Stockholm Syndrome | Larry Stylinson AU

Chapter 4

Harry sat in silence as one of Curt's men was readying the camera. He also saw a white piece of cardboard and a black marker laying on the floor next to Curt's feet, but there was nothing written on the cardboard yet. It made Harry curious. What amount did they think his dad would pay for him?

It was quite disturbing to be actually asking himself this question. He had always assumed that a child was something worth so much value that a parent would do anything to get their kid back if there was something that happened to them; however, now he wasn't as certain anymore. What if his dad decided that 'those criminals' were asking too much? He could see him pace up and down his office, phone pressed against his ears, glasses on and a weary look on his face. "What? 500 pounds? Outrageous!" he would say. Harry knew that five hundred pounds was worth about a blink of an eye to his dad, but also that it would probably not even come near the amount these people were going to ask. So still... Still he felt nervous.

If it was Jake in this chair his dad would've paid anything, Harry knew that for sure. But would he do the same thing now it was Harry that was on the line? Wouldn't it be... Easier not to? Harry swallowed. His relationship to his dad was bad, that much was evident. He just wasn't sure how bad exactly. Did his dad love him? Yes, of course he did. He told him he did when Harry was younger. But did he still? After outing himself to him as gay and then coming home with a girlfriend a month later had really put a strain on their relationship. "You're going to be the death of me one day, son," his father had told him after Harry outed himself again, this time just not as gay but as a bisexual. It had been a very difficult period for the both of them, because it made them realize how much they needed a womanly figure in their midst. No, not just any womanly figure. His mum.

Harry didn't really remember much about his mum... His thoughts were rudely interrupted however as Curt said something. "... And then we will let him go." Harry perked up. Let him go? Let who go? Him? As in, Harry him? Himself him?

"Hold this," Curt said as he handed Harry the piece of cardboard. Harry couldn't help but peek down at it. Wait, what did that say? "Look up here," Curt said impatiently as the man snapped a photo. He looked at the screen and groaned. "Again, and this time don't blink." Harry felt nervous. What would they do to him after this picture was taken? He now understood that they had needed him to be clean shaven and well rested for the picture – that's why they let him sleep on the mattress last night. Louis even dropped by and gave him a blanket in case he got cold, and this morning he gave Harry a breath mint. "Again," Curt said.

However, after the picture was taken there was no reason to shave him, or to let him sleep comfortably, or to feed him, or to like.. not punch him to death or whatever. Harry swallowed. What was going to happen to him now? "Say cheese," Curt said and Harry couldn't help but automatically give a tiny smile as the man snapped the third picture. Curt looked at the screen again and nodded this time in approval. As Curt and the man were talking for a bit Harry turned the cardboard around and looked at what was written on it. There was not much on there, though what it said.. made Harry's throat dry. Were they really... Were they serious?

"2 MILLION POUNDS" it read. Harry looked at it. And looked at it some more. He blinked, but the number was still there.

Then he started to laugh. Loud. Hysterically, almost.

He couldn't help it. The amount was just outrageous. It was bold, and way too much, and he was sure his dad would never pay it for him. It was way too much.

Yeah, his dad was rich, but most of the cars and parties they had were funded by the company. 'Social networking' was what his dad called it. And yes, his dad's suit was expensive, also true, but he bought that one about five years ago. He was sure that two million would severely cut down his dad's wealth.