NationStates Jolt Archive

The snow lay thick on the ground, and a light scattering continued to fall, completing the traditional winter scene. The huge trees and rooftops glistened with hundreds and thousands of tiny diamonds, reflecting the moonlight that hung low in the night sky.

The huge house was aglow as all the windows on the ground floor threw out their golden light, punctuating the darkness. Silhouettes of people milling around inside could be seen passing, stopping, then moving on again.

Inside the house - although more of a mansion, if you considered the number of rooms offered inside - was the scene of a party. Every year the owners invited their friends to celebrate the Christmas holidays with them.

Marcus King, president of King Enterprises, made his way slowly around his guests. Talking, shaking hands, exchanging anecdotes as he wandered from room to room. On his face was fixed a smile, not the one he used for business, this was an honest smile, a real smile. He was happy and everyone in the room knew it.

From his position in the centre of the room, he watched as this wife moved through the people, their son beginning to drift off in her arms. She smiled as she came close, and without saying a word she leant forward and kissed his cheek, gently.

"I'm putting him to bed." She smiled as she held the boy up closer to his father, who placed a kiss lightly on his son's forehead. She cradled him back into her arms. "Say goodnight to Daddy."

The little boy waved his hand slowly and smiled weakly, his tiredness overtaking him. "Ni Ni, Daddy." And slowly began to close his eyes as his mother whisked him away from the party.

Marcus watch his wife and son disappear out of the door, and caught a tiny glimpse of them as they made their way up the stairs. His view was blocked by a waiter, who walked past carrying a tray of drinks.

Watching the pair walk up the stairs from the corner of his eye Jacob contained his anger as he walked past Marcus. Bowing his head to people he empties his tray and heads back into the kitchen. Once in there he paused to rearrange his clothes. A fitting form iin his waiters outfit his jet black hair brushed back in the correct manner, his eyes a dull blue glinted with a fury barely contained.

Personel Cuts my arse, Mr King. Patting his pocket Jacob collected his tray of fresh drinks and moved back out into the gathered people, bowing and smileing showing a pleasant face to the gathered riches and waiting for his time to strike.

Kathleen smiled as she walked away from Marcus, her son resting in her arms. Slowly she made her way through the thronging crowd, happy for the chance to free herself from her role of hostess and have a moments peace before returning.

The boy's room was at the far end of the corridor, furthest from the noise downstairs. Although it hadn't been what she had wanted when he was first born, she was pleased at moments like this that he was in a quiet, peaceful room.

Anthony had only been down amongst the guests for half an hour, and his nanny, Sarah had already bathed him and got him ready for bed, like she did every day, but it was always Kathleen that saw him tucked in at night, and read him his favourite story. The one she had read so often she knew it without following the book.

She placed him carefully in on the bed, and covered him with the pulled back duvet, making sure he was warm and snug. Reading his story, she was barely two pages in when she watched his eyes close and his chest move gently with the breath of sleep.

Kissing him lightly on the forehead, she made her way over to the door. Switching off the light, except the tiny night lamp that he had in case he woke up in the dark, she closed the door softly behind her, and made her way back to her guests.

Walking the course of party goers Jacob fought to keep a sardonic and cruel smile from crawling it's way onto his face as he watched Kathleen return from putting her son to bed. Emptying yet another tray of drinks and food he makes his way back to the kitchen to refill it.

Once in the kitchen he places his tray on the bench and nods to the chef. "I need to take a leak, back soon." Nodding the chef waves him off and Jacob one more pats his pocket ensureing the note was still there. Heading out the back of the kitchen he alters his course from the toilets to go upstairs to the bedrooms.

Makeing his way slowly and quietly along the halls he stops outside the young boys room and opens it qietly. Smirking at the nightlight he slips inside and shuts the door. Walking over to the boy's bed he looks down at the sleeping form and grins. Quick and sure, this kid needs to stay asleep. Reaching down he slowly and gently takes the kid from his bed and carries him out of the room. Cradling him in one arm Jacob takes out the note from his pocket and tapes it to the door.

