The Hostage and the Wanted

Isabella sat in the silence of the room for hours after Killian left, her mind abuzz of many different thoughts, many different emotions. The room had gone quiet and neither of the boys spoke. It was almost deafening to her vacant mind as she laid there on the ground, covered in the same blanket Killian had brought her all those days ago.

“A thought for a thought, love?” Zayn asked, his body leaning against the bars and his dark eyes staring at her through the dimply lit room.

“No thoughts.” Isabella replied quietly, which made Harry stand up and walk next to Zayn but he didn’t speak, he simply observed.

“I think you’re overcompensating. You’re thinking too much. About everything, about nothing. It’s a jumble, isn’t it?” Zayn pressed, glancing at Harry.

“Everything’s jumbled, everything hurts –everything seems too goddamn hopeless that despite everything, despite what I know is happening, I can’t even stop it.” Isabella responded bitterly.

“You asked your fling to kill you, nice bloke to agree to such savagery. I told you not to trust him.” Harry folded his arms across his chest with a sharp look.

“I trust him, I trust there’s something more. I can’t explain it but I do.” Isabella insisted, crawling toward the other side of the cage, dragging the blanket around her, looking up to the boys, her eyes a dull green. “I have to trust, no matter if it betrays me in the end because that is the only thing I have left. Just when I was trapped, you provided me with an opportunity, you provided me with that chance and you trusted me to make that decision.”

Harry sneered.

“You tied me and Louis to bloody chairs, luv. I don’t think the trust cards are fully out on deck anymore.”

Zayn rolled his eyes.

“I was tied up on a beanbag chair, mate. In a van with explosives, let’s not measure our cocks right now, yeah? Isabella is right and –come what may, we need to trust her instincts.” Zayn agreed, looking at his friend.

“Her instincts lead us into trouble! That is a terrible idea!” Harry yelled which made Liam jerk back awake and groan.

“What other option do we have? Punch Ethan in the throat when or if he comes in? Commandeer his lab coat? Waltz out of the building? I don’t know if you’ve noticed but there’s six of us, one is female and can’t walk and only one of us is blonde but not with long hair so – sure let’s go over the possibilities, I’m listening.” Zayn folded his arms.

“Will you two just shut up? Bloody hell, everyone’s at each other’s throats like it’s an Olympic bloody sport!”” Liam exploded, having enough of the bickering.

“Harry’s being the bitch, got a problem? You talk it out with him. I’m done.” Zayn threw his hands up and went to the other side of the cell.

Harry glowered and sat on the opposite side, leaving Liam on the floor in the corner.

Just like that the room was silent again, leaving Isabella to her thoughts.

When a few hours more drew by and the day closed in on the afternoon, Isabella grew more anxious. Normally, Killian would be in to visit her but no one had been in all morning.

Thinking on it left her exhausted and all she could do was lay there. Not being able to stand was infuriating and the boys had all gone quiet. She needed a distraction, so she decided to waste what little energy she had and pull herself from the ground onto the bench just so she could get a better view of her surroundings.

The boys watched the long haired girl as she carefully used her palms and back of her heels to lift up to the bench, the blanket dropping from her body, exposing her body.

Harry let his eyes roam for a brief moment before having the common decency to look away, Liam had his eyes closed, still in his original spot on the floor and Zayn watched her, not so much focusing directly on the blue eyed beauty but the scars and bandages that now collected on her.

“You’ve seen it all before, I don’t see reason to be modest anymore.” Isabella replied to the silent looks and bent to pick up her blanket.

“Modest already went out the door when you climbed out of the bathroom window in nothing but a towel, love. I don’t think there’s much we all haven’t seen at one point or another.” Zayn responded, standing up to meet her at the benches, sitting down beside her, nothing but the bars to separate them.

Zayn reached his hands through, helping Isabella wrap herself up again.

“Although, in my professional opinion, one can never have enough modesty.” Zayn said while gesturing toward the camera to prove his point.

Isabella nodded tiredly and leant her head into the corner to rest it.

“You’re not eating enough, your strength –“Zayn started but Harry interrupted.

“She doesn’t care, mate. Wasting your breath.”

Zayn huffed but didn’t continue, he simply pulled his fingers through the girl’s oily hair a few times, his eyes unreadable.

“You need to pull it together and think. You know this place better than anyone here, love. Just try.” Zayn pleaded and grabbed one of her hands, bringing it up and placing a small kiss on her knuckles, flinching at the missing fingernails.

“I have one –“Isabella trailed off, grasping his hand gently but the looks she gave him was sad and he knew in his heart that she wasn’t included. He knew that she was giving up.

“Think of another one.” Zayn insisted.

“I can’t. This is the only way. You’ll be safe – all of you.” Isabella smiled, reaching through the bars and touching his shoulder, glad to finally be able to see them all at eye level. With the exception of Liam who was still on the ground.

“Not good enough. We were brought together, we leave together.” Zayn said, refusing to accept defeat but also knowing that it was Isabella’s choice and hers alone.

