Searching Cassie

7) Why did you keep me captive?

Chapter Seven:
Why did you keep me captive?

"It seems like everyone is prepared," said Ward as his green eyes scan the silent room.

Samantha clenched her fists tighter and blinked, inhaling and exhaling. She was not going to let him---that bastard trample over her. She crossed her legs and stared at the brunette boy, listening carefully to what he was about to say.

"Rae, did you find out their whereabouts?"

Rae swiftly stood up, the smell of her heavy fragrance whipping in Samantha's nose. "They're an hour away from here," she responded. "But I don't know where their exact gathering spot is."

"Great," Ward nodded. He then turned to Evan. "I hope our medical supplies aren't running out."

"We still have an adequate amount of them," answered Evan. "It's just, um," His blue eyes darted to an impassive Samantha nervously. "We do need more painkillers."

"Hmmm." Ward's expression hardened. Samantha swung her feet back and forth on purpose, whistling. "She doesn't need any more medication, I assume."

"Yep," Samantha shot Evan a sweet smile. "Thank you, Evan. You're the best." She abruptly proceeded to face Ward, who was rolling his eyes. "Look, Ward. Can you please explain to me what is happening?" She softened her tone. "I know I have been crude during our whole...interaction. It's just I am confused."

"I apologize," said Ward quite earnestly in Samantha's perspective. "I guess I'll answer your questions."

"Why did you keep me captive?"

Ward's emerald eyes narrowed. "I dislike your choice of words, but I can't change certain people." Samantha bit her tongue hard. No, he was having the upper hand and she needed answers. She couldn't lose her temper at such an important moment. "I took you here because you're in danger."

"Danger?" Samantha repeated. "Danger." She laughed and laughed, tears streaming down her cheeks discretely. No one made a sound. "You are not kidding," Samantha spoke each word slowly, disbelief evident. "Crap."

"I am serious, Samantha," Ward sighed heavily. "Rae was tracking down the Laurences when we were talking in the coffee shop."

"Laurences?"

"The Laurences," Ward stared straight into Samantha's eyes, so intensely that Samantha shivered. "Is a group of powerful people."

"Why are they after me? It's not like I did something offending to them."

Ward shook his lowered head. He looked up at Samantha with a sad smile. "You already did."

Samantha's eyes widened. She felt her jaw drop. "You mean..."'

"You saved their prey," he said grimly. "You saved Cassie."

"Did I make the right choice?"

Ward opened his mouth and closed it again. "We will see, Kerrigan," he said lightly, but Samantha's heart felt heavier instead. "Very soon."

"Um, you also mentioned before that you need my help," Samantha paused. "How?"

Ward motioned at Rae. "Show her." Rae nodded. She fumbled in the inner pockets of her leather jacket and got a wrinkled piece of paper, which she threw in Samantha's direction without looking.

Samantha's eyes turned to slits for a second before she picked up the paper.

"A two-year anniversary celebration ball of a company?" Samantha questioned. "And who the hell is Peter Chapman?"