Turning he moves quickly down the back set of stairs and out the door, glad he took the time to case the joint before takeing matters into his own hands, once outside he rushes down the path to his car. Opening the door he dumps the kid in the back seat and ties him up. Producing a camera he takes a quick photo of the kid and waits for the slide to develop itself. Getting in he turns the ignition and starts the car. Driving away quickly he stops for just a moment to with gloved hands place the photo of the sleeping child on the house's gates.

Driving off he grins malevonlently and begins the long drive to home his goal acheived for the night. Reaching his house he drives the car into the garage and takes the sleeping child out. Carrying him down a set of stairs to a basement with soundproofed walls, a small bed, a dog's drinking bowl and a bowl for food he attaches a chain to the child's neck and places him in the bed.

Turning out the lights he ensures the video cameras are set up and walks upstairs chuckling softly....evily he sits back to wait for the boy's parents to call the number on the note.......

The party was in full swing as Sarah made her way to Anthony's room. It had become her custom to check on the sleeping boy whenever his parents had guests, in case he was woken by the noise or a stray guest that had strayed while looking for the bathroom.

She opened the door quietly, not wanting to be the cause of walking the child. She carefully peered inside, her heart sinking suddenly as she noticed the pulled back covers. She stepped inside her mind a whirl as she scanned the room of signs of Anthony's whereabouts. Dashing quickly to the ensuite, she gazed inside briefly spotting instantly that the room was empty.

It was then that she saw it, taped to the back of the door. The piece of paper that reflected the faint glow of the night light. Without thinking she grabbed the note from the door and read, her heart pounding as the words hit home.

Kidnapped?

She rushed along the corridor until she reached the top of the stairs. She could see Marcus and Kathleen mixing with their guests, each of them smiling happily, the perfect couple. Practically running down, she almost lost her balance on a middle step, just stopping herself from falling to the bottom.

When she reached Marcus, she could barely speak as her mind worked too fast for her mouth to keep up, and it was several minutes before she finally handed him the note, still unable to form the words.

As he looked at Sarah, Marcus knew that there was something wrong, the usual calm, collected girl was in a panic, the note just confirmed his fears. His wife had joined his side and peered down at the piece of paper in his hand.

"No!" Her scream silenced the room...

Sitting in the lounge chair in his apartment Jacob stared at the video screen of the basement with an evil smirk playing over his lips. "well, well guess who woke up..." He mutters as he stands up. Sauntering over to the door he makes the trek down the stairs ensuring his boots click maliciously against the floor to effectively frighten the child.

Grabbing the mask from the hanging spot on the wall he dons it and walks into the room. Looking up Anthony whimpered and crawled further into the corner of the room as Jacob walks in and shut the door.

"Awake are we Anthony?" Jacob asks and crouches beside the boy, "Enjoy the last moments of sight Anthony and learn some lessons well. Over beside your bed, are two bowls, one for water one for food. Remember where they are from now on." Without waiting for a response Jacob places a blindfold over the child's eyes and binds the boy's hands behind his back.

Pausing Jacob removes the mask and chuckles, sitting in a chair to the side he listens as the boy sobs quietly. Reaching into his pocket he produces a tape recorder and walks closer to Anthony. "Cry louder boy, and plead for your daddy to help you." He whispers as Anthony complies his voice breaking with fright and sadness as he repeats the message told to him.

Ordering Anthony to stop Jacob fills the food bowl with bread and pours water into the water bowl. Smirking at the boy he turns out the light and shuts the door leav ing Anthony to cry and beg for him to be released. Walking back upstairs he prepares the message for when the phone will ring. Humming softly to himself he arranges the letter to be sent and photos to be attached.

"Mmmm, this is going to be fun." He whispers before leaning back in the couch and closing his eyes to wait........

