Presidents, Spies, and Boys, Oh My!

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

"No! No! NO! Please stop!" 

I screamed between breaths. The two men holding me down were grasping my arms and the back of my head with an iron clad grip. Pinstripe Suit sat in front of the pool of water, looking calm and casual as he asked the questions. My heart raced and my lungs hurt like hell. I gasped for air before the men pushed my head into the pool of water again. I screamed, shaking my head frantically. My lungs screamed for oxygen, burning with an intense pain. I sucked in water, choked, and coughed as they pulled my head back up.

"My dear, don't make this harder on yourself. Just answer a few of our questions. That's all we want."

I shook my head, glaring at him and straining not to cry. I was in pain. My lungs felt like they were seven pounds heavier. My breathing was ragged. My soaked hair fell into my face. I blinked to keep back tears. Tears show weakness. 

"Never! I would rather die!" I screamed, fury running through me as I tried to get away from my captors.

Pinstripe Suit sighed, snapping his fingers again. Suddenly, my head was submerged in water again. I screamed, struggling to get away. Water slipped into my mouth and down my throat, making me cough again and again violently. I was reaching my breaking point and I knew it. Joshua's face came to mind. No. I can't give up. Two weeks here and I've been tortured, interrogated, and beaten in ways nobody can ever imagine. Even in their darkest hours. Joshua is my reason for still living. I have to see him again. I love him. More than anyone I've ever dated before. He understands me in ways not even Garret and Addy can.

"Miss Rhinehart, don't be-"

Suddenly, the door burst open and a storm of black clad men and women, carrying military grade weapons and yelling for everyone to put their hands up. My captors let go of me, holding their hands up immediately. Pinstripe Suit shot up, swearing loudly. I curled up in the corner, hugging my knees to my chest. I finally let the tears go, but there were none that came. I sobbed dry sobs.

"Ember."

A gentle hand touched my knee. My head shot up and I met Garret's gaze. I tried to talk, but trembled violently. Garret shushed me, scooping me up into his arms and cradling me. I clung to my dad, burying my face into his chest, like I did when I was a frightened child, as he carried me away. They came. They found me. It took them two weeks, but they found me. 

I felt the cool night air as Garret carried me outside. All around, there were helicopters and vans and cars. Agents milled around, taking over the compound. I didn't look back as Garret climbed into a helicopter, laying me down on my back. I stared at the ceiling, breathing evenly. Garret tried to coax food into me, but I refused. My stomach was so full of water. I was tortured for an hour! An hour! The helicopter blades started going and another person in the cabin closed the door. I felt the helicopter take off from the ground. I'm safe. Completely and utterly safe. Garret sat next to me, holding my hand and brushing the wet strands of hair out of my face. 

"Wh-where are w-we going?" I stuttered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Garret smiled, stroking my cheek gently. 

"Home." he answered.

I nodded before drifting off into sleep.