Her passionate nature was fascinating. I felt there were more layers to her than met the eye. I knew that when I took her, I had to leave a message or send one from her phone. This would prevent anyone from coming to look for her. I also had toconfirm if she knew what I looked like. So, as she stopped on her way home to grab a coffee, I also entered the shop.
She ordered tea, to my surprise. I waited for her to turn before lightly bumping into her. She glanced up only briefly. “Sorry,” she mumbled as she moved around me and left. It was slightly strange that she didn’t recognize me. But maybe she hasn’t delved as far into my business as I had thought.
I didn’t buy anything as I wanted to be there when she got home. As she pulled in, I parked my car behind hers. She glanced my way as I jumped out and walked closer. “Sorry, miss,” I said before she could open her mouth. “I was wondering if you could assist me. I seem to have gotten myself lost.” I kept my tone calm and friendly.
She turned to face me as she locked her car. “Sure thing, what address are you looking for?”
“Well, this is Main Street, right?” I asked, glancing at the paper I held in my hand.
“Yes,” she replied, shaking her head.
Brushing my hair back with one hand, I replied quickly. “I’m looking for Fourth Street.”
She moved closer and came to stand next to me. She pointed down the road as she spoke. “You see that green wall down the block. Turn left there and then two blocks up, you will find Fourth Street.”
This was it, my car door was open. The car was still running. All I had to do was grab her, push her in, and drive off. Before I could, I noticed a shadow coming from behind us. Looking back, I saw an elderly man approaching.
“Sophia,” he heaved as he stopped behind us.
Taking a deep breath, I knew it was time to leave. “Thank you,” I mumbled as I got in and drove off. I watched them chatting in my rearview mirror. I felt like I was about to explode. Why did the old fossil have to come over now? Why did he have to interfere with my plans?
I’ll have to think of plan B, as I felt sure she wasn’t going anywhere tomorrow. It would have to be Monday morning before work. Her innocence was all an act. I knew the truth. She wouldn’t fool me that easily.
I waited outside her house from around two, in case anything changed in her routine. I was glad I did, as she left earlier than usual. As I followed her, I tried to decide between sneaking up and drugging her or just grabbing her.
As she stopped, I pulled up close but not too close. She opened the back door of her car as I got out. I knew killing her wouldn’t solve anything. I wanted to set an example, disrupt their plans, whatever they may be.
My plan wasn’t foolproof, and I would have to decide on the fly what to do with her. But I always managed, and this time was no different.
Chapter 2 - Sophia
The morning breeze had a coldness to it that was unusual for this time of year. I was earlier than usual and was sure that was why the air felt so cold. Before locking my car and heading in, I opened the back door to grab my jacket. I jumped, knocking my head against the doorframe as a deep voice suddenly spoke behind me. “Excuse me.”
Turning swiftly, I came face to face with a giant of a man. His green eyes looked like gems. Then I recognized him. “Did you get lost, or are you following me?” I asked, rubbing my head, feeling the start of a headache coming on.
His hands moved with grace as he covered my mouth with one and grabbed my waist with the other. There was a sharp odor before I felt my eyes getting heavy. Soon they would close. I felt his arm around me, wrapping tightly.
I wanted to scream and push him away, but my body felt numb. Confusion and fear briefly entered my mind before the darkness overtook me, pulling me into a deep slumber.
I didn’t know how long I had been out. I had no idea where I was or why the man had taken me. The surface beneath me felt hard, like a wooden bench or something similar. I could hear some voices around me. I swallowed hard before blinking and then opening my eyes.
Nothing looked familiar. Absolutely nothing indicated where I was. The walls were a dirty white, despite the room reeking of cleaning agents. The place was practically empty except for an old brown table a couple of feet away. It looked like an antique. The chairs surrounding it matched the delicacy and beauty of the table.
Steadying myself with one hand, I noticed I was lying on a long wooden bench, the kind you’d find in a church. I slowly pushed myself upright. Seated on the other side of the table before me was someone wearing a mask.
My heart pounded against my ribs. It desperately wanted to be free from the constraints holding it in place. Behind the masked man stood a couple more men. They were armed, carrying big guns. They had to be guards. Who was this man if he needed guards?
My breath caught in my throat as I opened my mouth. “Well, look who finally decided to join us,” a deep voice murmured from beneath the mask. The man rested his elbows on the table as he leaned closer.
I shivered as a deep, penetrating cold seemed to fill the air around us. It felt like the temperature had just dropped five degrees. I glanced at the men and around the room. My legs felt weak, but I wanted to run. I had to find a way out.
“Sophia!” the voice echoed through the room as he banged a fist on the table. My lungs burned, seizing up as I jerked my head back to look at him. For a moment, I forgot that breathing was a vital part of living. I felt the blood draining from my face. I was sure I would pass out any moment.
“Sign this,” he ordered as he pushed a paper across the table to my side. His eyes locked on mine. Light green emeralds shine through the slits in the mask. They were so vibrant, I felt mesmerized.
“Sign,” the man said again, placing a pen on the paper.
Shaking my head slightly, I glanced at the guards behind him before shifting closer to the table. Picking it up, I had to use both hands to lessen the trembling. Looking at it, I was baffled. It was a marriage license.