The news had spread quickly sending the whole house into pandemonium. Guests were milling around, offering their support and comfort as they waited to see what happened next. Someone had called the police, although if asked Marcus wouldn't have been able to name who had. In fact, he would have begged them not to.

He looked at the note, still clutched in his hand. It said that the police weren't to be involved, and when they entered he practically ordered them out of the house. His wife, who was hysterical, had been removed from the room by some female member of her family, but he wasn't sure, everything was a blur.

Almost as soon as they arrived, the detectives began listing guests and making them leave, most of whom Marcus was glad to see go, their sympathetic glances beginning to grate on his nerves. He didn't need their pity; he could deal with this on his own. He wasn't the owner of a successful business because he relied on others.

Within half an hour of their arrival, the police had emptied the house of guests, and were slowly beginning to question the catering staff. In a moment’s rage, brought on by his fear, Marcus ordered them to leave. One of the detectives, the man who appeared to be in charge took him to one side.

"Mr King, I'm DS Grant, you have nothing to worry about. We'll have your son back before you know it." He looked at the distraught father in front of him, and took the note from his hand, reading it he looked up. "We need you to remain calm. We can't do anything until we know what the kidnapper's demands are."

Marcus picks up the phone, and dials the number from the note. Breathing deeply trying to stay calm, as his fear and anger rise, he listens as it rings once, twice, three times. He hears the click, marking the call had been answered.

The voice that spoke was not natural; it had an electronic sound to it. The tone was hard to disguise. "Lets get down to business shall we?"

"Give me back my son!" Anger rose quickly and Marcus spoke before thinking. He practically shouted the first thing that came to him, even though the police had told him to stay calm, but then it wasn’t their son.

Laughing softly Jacob replied calmly. "Now, now, Marcus, do you expect me to be cheated again? I suggest you shut up and listen."

"I cheated you? I've never cheated anyone.” There was a note of surprise in his voice, which was soon replaced by the growing anger. “If you hurt one hair on his head..." The detective put a hand on his shoulder cutting him off before he could finish. He nodded his understanding and tried to resume a normal conversation.

Laughing again Jacob's voice took on a distinctive mocking tone. "If you hurt one hair blah, blah, blah. Listen Marcus and listen good. You want your son back, yes?"

"You know I do." His voice quiet and calm, despite the desperation inside.

"Good. Here's how we play this little game. I'll give you something you desire which is hearing your son. After that you give me something. If you behave and don’t involve the cops anymore than you undoubtedly have, you might even get him back in one piece."

Marcus breathed deeply trying to keep himself from calling the b*stard on the phone ever name under the sun. "Alright, what do you want?"

Chuckling Jacob cleared his throat. "For starters I want 30 million dollars ready to be delivered by 5pm tomorrow, no later."

"I can't get that amount of money, that quickly." Marcus’ voice began to tremor, as he realised the impossibility of this lunatic’s request.
"Marcus, Marcus, Marcus, please I know all about your company. You've cheated me once don’t deny me this." As he spoke his voice slowly dripped with venom barely portrayed by the voice scrambler.

"If you know the company so well, you'd know I can't get my hands on that much money." His mind ran through a list of people, trying to work out who this disgruntled man was.

"If you want your son back you will. Shall I tell you the rest of the rules to our little game, Marcus, my boy?"

"Yes, tell me." His voice remained level, dreading the worse.

Chuckling evilly Jacob continued. "Well they are simple, pay me the money on time and you get your boy back. Fail to do so and you get to watch me cut your son into pieces and feed him to a dog. I trust that is motivation to work with me eh Marcus?"

DS Grant moved closer to Marcus, a reassuring look on his face, after all this wasn’t his first kidnapping situation. He wrote a little note for Marcus to follow.

Gazing down, he nodded and rephrased the sentence, possibly not helping matters. "Look, I don't know what it is you feel I've done to you, but this crazy..."