“It’s the only choice there is left. I can’t walk, I won’t for some time and I will not be responsible for any more of your suffering. I love you Zayn. You and the others have shown me more kindness than anyone I’ve met these past few years and I will never forget that. Whether it seemed cruel at the time, I know it was because of circumstances and I just want you to know I –“Zayn cut her off with a soft touch to her face.

“We’ll carry you out of here if we have to, anything to see those eyes light up again.” Zayn assured.

The door opened about that time, Ethan, Killian and Glen walking in. Ethan tugging along a very fatigued Louis and Killian leading in with Niall.

Glen smiled and went right to her cage, leaning against the bars.

“So I’ve heard right? You’ll give me what I require?” Glen smirked, jumping right to the point.

“Yes, as long as you promise to let Killian –I want him to be the one to…” Isabella was having trouble getting the words out.

“He’ll end your life and then he will come down here and get to work on the rest of them. When can I expect to have them?”

Isabella could tell he was giddy. Like a kid on Christmas morning already knowing what presents were under the tree.

“Three days, maybe four. Some of my deconstructed codes and port hacks will take me time to type –“Isabella began but Glen started to laugh.

“You think I’m letting you near a computer? I know I fucked you pretty hard this week but I don’t remember skull fucking you. It’s the only logical thing in my mind that would lead you to think that I’d let those cute little finger tip tap away anywhere near a keyboard. If I had my way, you’d be in six point restraints and kept in a dog kennel.” Glen laughed walking into her cell and sitting down next to the girl, her figure hunched in the corner.

“You are in charge, you have that power and I am at your mercy for what you decide but I need a computer to type those codes. Otherwise if I were to write them down – there’s thousands, more than ten thousand codes I use. Writing them down would take me a year if not more and that’s without sleeping. If you’re worried, have a guard oversee my activity –if you’re so worried, oversee it yourself.” Isabella pleaded, not meeting his stare.

“One would think a year or more of extended life would make you happy but you are choosing the fastest execution possible, I respect that.” Glen said, his hand gently moving the stray pieces of hair from her eyes before placing a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Ethan growled, forcing Louis to the cell before unlocking it and throwing the broken boy in.

Killian gently guided Niall in after and locked the door again.

Louis had tears silently falling down his cheeks. Whatever had happened, it was bad enough to where, despite having the silence collar removed, he remained silent. Niall seeming to have followed suit.

He helped Louis off the ground without hesitation and the other boy simply let him without fight. Whatever fire Louis had was now gone.

He reached over and squeezed Niall’s arm in a silent thanks as he reunited with the rest of the group, throwing his arms around Harry, who happened to be the closest.

Killian smiled slightly at the scene while Ethan snorted, his eyes going back to Glen and Isabella.

“I can’t fight, I can’t even walk –It’s over. You made that quite clear when you coursed Ethan into breaking my toes, a guarantee I would no longer run. I accepted that when it happened, just as I have my death. I know I’m never getting out of here, I know I’m never going to see another sunrise or watch another sunset. I know that the only thing I’m ever going to see is this room –these walls…them.” She gestured to the boys in the next cell.

Glen feigned a small pout.

“That’s a bit melodramatic darling, don’t you think?” Glen asked, grasping the blanket and pulling it from Isabella’s body. “I quite like the view without this and you need a shower anyhow. Ethan and Killian will assist you. From there you will be brought to Ethan’s infirmary and given a laptop. I will warn you that if you try to access anything that you do not have permission to, it will be caught and you will be severely punished. Although, I believe lunch is being served so, do feel free to take advantage of that first,” Glen turned to address the two other men outside the cage. “Gentlemen? See to it that Ms. Bright has everything she needs. Killian? Make sure she eats, emaciation does not suit my fuck toys. When I push into them, I want to hit meat, not bone.” Glen stood up and left, leaving the cell door open for Killian and Ethan.

Killian went straight to Isabella and pulled his white coat off, draping it around her body and covering her up, the other boys watching on silently.

“Let’s get her to the bathroom and get this over with because I have work to do. My job is being a doctor, if I wanted to become a babysitter I would have gotten into childcare instead.” Ethan complained, not at all in the mood.

“You know Glen will always ask one more favor, always one more month extended on the contract – you’ll end up running too, Ethan. It will never end, his contracts are a life sentence with no way to escape.” Isabella murmured, putting her arms around Killian’s neck and holding on as he picked her up bridal style and began to leave the room.

Ethan followed behind.

“I already have a plan of my own should Mr. Saudimere change his mind in releasing me from my contract.” Ethan replied not at all worried.

Isabella laid her head against Killian’s shoulder as they reached the elevators and headed straight toward Ethan’s private bedroom.

They went up several stories, stepping back into the familiar looking hallway, walking down the white marble. It was almost too bright for Isabella’s eyes. Luckily Ethan took some mercy and had the lights dimmed in his room.

“Bathroom’s over there, in case you forgot.” Ethan pointed, going to his nightstand and opening a drawer, pulling out a syringe. “Here, give her this for the pain.”

Killian looked at Ethan like he had grown another head before cautiously taking the syringe.

“I know you’ve been stealing pain killers, Killian. I’ve watched you through the monitors. You’re just lucky I know how to wipe video from the system or you’d be down there with the red of the boys.” Ethan muttered.

