12:05 A.M.

It felt like a gazillion years had passed when I heard the same creaking noise from the door again. That’s when I became aware of the presence of another person in the room. He must have arrived before me because I didn’t hear anyone entering after he left me here.

“Who is it? Who the hell is this? Let me go. Why the hell am I tied up here?” It was a man who was frantically asking questions.

“Have patience. We will tell you everything, but only when the time comes. I’m going to remove your blindfold right now.” In a gruff voice, the kidnapper told the new man.

“You fucking come one step near me, and you won’t see the next morning.” The new man forewarned him.

“You really think I am an idiot, Buddy. I am not going to harm you… Yet.” After a dramatic pause, he said the word yet. “You are an asset to us, and remember that even if I don’t see the day next morning, I have other friends who will. So, hurting me, won’t help you.” The self-assured abductor informed him.

The new man was silent. It was evident that he had nothing left to say, as he knew very well that the abductor wasn’t lying. As of now, it was better to keep his mouth shut.

“You want me to help you sit?” The abductor asked him politely.

“No, thanks. Don’t get your filthy hands near me.” The new guy snapped.

“Suit yourself.”

After a few moments, the new guy spoke up again, asking, “Who the hell is she?”

He finally noticed me, which means his blindfold is no longer on. The darkness, on the other hand, continues to pursue me.

“Your company for the night.” The kidnapper told him.

“Is she dead?” The guy asked him. Fear laced his voice.

“No. She is as much alive as you.” The kidnapper stated.

Before the guy could ask any more questions, I heard someone speaking in another voice. It sounded like it was coming from another device, possibly a walkie-talkie.

“Come here immediately. The time has come.” The voice spoke.

“Well, it appears that you will need to remain in this darkness for a while until I return. Have fun.” The kidnapper then exited, closing the door behind him.

I heard some hustling and assumed the other man in the room was attempting to sit up.

After settling into his preferred position, the man spoke. “Who are you?”

He inquired when he received no response from me. “Are you sleeping, or are you unconscious?”

“I really hope you aren’t dead. I don’t want to be locked up with a dead body.” I wanted to burst out laughing, but I restrained myself. “Well, I can see your chest moving up and down, so you’re definitely alive. But how the hell are you sleeping in this situation?” He was speaking to himself rather than to me.

His jibber-jabber went on for a few more minutes until he came to realize that he was not going to get a response from me. However, I had the impression that he was staring at me from time to time.

*****

12:11 A.M. 

In the Bossman’s den…..

“JM, did they both meet?” His Bossman inquired as soon as the door to his room closed.

“No, not yet. You called me before I could remove Ivanka’s blindfold.” JM replied to him.

“No worries. I am sure Ivanka will be fine. It’s time for us to make the call.” The Bossman said, wasting no time. Every single thing they had planned will work out only if they follow their schedule. He trusted his men to handle everything if anytime things went south. Ivanka and William, both of them are too precious to him.

“Captain, you make the call, and I’ll take care of the setup here. You ready?” The Bossman asked his Captain, who gave him a thumbs up. Finally, the moment he had been anticipating had arrived.

*****

Meanwhile, in Hotel La’ More Room No. 905…..

Jim was sound asleep when his phone rang. He picked up his phone and looked at the caller ID with a frown on his face and his eyes half-closed. It was a random number. He ignored the call and returned his phone to its original location. When he turned around, he saw his partner sleeping soundly beside him. He was at ease, and love shone in his eyes. He moved closer to feel his lover’s warmth and fell back asleep, but was awakened again by a call from the same number.

“Who is this?”

“Did I disturb your sleep? It’s only 12:22 in the morning. I thought I would be disturbing your quality time with your ‘so-called partner.” The person on the other end of the line said.

His words made Jim alarmed about the situation.

“Who the hell are you?” He asked again, but the only difference was that his sleep had vanished now. He was in all his senses.

“The guy who managed to kidnap your daughter. But you can call me Captain, just like others do.”

“Is this some kind of sick joke?” Jim growled as he tried to put on his robe to cover his naked body and left the room so as not to disturb his lover’s sleep.

“It is not a joke, but a reality. Sick! Well, that depends on how cooperative you are with us. So cutting to the chase, I will give you fifteen minutes to gather your thoughts and confirm that your daughter is really with us and that this is not a bluff. I don’t want to waste your time and mine by warning you and telling you that ‘don't dare to call the cops' because I know for sure that you won't listen. So, please go ahead and make the call. Do the usual stuff, and in-between, don't forget to click on the link I am about to send you now. That will more than guarantee you that Ivanka is with us, safe and sound. How long will she be with us? That is entirely up to you."

"Oh, and before I forget, please inform Nathan that his son William is also with us. He is keeping your daughter accompanied. I am going to take the liberty of assuming that your best friend is also with you on this trip. You two are always together, some friendship you both have." With that, the Captain hung up the phone.

Jim was nervous, and his anxiety intensified when Nathan emerged from his room. True to the Captain's words, Nathan did tag along with him.

Who was on the call? What happened?" His best friend questioned Jim.

"We are screwed, and that's what has happened." He responded.