The Silence That Surrounds

Sophia’s POV:

I felt the mattress I was laying on shift. Someone had sat down on the bed next to me.

“Ms. Stone? Time to wake up.” Niall’s accent cut like a knife, severing the warm and peaceful silence around me.

His hands were under my head and a moment later the cloth that Harry had gagged me with yesterday night was untied and removed.

I coughed at the sudden departure of the rough, scratchy material.

“Sophia. My name is Sophia.” I moaned, my throat barely a forced croak. I had never felt so thirsty and hungry in my entire life. Stabbing pains of hunger and anxiety ripped through my stomach painfully.

“I need you to get up Ms. Stone.” Niall insisted, ignoring me completely and unchaining my wrists from the bed.

“Why?” I asked, finally having enough sense to open my eyes and stare tiredly at the blonde guy that sat on the bed beside me.

“Because I’m telling you to. I believe that is the only reason you require. Now, I’m going to allow you up to use the restroom. Since the window is broken and has not been replaced yet, I will be going in with you to make sure you stay compliant and do not try anything cute. Until we get the window fixed you will have one of us with you at all times. You will not be left alone except when you are secured in your room because, you, Ms. Stone have proven that we are not able to trust you alone.” Niall explained calmly, standing up and holding his hand out for me to take.

I just stared at him dumbfounded, my cheeks turning a crimson red. The fact that someone would be accompanying me to the bathroom was humiliating in itself but I could not fathom such indignation to such infantile treatment.

“I will not –“I started but Niall’s blue eyes darkened and his face contorted to a stern look.

“I think you will find that future compliance is a better alternative to the box, Ms. Stone. In fact, be thankful that I said anything at all. Harry was going to leave you in there for a week initially. Actually, lass, be grateful we were so easy on you, normal hostages are not shown as much leeway. Your leash is getting shorter though so be careful not to hang yourself with it because of words you might end up regretting.” Niall warned, reaching down and pulling me from the bed and into his arms bridal style.

I struggled against his grip in panic but a harsh pinch to my thigh stilled my protests.

“You will or you will face harsher and stricter consequences,” Niall stated simply and walked me to the bathroom, setting me down in front of the toilet. “Now, are you going to go or am I going to have to help you? I have no qualms in assisting but I want to leave you some dignity.”

I stuttered, my throat hoarse.

When Niall went to reach for my pajama pants I backed up against the toilet.

“I’ll go! Please, don’t!” I begged him with fear.

“Then go, we have a busy morning, Ms. Stone and you’re stalling. If you don’t hurry then you won’t have time for breakfast and I can hear your stomach from here. I personally don’t give a damn if you eat or not but I assume you do.” Niall gestured before backing up a few steps to allow me personal space.

My face was heated with embarrassment but I gingerly pulled down the pajama bottoms that my captors had so generously allowed me to wear. I wasn’t wearing underwear or a bra but somehow, it didn’t seem all that important anymore.

I sat down on the hard seat and began to relieve myself, my cheeks by now a very deep red color. Niall just stood there watching me with a bored expression, his arms crossed.

“Am I going to be given any clothes to wear today or am I staying in this?” I asked, gesturing to my matching pajama set before grabbing some toilet paper, trying to awkwardly wipe without flashing my captor.

“I see nothing the least inappropriate with what you have on and why there is any reason for you not to wear that for the day. If Harry has a problem with it, he will change you into something else.” Niall replied.

I nodded and flushed the toilet, standing unevenly to avoid showing him my personal parts – although with the same bored and uninterested expression it looked like he could care less so I pulled the pajama pants up and took an unsteady step toward him.

Niall rolled his eyes, coming to meet me the last few paces and scooped me up bridal style, walking me over to the chair in the corner I had thrown out the window. They had cleaned the glass and plastic wrapped the window to keep out the chill.

Without hesitation, Niall sat me down on the chair and took out two long red plastic ties, the coating around them a little thicker than what they had used on me before.

“Okay, Ms. Stone, here’s the deal. I’m going to tie you up and take you to the kitchen to eat, once you are finished there is a chair with a white backdrop you are going to sit on. Harry will then explain to you what you are to do further. Do you understand?”

His tone was tight and left no room for arguing –although that doesn’t mean I didn’t try.