“If you knew what I was doing, why didn’t you blow the whistle? I thought that was your job.” Killian asked, his one eyebrow arched up.

Ethan snorted.

“I maybe an asshole but believe it or not, I actually like you. Never waste a good talent and you have many of them.” Ethan shrugged, walking to the bathroom door and opening it.

“I think there’s more to it than that sir but it’s none of my concern. How long do we have?” Killian dismissed.

“An hour but take more if you want. I need a cat nap or I’m going to need my own doctor. Glen has left me with very little rest this week due to an encryption in the chemical balance with the PV serum. It still has some issues to work out but we’re getting close.” Ethan replied tiredly before going over to his bed and sitting down onto the sinking mattress.

“One more question, sir? Would Mr. Saudimere mind if I were to order out? The cafeteria food is inedible today and Isabella needs to eat. The boys haven’t touched anything either. The two we brought back from isolation haven’t eaten in a week and –“Killian explained but stopped when Ethan held up his hand.

He shifted Isabella up against his chest tightly, her head still lying on his shoulder and her arms securely around his neck. She looked so drained that it caused Ethan to glance at her briefly.

“I would use caution, Killian. You mean well but you were told not to get involved with the prisoners. Your emotions are best focused else ware. They, nor the girl should be of concern. So in my professional opinion, leave things as they are.” Ethan yawned, laying back on his pillow.

“Your unprofessional opinion?” Killian pressed.

“Order something light.” He replied back, giving up the argument.

Killian didn’t bother Ethan anymore and went into the huge bathroom, setting Isabella down in the huge spa type bathtub with gentleness and turning on the water.

“Heartbeat?” Isabella whispered, watching the Irishman closing the door.

“Yes, little fawn?” Killian smiled in reply, coming back.

“He’s right, you don’t need to be taking that risk. You have a chance–“Isabella grew quiet when he shushed her.

“I’ll do what is right, regardless of the trouble it gets me into. My father taught me and my brother the value of right and wrong. You didn’t ask for this, Ella. None of you did.” Killian replied softly, uncapping the syringe and injecting it into Isabella’s arm.

“The boys need to get out, I may have an idea but I need help. I need your help.” Isabella pleaded, keeping her voice down.

“I’m already ahead of you –“Killian replied, bringing out his phone. “Can you access the system through this? I don’t know if this will be of any use but it’s the best I could do. I’ve been racking my brain –ever since…since he raped you.”

Isabella studied the phone for a few seconds before grasping it tightly in her hand, despite not having fingernails, despite the pain, she began to type on it at the speed of light.

“In a heartbeat.” Isabella smiled tiredly, remembering his words.

“In a heartbeat.” Killian repeated with promise, watching her fingers move with fascination before gently reaching over and kissing the temple of her forehead.

He continued to fill the tub with water and continue on with his order, the silence around them comfortable. When Isabella was ready, she would let him know what to do.

It was around thirty minutes later that she spoke again.

“I just unlocked the boy’s cell, lead them out and don’t look back. The security cameras are on a loop but I don’t know how long until the system kicks in and catches up to real time.” Isabella looked up, handing Killian his phone.

Killian went to pick her up but she resisted his touch.

“I can’t walk and I will slow you down. It’s time for me to stop running, Killian. I can’t run anymore. The boys need this chance and you need to step up and lead them.” Isabella said, a tear running down her cheek.

“I’m not leaving you.” Killian insisted, thinking that the girl’s planning was suicide. He thought that she was getting them all out of there, that’s what she made him believe last week. He didn’t believe she really wanted him to kill her but Isabella wasn’t thinking clearly, everything was just confusing.

She pulled away again, bringing her knees into her.

“You need to go to them. I can buy you some time, time for you and the boys to get away. I really am ready, Heartbeat. I don’t see a reason to hang on anymore, I don’t see a reason to run –I don’t see a reason to suffer and my existence for the past three years has been hell. I just want to finally find that peace. I have no more reasons to hang on.” Isabella cried.

“I can think of one reason to hang on.” Killian insisted, his hand gently wiping away the tears before he reached in and planted a soft kiss on her lips, his hand traveling to her neck.

Before Isabella knew what was happening, he pressed down by her lower collarbone, feeling the pressure point beneath his touch react and just like that, Isabella fell unconscious.

“Sorry little fawn –but you’re not leaving me.” Killian whispered, lifting her out of the tub and grabbing a towel, draping it around her and setting her on the floor.

He looked around and tested the strength of the rot iron towel rack, finding the strength to pull it from the wall in one swift movement.

Killian wasted no time and threw the bathroom door open.

When he looked out, Killian discovered Ethan wasn’t in the bed, which set his sense on high alert – had he known?

Stepping out a little more, he didn’t see Ethan hidden behind the wall and the last thing Killian saw before falling unconscious was Ethan’s hand and the suffocating can of knock out gas being sprayed in his face.

“Sweet dreams, Prince Charming.” Ethan muttered darkly, catching Killian’s body before all consciousness slipped away from him.

Notes