Team Work [Sink or Swim Book 2]

Chapter 10 - What About Martin?

Peter led Joanne through the forest and to a small log cabin. They were freezing from the snow and ice and it was starting to get dark. 

"We need to go back for Martin," Joanne insisted as they entered the warmth of the cabin, "we cannot leave him trapped in that prison. When they discover Gregor, Martin will be punished because of us!"

"I know, I've been thinking about that. Romain will probably just lock up and assume that Gregor and I are still with you. I am more concerned about Ivanna. She will come looking for you. She seems to have something against you, probably because you didn't take her bait." Peter replied. "Anyhow, she won't be a problem tonight. She is going to some party, Maria overheard her the other day. Maria and I can rescue Martin. You should stay here."

"No way - that's not happening - I'm coming with you." Joanne said defiantly. "Do you have any warmer clothes. We should get changed and take some things for Martin too. When does Maria get home?"

After waiting three hours Maria arrived home. She was a petite blonde girl, with long locks of wavy hair that flowed down her back. When working she wore it tied in a long ponytail that fell just above her buttocks. She had beautiful Slavic features and attractive green-blue eyes. Maria had full lips and when she came through the door and saw Peter dimples formed at the sides of her cute smile. She met him with a kiss.

"Maria, I am so glad to see you!" Peter said pulling away. 

"What is wrong?" Maria said sensing Peters anxiousness, "Oh, hello, who is this?"

"Hi!" Joanne replied feeling a little awkward. 

"Oh, yes, this is Joanne, she is a friend and she needs our help." Peter said as he began to explain the events of earlier in the day, editing them slightly so as not to cause hurt to his girlfriend.

"So Joanne's boyfriend is still trapped? I didn't know about the place being a prison. This is terrible. Should we call the police?" Maria asked.

"No, I don't think so. The mansion is run by a very powerful man. He has probably paid off the police and they are like a private army. I'm not sure we can trust them or anybody else for that matter." Joanne replied. 

"You are probably right." Maria agreed, "I have seen all kinds of powerful local men visit. We should do something to rescue your boyfriend ourselves."

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Jessica returned to Doctor Lieberman's plush office and pulled up the chair next to Paul. She held his hand and squeezed it tightly as she sat down.

 "Welcome back Jessica, Paul and I have had an open and honest conversation and I have reached some conclusions which I have shared with him and he can share with you later." Heinrich Lieberman said whilst polishing his glasses. "We have reached a point in our session today where I want to explore secrets and experiences. I feel, in fact, I know you both have these points hidden away inside and in order for you relationship to develop I believe it would be useful for you to share  these with each other. Do you agree?"

Jessica and Paul turned their heads and looked at each other unsure what to say. 

Doctor Lieberman wanted to break the deadly silence, "I should add, this is not relationship counselling. Although I can do this, the idea behind sharing is to help remove barriers. You both have a strong essence of protectionist inside of you. You both want to protect each other. I want this to be removed. This will help both of you. Do you understand?" 

The couple nodded and agreed to share. 

"Excellent," Lieberman smiled, "You can say and share anything here in this room. As a Doctor I am bound by certain ethical conditions so you can be free and open and nothing you may say will be heard outside of this room. Please Jessica, if you could start. Please share with us a secret or experience that will help broaden your relationship with Paul. It may be recent or something from long in your past. I think I know what you should talk about from our past sessions but let us see...please...if you will..."