Torture In Silence (Kellic)

My Protector

{Vic}

Three weeks off from police work is just what I need to tend to some unfinished business. One task, of course, was to buy Jack and also buy back Alex so they can be together. I wouldn't want a couple in love to be separated. The next step is to get them into a real and more caring shelter where they're treated with respect, love, and courtesy. I don't know what will happen if I can't buy back Alex. I haven't even thought about that. I didn't make Jack a promise to have them together again, but I'm willing to do whatever I have to do for them to see each other.

Although my goal is to get Jack and Alex together again, my ultimate priority is Kellin. I need to get him out of there as quickly as possible, but there's no way I can do that if Damien won't allow anyone to buy him; well he does, but he makes it nearly impossible, almost unrealistic to purchase him with the firm price he has set on him. I have no way of getting Kellin out of there, unless I sneak him out of his window, which, I already know he'll refuse, based on past events that happened in his life.

I was having a cup of coffee with Damien in the early morning hours because I requested to come in and ask about the auctions. I started talking about buying Jack and he was all for listening, but he mentioned I couldn't bid on him until Auction Day. I was determined to buy Jack very soon so I pestered him for more details, leading to a deal. I told him I'd buy jack at his full price, only if he lets me buy him tomorrow and tomorrow only. We came to an agreement and he accepted my offer.

I was debating whether or not to tell Jack he's been bought, but I waited to make it a surprise. He'll be stunned to know I was being serious. He probably thought I was joking.

I also discussed Alex's purchase and what I should do to buy him back. He proceeded to tell me that he had no control over what happens after someone's purchase. In other words, he's no longer responsible for Alex or anyone once they've been bought.

"Do you at least have a number I could call of the person who bought him?" I asked, hoping to hear the right answer.

He sipped his hot coffee. "Yeah, I keep a record of people who buy from me so I know they're not frauds and cheats. I'll give you the number. Hold on." He stood up and walked over to his personal files and pulled out a stack of papers, bringing them over to me.

"That's a lot of people who've bought from you," I stammered with wide eyes. "How many people buy on Auction Day?"

"Ehh, it really depends on the time and money people have. I never force my clients to buy anyone here. If there's one thing I don't allow when it comes to auctions is that I don't accept partial payments or people that tell me they'll pay me when they get the money. You either have the money on you and pay it forward or you don't have it at all. No exceptions."

"Mmm," I purred, taking into account what he said. "That's smart of you."

"It's what I do," he grinned.

{Kellin}

I rubbed my eyes from the sun hitting my face. It's too early to be awake right now. It was quiet though. It was peaceful. It was...perfect. The sound of birds chirping at each other reminded me of how beautiful and soothing life could be and how I could continue living and being strong for myself.

But I'm not strong. I'm weak; very, very weak. I haven't self-harmed in quite some time and I'm proud of myself, but I always get those random urges. I glared at my arms and noticed my scars. I'm strong, I told myself. I'm not weak. Even if I throw my blades away, the scars on my body will always be a reminder that I survived another day and that I'm grateful to be living.

I glanced over at the clock and observed it was only 8:23 am. I also heard Damien's utterance to someone.

"Try making a deal with the guy who bought him," Damien voiced.