"Crazy?! Crazy, my dear Marcus, is cutting people out of a job because you found a new way to profit! You want your kid back you pay ME!" Snarling into the scrambler Jacob clutched at the phone violently.

"I don't know what you're talking about. If you were laid off then I can make reparations. Just come into my office tomorrow, and we can discuss it." Marcus replied, trying to control the conversation.

Laughing loudly Jacob spat into the phone. "Sure, Marcus and I'll return your kid whilst I'm at it. No dice. I want the money."

He knew he wasn’t getting, so it was time to change tactic. It was time to appeal to this man. "Listen, whatever you think I've done to you isn't worth this. Anthony has done nothing to you." Mention the boy’s name, make him a person rather than an object, he read about that somewhere.

“Your son has done nothing to me? Your son probably profited from my demise!" He replied, his anger evident in every word.

"Take out your troubles on me, just give me my son back." Marcus began to panic, nothing seemed to be working.

"Take out 30 million dollars and I'll give you your son back." His voice calm, he was in total control.

Marcus looked around the room, the silence hung in the air, oppressive. The only sounds came from outside as the world continued its daily routine. "I can't get it that quick. I could get ten, but not thirty."

Chuckling Jacob whispered softly. "Ten million, Marcus, I'll change the rules. Get the 10 million and we'll see what happens."

"What do you mean?" His voice distinctly showing panic, as a hundred scenarios flashed through his mind.

"You'll find out Marcus, m'boy. Can you get the money or not?" It was more a threat than a question.

"Not by five o'clock.” He looked turned to DS Grant, looking for help. “It will take time, but I can get it. Just don't hurt him."

Jacob was growing impatient. "Marcus, you're not listening. Five o'clock no later. If you value your son you'll get the money."

"Okay, I'll see what I can do." He looked at his tearful wife. "Now let me speak to him."

Chuckling Jacob clears his throat. "Of course Marcus you learn the rules well. You give, I give. Hold on a moment."

The phone suddenly went quiet, which filled Marcus with even more fear than he already had. His heart was pounding in his ears, his breathe coming fast and shallow.

Walking over to the door down to Anthony's room. Opening it Jacob walks down. Stepping to Anthony's side he holds the phone to the kid's face. "Your father is on the phone. Say hello little one."

It seemed like an age before he could hear any sounds coming from the other end of the line. It had only been a few minutes but they felt like hours. Marcus could hear the soft sobbing in the background, growing louder and louder as it neared the phone.

Whimpering softly Anthony squeaks in a frightened voice. "Daddy?"

Marcus listens to the boy’s terrified voice, his heart sinks, the reality hitting him for the first time. "Anthony, are you alright? Daddy's coming to get you, I promise. Just be a brave little boy."

Before he could say more, the phone was snatched out of his hand by Kathleen. Her voice full of panic, as she tried to hide the tears from her son, trying to be brave for him. "Mommy's here Anthony..."

"Mommy? Daddy? Why am I here?" He squeaks out, near tears at the sound of his mother's voice. Snatching the phone back Jacob snarls into it. "Put your husband back on."

"Give me back my son!" Kathleen screamed down the phone before Marcus retrieves the handset, as he watched Kathleen escorted out of the room. "Okay, I'm back."

Laughing loudly Jacob patted the child on the head. "Should keep that woman in better check Marcus, she could of cost your son a finger. Now you know your son is alive. Get me my money."

"I'll get it, just don't hurt him." He almost spat the next line. "If you so much as bruise his skin, I will find you and kill you."

Letting his laughter fill the phone, Jacob whispered his next words. "Marcus my boy and here I thought you were learning the rules." Pausing he screamed the next part. "Don’t threaten me when your kid is in my hands!"

"Alright, I'm sorry." He calms himself down, realising how stupid he was being, risking his son’s well being. "Where do I take the money?"

"I'll call you at five o'clock tomorrow with more instructions. Until then, expect some photos in the mail. Remember Marcus, no more police presence."

