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KIEL

5 years ago

I clear my throat as I push off the corner of the wall. My chest burns and cramps, but I keep shuffling through the dark. My shin slams into an object I can’t see as I break into a run again, silently praying that the noise wasn’t heard.

My side feels both hot and cold and my shirt is damp with blood. I’m almost certain the bullet only grazed my skin, but it feels like I’m dying. Shouts echo from behind, followed by a noise that doesn’t sound human leaving my mouth. Bullets ricochet off the walls, the noise is deafening.

Abandoning caution, I run blindly through the tunnels. They must have some sort of night vision capability with how easily they are following me. But why haven’t they struck me down? It’s then I realize: I’m being hunted. Everything in me screams to run, and I don’t fight the urge, despite the exhaustion burning every muscle.

He whistles as if he’s on a holiday instead of hunting a drug lord in the Middle East. The other laughs at the sound and shouts my name. I trip and flail for purchase, but am suddenly without a wall to lean on. He laughs again. The other pauses his tune to laugh with him. Their footsteps are faster now, and I know they’re done with the chase. I consider begging, but it will only excite the crazy one. His eyes are dark—too dark—and they contain nothing but cruelty and malice.

It’s his hand that grabs my neck from where I’m sprawled facedown in the dirt. He brings my wrists together behind my back as he speaks. “It’s you and me now, Kiel. Well, you, me, and your wife. She’s so lovely.”

I’m cold all over, and I start shaking. There are few things I love in the world. Really only one thing, and she’s in this monster’s possession. I can’t help it. I beg.

“She has nothing to do with this. Please. She doesn’t participate in my business.” He laughs and hauls me upright.

“That’s what she said too. She stuck to her story even after feeling my blade a few times. She’s a tough one, your wife. I get what you see in her.” I hear the smile in his voice, and I thrash in his grip.

“You’re sick,” I pant. The hand releases my neck as he steps in front of me, leaning in close.

“I am. And I will enjoy every moment I spend with you and your wife.” I know he’s trying to intimidate me, but I believe everything he says. I know he’ll enjoy torturing me and I know he’s enjoyed whatever he’s done to Lyssa.

“What did you do to her?” I rasp. He grasps me again and pushes against my back, forcing me to move.

“Why don’t I show you?” His voice is a sinister whisper, and the hollow feeling in my stomach returns in full.

We walk in silence while he steers me around the cramped space without pausing to assess for obstruction. I begin brainstorming ways to steal his night vision goggles when he opens a door and pushes me through.