“How am I supposed to eat with my hands tied? I’m not a child, I can feed myself! I mean, what are you afraid I’m going to do? Stab you with a spoon? You’re going to have to eventually let me do things on my own.” I huffed in annoyance but that still didn’t deter Niall’s hardened look.

“Do you understand or not, Ms. Stone?” He asked again, harsher this time.

“Yes! Bloody hell, yes, I understand!” I snapped before Niall forced my hands behind me and zipped the tie in place. Surprisingly he left a small amount of slack so it didn’t cut off circulation but secured it enough so I didn’t slip from them. The same process was repeated with my feet. After being held that way for three days straight I had to fight from screaming at my protesting muscles.

“Why can’t I walk? Are you seriously bloody afraid I’m going to run off with the five of you around? I’m not that stupid, not after -” I was cut off when Niall’s hand slapped against my mouth harshly, locking itself to my jaw.

“Ms. Stone, I understand that talking is a nervous habit for you but today, you are really pushing it. If you don’t be quiet I am going to have to gag you and I find eating with something already in your mouth presents quite the challenge – or so they tell me. If you speak so much as another syllable from now until we need you to, you will find things can and will get a lot more unpleasant for you.” Niall told me blatantly. His tone told me I needed to heed his advice.

I nodded in understanding and he removed his hand from my jaw.

I moved it around to get the feeling of his touch off me but it still somehow lingered.

When Niall was satisfied of his work he picked me in the same bridal style position and carried me out into the kitchen, depositing me in one of the many chairs around the table. Harry was there, reading the morning paper and Louis was beside him, having looked to of just woken up.

“Good morning, Ms. Stone,” Harry greeted, his eyes leaving the paper to glance at me. “How are you feeling this morning?

I didn’t say anything and he only shrugged, his eyes going back to his paper, unbothered by my silence.

I glanced at Niall who was giving me a stern look, which meant he knew I was taking his threat out of context.

I sighed and decided answering Harry was my better option, especially if it gave me a chance to find out what was going on around here.

“I’m tired and I can’t feel my limbs. Thanks for asking.” I replied in mock kindness which made Harry’s eyes leave the paper again.

“That is your own problem I’m afraid. If you didn’t break my window and run off –“Harry started but I cut him off.

“I ran because I was scared, you didn’t tell me what was going on! I want to know why I’m here! I know it’s a bloody ransom but you blokes are giving me even less to go on to try and help! I can help if you let me. My father will be of no use because I am telling you, he does not deal with people and blackmail, not even for a ransom of his own children. Trust me, I know! Tell me the amount and I will personally wire you the money right now in exchange for my freedom. Please! I want to go home!” I exclaimed, desperate to find out what was going on and get back to my family.

Harry regarded me with interest, Niall’s stare had simply gone blank as he took out things from the refrigerator to prepare for breakfast and Louis simply stared into his cup of coffee.

Coffee. I’d kill for a cup right now.

“Not that simple, Ms. Stone. It’s not just about your bounty, it is about sending a message and in time you will understand but until then, you don’t need to know.” Harry explained simply.

I simply went quiet knowing the ice was melting under me the more I opened my mouth. I knew Harry’s patience was thinning and my mind and body was numb to everything else. I wasn’t going to win so I gave up trying.

“Can I have a cup?” I nodded toward the cup Louis had in front of him.

Harry looked at where I was nodding and shrugged.

“I don’t care, ask Niall; he’s the one looking out for you today.”

I looked over at Niall who took out a white mug from one of the cupboards and grabbed the coffee pot, pouring the bitter liquid into the cup.

He didn’t say anything as he set the mug in front of me. I leant forward and inhaled the scent in anticipation, wishing they hadn’t bound my hands. I desperately needed to replenish my energy and caffeine was my weakness.

“Thank you.” I murmured, seeing the cup was relatively full. I leant forward and gingerly sipped the rim, feeling the small amount of hotness travel down my throat.

Harry rolled his eyes before going back to his paper and Louis’s attention was now slightly amused but his eyes still held none of that emotion. He simply stared at me with the same masked expression. Though, truth be told it was better than his normal look of murder.

“Can someone help me?” I bit my pride and looked around.