Marcus looked at DS Grant. "You have my word."

"I best hope so Marcus, your son's life depends on it. Lets hope you keep your word better than you keep your contracts." Jacob’s voice mocked.

"I'll have the money ready." Marcus knew it was going to be hard, but he would keep his promise.

"Good boy Marcus. Until we next talk. Goodbye." The phone clicked off, and was replaced by silence.

Marcus slowly put the phone down and slumped into a chair. Placing his head in his hands, he cries for the first time in years. It didn’t matter how much money he had, he couldn’t protect the people he cared for the most.

Turning the light off once more plunging poor Anthony into darkness once more Jacob removes his mask and clutches the digital camera possesively.

Running back up the stairs he turns some classical music on and silently dances through the rooms spinning in circles and humming softly. Stepping to his computer he downloads the camera's photos to his computer he sets up the printer and returns to dancing about the room.

Minutes pass as the printer prints out multiple photos, watching intently Jacob grins as the images show Anthony chained up and crying fearful of the man that now controls his very existance. Small bruises show around his eyes and face testimate to the poor living conditions he endures.

As the last photo prints out Jacob gathers them up and slides them delicately into the envelope and grabs his keys. Stepping outside he walks quickly down the road to the post office, purchasing a stamp he returns to the post box near his house attaching the stamp he sens the photos off.

Skipping back to his house he opens the door and steps in shutting the door behind him. Laughing loudly he walks to the lougne room and watches the news chuckling softly at the photos sent and their arrival as he promised...tomorrow.

The house had been a hive of activity, the police were swarming all over the place, all the rooms checked for evidence. The trail of officer walking in an out of the house had drawn the attention of some neighbours, not that a lot of them already knew being they were at the party.

The hours dragged on, Marcus retired to his bedroom where his wife had been sedated by a doctor following her hysterical breakdown, hearing the voice of her beloved son had tipped her over the edge. Her tears had been as heartbreaking as Anthony's frightened voice.

As night drew into the early hours, Marcus lay in bed his eyes fixed to the ceiling, his mind playing over and over again the days events. He tried to recall everyone at the party, was there someone there that he had done something to. There was just his friends and business associates, none of whom he could give a reason for this nightmare.

DS Grant believed that the kidnapper had been a hired help, one of the serving staff. It seemed that one of them had disappeared shortly before the boy had been discovered missing, but the description of him had been vague to say the least, no one really took that much notice, not even the other waiters.

He finally drifted, his dreams tortured by nightmares, he tossed and turned, grateful when the sun finally shone through the window, heralding a new day. It was eight in the morning, nine hours before the payoff. He got out of bed hit the shower, then grabbed his phone, calling his financial team, ordering them to free up the necessary thirty million.

He moved downstairs as he clicked off the phone, the police were still around, they all stopped what they were doing when he came into view. DS Grant was sitting at the table a package in front of him, obviously waiting for Marcus to arrived. He nodded a greeting and indicated the envelope.

Marcus took it and opened it, his hands trembling, wondering what he would find inside. He slowly pulled out the contents, his mind whirling as to what to expect. When his eyes fell on the first picture his heart sank, then the next, then the next. The tortured face of little Anthony staring out of each.

A hand took hold of them, and pulled them gently out of his hands. The rustling of a plastic bag could be heard, as the detective popped them into an evidence bag. "We'll get him, Mr King." The man's voice sympathetic, yet official.

His temper rising, Marcus moved over to the side cabinet, fighting to keep calm. His hatred of this stranger, who in one brief moment had brought his world crashing around his feet. His hand found an item, gripping tighter and tighter, with each passing moment. Suddenly his anger was released and the ornament flew, hitting the far wall, shattering into tiny pieces, as he sunk onto the floor.

Waking up Jacob whistles as he showers donning a fresh set of clothes, a black satin shirt, leather pants, his wedding ring which no longer has any meaning other than a memorial of a life he once had. Walking to the kitchen he grabs the bread he bought for the kid and makes some sandwiches for his breakfast.

