2:34 A.M.

I spoke at 2:34 A.M. sharp. This is the time that should be documented in history. I chose to remain silent. I can, however, talk. Although, rarely, and this was one of those times. Words flew out of my mouth before I knew what they were and before anybody could comprehend them.

None of them expected me to talk, and yet here I am, asking the Bossman questions, the answers to which should not come as a surprise.

“Did you just speak?” Willy was taken aback when she spoke. He wasn’t expecting her to talk to him. At least not this soon.

“It seems she did. Cookie, if I knew that was going to make you talk, then I would have used those terms a lot sooner.” With a grin, the Bossman told her. Yeah, kidnappers do smile, and it isn’t necessarily a sick and malicious smile.

“Don’t call me that,” I told him with a frown. “And yes, Willy, I just spoke. I need to know what my father did.”

“You should speak more often. Your voice is very soothing. In the literal sense, music to my ears.” Willy complimented her.

“We are not in the karaoke zone, but his gang abducted us. Focus, Willy.” My words bought the two guys in the room to reality.

“Jeez, Girl. I admit I don’t have a long attention span, and I was just trying to lighten the mood.” That elicited a huffing sound from me. This man has the attention span of a two-year-old.

“What exactly did he do? What were our fathers up to?” I enquired of the Bossman, intrigued. I knew our fathers were no less than ruthless monsters, but I never believed they would endanger their patients.

“They were purposefully avoiding treating John, my brother. They were torturing him on purpose in order to boost their egos while still emptying his pockets. They’ve already frittered away a couple of weeks, and if he is not treated right away, I might lose him. They are simply passing the time by making him wait for long hours and then canceling the appointment with vague excuses.” The Bossman told them the facts.

“Do you think he’s telling the truth?” Willy spoke to me in hushed tones.

“Are you even surprised? They are capable of it.” I muttered to him.

“Wasn’t torturing us enough?” Willy spoke louder than he intended. Their father has just set a new standard of going low. They couldn’t even be bothered to honor their degrees. Their license must be suspended, or better, revoked.

“So, you two will now live with us until my brother has surgery. Both of you are going to do everything I say and will cooperate along with my gang and me. We don’t want to harm you, but one wrong move on your part, and I will be compelled to do the unthinkable.” The Bossman told them firmly.

“Am I clear?” He asked sternly, but no one responded.

“Am I clear?” He asked again, this time louder, making both me and Willy jump.

“Clear,” both said at the same time.

“Good. The Captain assured both of your fathers that you two would be safe and sound, and I intend to keep his word. The guards will bring the sleeping bags in a few minutes, and you two can sleep on them. If you need anything, just call, and one of the guards will come over to assist you.”

“Captain?” Willy inquired, perplexed.

“Yes, my junior,” the Bossman said, smiling as though it were an internal joke.

Willy muttered and blinked several times because his unspoken query was not answered yet.

“Anyway, have a pleasant night with the few hours remaining, and I will see you guys soon. And Ivy, I hope you don’t go silent on me again. Him, I don’t really care.” The Bossman winked at me and then exited, closing the door behind him.

“I don’t like his attitude. He claims to have dignity and then goes ahead flirting with you and also calls you Cookie. He has a contrasting character.” Willy told me this while closely watching the Bossman’s every move.

“I doubt he will do it. At least, that’s what I like to believe. He kept his distance from us the whole time, respecting our personal space. Let us cross our fingers and pray that this is over soon.”

*****

Outside the gate of the room when Ivy and Willy were staying.

The Bossman instructed one of the guards to give Ivy and Willy the sleeping bag he had arranged for them, to which the guard dutifully obliged. He then returned to his den. It was 3:04 A.M. It’s time for him to call his prey once more.

They must be continually reminded of what is at stake. One mistake from Jim and Nathan’s side and their downfall will begin.