here?"
What? Niki said in her own mind since the question is directed to Adalyn who looks confused.
"Did you not noticed she has the beard on since yesterday?" Aria said, extending her arm to show Adalyn, then Niki the picture on the phone. "She's going to be asking for it. That beard is going to ruin her face if she keeps that on. That's so disgusting. I'm going out to get some." Aria said, wiping her lips with the back of her hand while walking away.
It's good to see that Adalyn feels the same way. She might not have said anything but the way she's looking at Aria shows how she feels about her. "Is she"
"Aria! Don't send it! We don't want any trouble."
"I won't! If I were you, I would keep an eye on her! She might set this place on fire just to show you what she's capable of!"
What? Is she serious? Serious or not, it seems that Adalyn is not taking a chance since she's calling someone to do as Aria suggested. "How would she able to do that?" Niki asked after Adalyn hung up. "She doesn't have a match or lighter."
"I don't know but I know she escaped numerous times and Aria knows her better than both of us."
"I understand but don't you think that's…impossible." She didn't deny it so she must agree. Why bother then? "Adalyn, I know I don't need to know but...what's her story? I'm just worried she would try to kill her before we find out where the key is." She should know that's possible after what Aria tried to do last night.
"She won't"
No information is provided. That's not comforting to hear. "You sure? She seems…unpredictable." That's a better word than crazy.
"I'm sure. How sure are you? The only way she would be able to set fire to this place is if she has help. So are you sure your associates can be trusted? because they don't seem to like you. Isn't that why you want Holly in there? It's not just to help her. Am I right?" Without waiting for an answer, Adalyn left the living room leaving Niki with Ace who's sitting on the couch, watching tv.