Walking down the stairs he stops whistleing and places the sandwiches all diced up into small chewable pieces on a bench and places a ski mask over his face. Retrieving the plate of food he continues down to the stairs and unlocks the door. Entering he turns on the light and looks at Anthony. "Oh good your awake, I've bought you some nice sandwiches." Unchaining the kid's hands he kneels beside him and ruffles his hair.

"If your good today Anthony I'll let you keep your hands untied for a while so you can eat better." Recieving naught but a whimper from the boy he chuckles and places the sandwiches in the boys food bowl. Picking up the water dish he walks over to the sink and fills it up and grabs the plastic cup from the side. Setting them both down beside Anthony Jacob walks over to the rooms door and sits on the stairs.

"My boy, you look scared dont worry if your daddy does as he's told this'll be all over soon enough. Now I'm going out for a while so be good and I might give you something better to eat when I get back." standing up he turns out the light once more and closes the door. Locking it he removes the mask and places it on the door handle and walks up the stairs whislting loudly.

Grabbing his keys, wallet, mobile phone, laptop and digital camera Jacob steps outside and locks his house up. Walking to his car he looks about the neighbourhood and chuckles softly. Such an innocent neighbourhood, such innocent people. Refreshing! Hopping in he drives lazily out of his driveway and turns towards the King's residence.

Minutes pass he finnaly turns into the King's street, grabbing the digital camera he slowly drives up the street just far enough to be in sight of the house. Parking hte car he gets out and walks still further up and stands off to the side out of view of anyone. Standing there he watches the house for a few minutes before taking photos and chuckling.

Watching people walk past Jacob smiles and politely says hello to them as he walks down the street and around the block back to his car. Hopping in he loads the pictures into his laptop and minutes later is once more starting his car. Driving slowly past the King's residence he stares into the gates for a few minutes before accelerating past. Noticing one of the windows open he honks his horn quickly and drives off laughing at his own recklessness.

Driving to a supermarket Jacob collects his weekly shopping order available to him by his living assistance funds, meat, vegetables, milk, juice, butter, jam, bread. Stopping in the candy section he retrieves some chocolate for Anthony and almost giggles to himself. leaving the checkout he checks the time and sighs. Only two hours had passed he still had the day ahead of him. Returning home he puts everything away and puts the chocolate in the fridge. "You can have that for desert later today anthony."

Walking down the stairs he opens a little view space in the door and turns the light on to see the boy sleeping on his bed. Smileing he turns the light off once more and closes the view space and heads up stairs to watch the news.

Goddamn these people are so foolish, I wish they'd refuse so I could gut this boy. Teach him for cheating me out of my life and wages.

Kathleen slept, her mind kept free of nightmares by the sedative she had been given. She lay in the bed peacefully, no tossing and turning had disturbed her rest, unlike her husband beside her, not that she was aware of his torment.

Her eyes slowly opened, the sun shining weakly through the certains, bringing her into the new day. A day of possibilities. She had so much to do, so much to organise. Mrs Fields would be waiting to go through the list of chores and choice of dinner, she also had to spend her usual quality time with Anthony...

Suddenly her heart sank, and her mind was filled of the party, the guests, the nightmare...

As if to push the images away, she quickly gets out of bed, racing to her little boys room. He would be there, safely tucked up in bed or playing with one of his many favourite toys while Sarah got his things ready for the day.

Opening the door, she saw the bed clothes pulled back, scanning the room for signs of Anthony, she rushed through to the bathroom. Empty, just like the room. She sank down onto his bed, and picked up Bebby, his blue teddy, the one he was given by Marcus on the day he was born. As she craddled him to her chest, her tears began to soak his fur.

Sitting in his lounge room Jacob hums softly as he watches TV keeping an eye on the time and the TV to see if any mention of the kidnapping appears. Grinning when it doesnt he gets up and takes a beer from the fridge.

