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Chapter 26, Behind Closed Doors (Ep. 6: E Pluribus Unum)
Hours could have passed and there'd be no knowledge of it. The days could be transforming into weeks and there'd be no recollection. It was a constant cycle of wondering how much time had transpired. If somehow, there was a minimal chance of the light at the end of tunnel resurfacing.
But no light came.
Not a single ounce of hope became present.
Gwen had been tied to a chair for what appeared to be an eternity. She searched for ways to untie herself and find her way back to Steve and Robin, but the guard outside her door always kept an eye out. He constantly peeked into the room and ensured she wouldn't acquire a taste of liberation.
The floor was stained with red and brown -- an indication that she hadn't been the first one here. It only let her know about her imminent demise and the improbability of escaping. She didn't want to dwell on the worst, but through every hit and constant mock given, the worst was the only certain thing.
A clock hung above the door, but it remained stuck at 10:04 pm. No matter how much time passed, the hands remained in place. She stared at it attentively, as if attempting to keep herself sane by reciting the numbers like a prayer. Its ticking still remained, but time remained frozen. It was trapped in place... just like she was.
Through her daze, Gwen pushed herself to remain awake. She couldn't allow her exhaustion to prevent her from acquiring an idea on how to escape. Even if she was hopeless, her strength relied on finding her way back to him. She could be laying in the grave and not even in death would she accept the travesty.
As she attempted to untie the knot, the door suddenly swung open. The colonel entered, his face both stoic yet expressive. He removed his hat and handed it to the guard outside, and walked at an unhurried pace toward her. His bony finger removed her hair from her face to then slowly lower to raise her chin.
His breath grazed her face as he asked, "Who do you work for?"
"I already told you. Scoops Ahoy," Gwen's response was far from what he wanted. She didn't have time to perceive what happened until feeling his grating hit against her stomach.
"Who do you work for?!"
She gasped, the air slowly returning to her, "I'm not lying! I work at an ice cream shop! Just look at my clothes! Do you think I'd willingly wear this?!"
The colonel remained unconvinced and called out to the other guard. He told him something in Russian and a few seconds later, a long device that had an electric light at the end was now in his grasp. She wasn't stupid not to know what this was meant for, so she tried to scurry away as far as possible in hopes of somehow avoiding its graze.
"I am going to ask you again," he threatened, his grip on her hair forcing her to stay still. "Who is your master?"
Anything she says would be useless. She was telling the truth and they still didn't believe her. If she were to lie and claim she worked for the government, they would still torture her. Nothing would be enough, so it left her with no choices.