Harry was back to ignoring me, Louis shook his head and Niall gave me a look of warning. I knew my leash was turning into a noose so I shut up and tried to shut off my racing thoughts. Unfortunately that was unsuccessful.

With a defeated sigh I leant back against the hard white chair, wincing at the pull of my overexerted muscles. At this point I wouldn’t object to simply being tied back down in the bed, anything was better than this overtiring feeling and never ending stiffness. I was thankful to my captors for little comforts, despite the limitations on them.

“My father would be ashamed.” I muttered to myself, realizing the shift in my thoughts.

“Trust me, lass, he has for more to be ashamed of than you do. At least he should but money speaks more volumes than morals and common respect now a days, especially the rich. Your father is just another example.” Louis replied disdainfully, taking a sip of his coffee.

“How dare you! My father is a good man! He built that company from the ground up with his own two hands! What do you thugs do? Other than kidnap people to make a quick pound from the payoff? You’re lowly criminals that don’t deserve the spit of life you’ve been given! How about being honest, go straight and maybe someday you can have what my father has! Though I highly doubt you have the intellect or talent that he does, because he sees the big picture, you see me as a price, nothing more. I’ve offered to help and -”

Harry was up and over the table before I could blink, the back of his hand making painful contact with me cheek.

“ENOUGH! I don’t know if being in that bloody box has fucked with your head and you’re having some sort of breakdown or if you’re trying to be brave, either way I am about done listening to you, Ms. Stone. I need quiet and you need to BE quiet. See how perfectly this works? I hope so because if you speak out again I will bloody fucking hurt you.” Harry growled. His voice was deep and his eyes were murderous. I struck a nerve but somehow I couldn’t seem to stop.

“You –“His hand wrapped around my throat, that’s when I realized stopping might not be that bad of an idea. Unfortunately, Harry’s grip was strong and he honestly looked about ready to kill me.

“Hazza? We can’t kill her. Remember what the boss said.” Niall spoke calmly, almost as if reminding the curly, green eyed monster above me of an appointment he had.

Harry let out an animalistic grunt before releasing my throat and reached into his pocket, taking out a black bandana that was already tied with a knot in the center. He simply shoved it into my mouth and tied it to the back of my head.

“Niall? You can take her gag off so she can eat but until she can control her mouth, she may no longer use it. The ransom video will be the only exception.” Harry came back around so we were facing one another. “You think we’re unfair, Ms. Stone? You really don’t know the meaning of the word but if you insist on testing your limits I guarantee you will learn and you won’t like the lessons accompanying it. Now, I’m going back to my paper and if I hear one murmur, moan or whimper – you will find yourself back in the basement. No more warnings, understand?”

I nodded, the throbbing on my cheek stinging sharply at the clear reminder.

“Good.” Harry snarled, going to sit back in his chair, his face now a blank canvass for painting. From angry to emotionless in point two seconds – a record but I wasn’t interested in testing out how fast I could piss him off. Instead, I stared at the felon in disbelief before glancing at Louis who only looked at me with a shrug.

“Sometimes, Ms. Stone, silence is the better option. It keeps you out of trouble, take it from someone who knows.” Louis said, taking another drink from his mug before standing up. “I’ll be off, I need to scope out the competition.”

“Make sure to send them a friendly little warning while you’re at it.” Harry said but nothing was further elaborated.

“I got just the thing.” Louis smirked, taking a gun from his pocket.

I watched the exchange before the cool blue eyes settled on me; he came forward and showed me the shiny silver piece, its reflection gleaming under the overhead lights above us.

“Have you ever had a gun pointed at your head, Ms. Stone? Have you ever shot a gun?” Louis asked.

I merely shook my head. I had no experience with them, my father did. He went hunting often but those were hunting rifles, not compact guns. I was ignorant to their workings but now I was wishing I had learned.

“The adrenaline to having a gun held to your head is something that can’t be reproduced. It is pure and exciting. At least for the one holding the gun.” Louis chuckled, slowly pointing the tip of his gun into my temple.

My fear spiked tenfold and in return I closed my eyes.

“No, no, Ms. Stone, open those pretty eyes of yours. I want you to get the full feeling.” Louis insisted. I whimpered involuntarily but Harry and Niall were focused on the tall brunette.