Returning to the lougne room he drinks it quickly bored out of his mind. "Damnit, it's almost gotta be time." Getting up he walks down to Anthony's room and looks in on the boy, ensuring he is ok. Watching him drink water he chuckles and heads back upstairs he goes to the fridge and retrieves some of the chocolate.

Walking back down he opens the door and walks in ensuring his face is hidden behind a mask once more. "Hello Anthony, you've been very good. So your going to be unchained from now on if you continue to be good little master you will stay that way." Smiling behind the mask he takes the chocolate from his pocket and hands it to Anthony who stares wide eyed at it. Smiling for the first time since his capture Anthony tears the wrappings open and eats the chocolate quickly.

"Now now little man, dont eat too fast you'll make yourself sick. Save some for later." Ruffling the boy's hair Jacob stands and leaves the room stepping outside he hears Anthony squeak out a simply "Thank you." Chuckling he nods to the boy and locks him in once more.

Leaving the light on and the mask on the door he heads back upstairs and grabs his mobile phone and laptop and prepares for yet another phone call to the Kings.

It had been a long day, but for all that Marcus had to do there didn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. The police had been through everything, what to do, what to say, what tone to take. He had listened, he had nodded, but all that mattered was getting Anthony back. And back unharmed.

Marcus and his assistant had been phoning and making arrangements to free the appropriate money, the bank clearing the transaction only thirty minutes ago. He had barely got a chance to sit and think about what was happening.

But that had changed, the clock was almost reading five and he was sitting near the phone waiting to hear the telltale sound what would announce the man who had taken his son and had made his life a living hell. It had been less than twenty-four hours since this whole thing had begun, but it felt like a lifetime.

Another five minutes, Marcus watched the clock, the second hand ticking like a heartbeat loud to his ears. The voices of the other people present faded into the background, he could feel presence but they were mere shadows in his mind. He followed the slow moving hand five times around the clock’s face.

Tick…tock…tick…tock…RING!!

bump to keep alive.

About to grab the phone like his life depended on it, Marcus looked over at DS Grant and saw him mouthing the words 'Stay Calm', counting him in, they both picked up their receivers on the count of three.

Marcus took several deep breaths before he spoke, his voice sounding oddly calm compared to his emotions. "Tell me what I need to do to get my son back?"

Jacob hummed softly for a moment, letting the voice scrambler do it's work. "You've got the money yes Marcus?" Jacob asks his mouth twisting into a grin.

The use of his name threw him for a moment, making the conversation seem like talking to an acquaintance rather than with the man who was destroying his life. The voice device sounding strange to his ears, he found himself listening to it, the words taken a moment to sink in. "Is my son alright?"

"I asked you a question, Marcus. Do you have my money?" He asked, ignoring the question set before him. In his hands, he toys with his laptop idly watching the screen flicker with the screensaver.

Looking over at the detective, who gave the distraught father an encouraging nod, Marcus clenched his jaw trying to keep back his already growing anger. "I have the money." He knew if would be with them ready for the payoff. "How is my son?"

Chuckling again Jacob nodded and tapped his fingers against the phone. "Good. I wouldn’t want to go to all this effort just to cut this little boy up. As for your son, he's fine."

Marcus could feel his hatred for this man growing, his words cutting through him like a knife, as the image of his son playing happily filled his mind, only to be replaced with the nightmare that he had conjured. "If you harm one hair, I'll swear..." He was cut off at the sound of his wife's anguished tears.

Laughing loudly Jacob looked at the roof in disgust. "If I hurt one hair, you'll what? You can’t even find me Marcus. I can quite easily go and cut a finger from your son's hand and let you hear him squeal like a pig. Do you want that Marcus?"

"No! No, I don't want that." Again he fought back his temper, fighting a battle to gain some kind of control. This was hard for him, he was used to giving orders, not taking them. "I'm listening. Tell me what you want me to do?"

