When I woke again, I was tied to a cold iron chair in a dark, damp room. In the corner, Adeline was tied up as well as she softly sobbed. Before I could even process what was happening, a tall man with a scar across his face walked toward us.
He casually picked up a phone, dialed a number and turned on the speaker.
“Mr. Herbert, come now if you want to save your woman.”
Ten minutes later, Brian burst into the room. Panic flashed in his eyes as he looked at Adeline and me. And then the scar-faced man toyed with a dagger as he showed a cruel smile on his face.
“I heard one of them is your fiancée. Here’s a game for you. Choose one.”
Brian froze, his mouth opening but no words coming out. His hesitation filled the air like poison.
“I … ” he stammered.
“Stop wasting time!” the kidnapper barked impatiently.
The man grabbed both Adeline and me by the neck, cutting off our air. Our breathing turned frantic and shallow.
“Brian! I’m scared! It hurts so much! Please, save me!”
Adeline’s screams were high-pitched and desperate, echoing in the cold room. Brian’s fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. His eyes darted between us, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.