“Good lass, now, did you know that the temples are the most delicate part of the skull? It doesn’t take much to puncture or otherwise kill a person when hit in the right position. For example – a bullet is instant death if put at the right spot. In fact, it’s right here at this location that I could press the trigger and you wouldn’t even know what hit you. I could pull it easier than Harry could with breaking your jaw. So the next time you go to open your mouth, I want you to remember that.” Louis smirked, taking his thumb and cocking the gun off safety – I definitely wasn’t ignorant enough not to know what a gun uncocking sounded like.

The air was thick, my breathing heavy and the top of my forehead beaded with sweat but I remembered Harry’s warning and that was enough to silence me. All eyes in the kitchen were now on us. I almost envied the other two who weren’t present. I wished to be chained back on that bed more than ever now.

The seconds ticked down and I saw the pressure on the trigger being pressed.

I moaned, my throat dry like sandpaper and my heart thudding in my ears.

It all happened so fast that I had little time to react, the gun went off.

“BAM!” Louis shouted at the same time he clicked the trigger, making my body twitch violently backwards, screaming into the gag.

Harry and Niall smirked in amusement.

My heart felt like it was going to explode, whimpering.

The gun was still pressed to my head for a few mute seconds before he pulled it away and opened the bullet chamber, showing me there were no bullets in them.

“It’s empty Ms. Stone. I would be a pretty damn bad criminal to leave a loaded gun in the house where anymore could use it. Now, let me ask you a question, are you going to disrespect Harry, myself or anyone else here?” He asked this a tad too calmly and I shook my head. Hell, he could ask me if I was going to breathe while in their presence again and I would have given him the same head shake.

“Just remember this, lass, you don’t always need violence to get your point across. Mind fucking can work just as well. That’s my job and I will tell you right now that I’m very good at what I do so if you don’t follow what you’re told then expect more of the same. Although, there may be a day when mind fucking can turn into sudden death so I would be careful Ms. Stone. I can promise you, you don’t want to know the terror I am capable of.”

I nodded, flinching as his hand came up to roughly wipe the tears I hadn’t even realized had fallen.

It was only when my chest heaved I became aware I had been sobbing in outright dread.

“Don’t cry, love, I was just having some fun.” Louis shushed, his tone was sarcastically mellow and etched with bitter softness.

I didn’t listen and Harry finally had enough.

“Louis? Put Ms. Stone back in her room before you go. I want to enjoy my paper and quiet breakfast. I’ll get Niall to get her when I’m ready to make the ransom tape. I’ll need you back here before then.”

“With pleasure.” Louis smirked and didn’t hesitate to pick me up bridal style, carrying me from the kitchen and back down the hall.

When we reached my room I was never so glad to see that bed in all my life and gave a thankful sigh.

Louis chuckled and tossed me carelessly on the bed, my body landing on my sore arms, which made me let out a loud yell. The gag made little difference, the pain was sharp and unwelcoming.

He bent down in search of something under the bed, which he found quickly.

I heard clinks of chains moving and looked to see Louis holding up a leg iron attached to a heavy train of links, connecting somewhere under the bed.

I just watched Louis in shock, the leg iron slipping over my ankle easily before closing around and fitted to make sure it was adjusted soundly so I couldn’t slip it off. Not that I could do anything but lay there due to my hands and feet having been bound in plastic ties.

“I’ll see you later, princess. I’ll let mummy and daddy know you said hello.”

My head picked up and I looked at him with furrowed eyebrows.

“I’m checking up on your parents to make sure they are doing everything they are supposed to be doing.” Louis clarified with a smirk before leaving.

I watched him exit with a click of the lock behind him and felt relief to be by myself once again. I felt safe here in this room, the room that was once too quiet was now my sanctuary. I was slowly comforted by the silence that surrounded me because it was the only thing in this cabin that couldn’t potentially kill me.

I was still sobbing but it was much more muffled quiet. I wanted to go home, I wanted my family. I wish I knew what these men wanted. I’d give it to them wholeheartedly just for a chance of freedom.

With the little choice, I closed my eyes and let my body relax, which wasn’t easy considering I still felt the indent of the cold barrel against my temple but eventually everything faded into oblivion as I fell into a dreamless sleep.

Notes

So - how was it? Creepy enough? Too creepy?