Laughing loudly Jacob sneered at the wall as if it was Marcus and when he spoke his voice was soft and calculated. "In half an hour I want you to be outside the train station near your house. I will call you in half an hour. If you're not there, your son loses a thumb."

Chuckling Jacob cleared his throat. "Ensure you have the money with you."

Marcus went silent. Half an hour? That's too soon. His gaze fell on the detective opposite, a fear deepening in his eyes. What if the money's not here? As if reading his thoughts, Grant beckoned over another policeman and spoke quietly into his ear, before the man turned and walked out of the room. Giving Marcus the 'everything's okay' symbol, he resumed his silent listening. The troubled man, big company boss, could not speak; his side of the phone remained silent.

Raising his eyebrow Jacob checked his watch. "Do you understand that Marcus? Don’t go quiet on me. Your son's life depends on it."

Finding his voice, he answered, a touch of uncertainty now edging into his being, portrayed in the slight shaking of his voice. "Yes, at the station in half an hour." He looked over at his wife. "I'll bring the money."

Jacob smiled softly and shut down his laptop, closing the written instructions down. "Good. I will call you then. Oh no cops. I'm sure you know the threats by now."

Marcus felt the pain cutting into his heart, as he recalled the threats, each one burnt into his mind. "I'll come alone."

"Good. Half an hour remember that Marcus. I'll call you then. Have my money and yourself at the train station." Hanging up Jacob stood up and looked out the window his mind drifting towards the next part of his game.

Holding the receiver to his ear for a moment longer than necessary, he look at the people in the room, his eyes falling onto Grant, as he ended the call. "I guess it starts here."

Checking the charge on his cell phone Jacob chuckles softly and heads down to the room where the boy is locked. Making sure the boy is asleep Jacob smiles and slides through a special hole in the door a tray of food and shuts and locks the slot.

Walking back upstairs he grabs his car keys, laptop and cell phone. Leaving the house he locks the door and looks about once more checking for anything out of the orginary. Chuckling he shakes his head and heads to his car. Starting the engine he drives towards the train station nearest his victim's residence and checks the maps. "I'll want to be here.." He mutters to himself before leaving.

Driving ten minutes down the tracks he stops the car and climbs out. Checking to see nobody is around he climbs the fence and makes his way to the side of the tracks, checking the lines both ways he smiles and nods. Heading back to the fence Jacob sits down and checks his watch. "Mmmm, they should be there. Next train is in ten minutes."

Picking up his phone he smiles and dials the number of Marcus' cell phone...........

Leaving the house, Marcus hurried to his car, his heart pounding loudly in his chest, knowing that if he failed to reach his destination in time, his son would be… He couldn’t even bring himself to think what would happen if he failed, as he had no intention of doing so. Failing was not a word in his vocabulary.

As he opened the car door, DS Grant reached him, having made sure that all necessary surveillance checks had been performed. He placed his hand on the bonnet, as he finalised details. “We’ll have you in our sights at all time, but we will remain out of his. It will look as if you are on your own, as instructed.”

Marcus nodded as he got into the car, the money place on the passenger seat. He looked at the policeman standing in front of him. “I don’t want this to go wrong, if he suspects…”

“He’ll suspect, but he won’t know.” The man removed his hand and moved closer to the door, closing on the anxious father. “He’ll do nothing to risk losing his money. Your son is in little danger. This man knows that without your son, he’ll get nothing.”

Not feeling totally convinced by Grant’s words, Marcus started the engine and began his journey to the rendezvous, fighting every urge he had to put his foot down, knowing that getting stopped for speeding was the last thing he wanted.

I’m coming, Anthony. Daddy’s coming.

The journey, which seemed to take an eternity, finally came to an end, and Marcus stopped the car outside the station as instructed. He looked around and located the phone box, then began to gather his things together, just as his phone rang.

“Hello…?”

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