Taming Sophie

C H A P T E R 1 3

Rixi was half way through his coffee, when a young uniformed police man entered the room. Forest got up and met him at the door. He watched as they whispered. She returned to the table.

'Right then Rixi. We've found her. She is in London and she's okay. We have to get on now, but thank you for all your help, we couldn't have managed without you. Please leave a contact number or address so that we can get hold of you.'

'Is that it?' Rixi didn't mean to sound disappointed, he wanted to know more about Sophie. He wanted them to tell him more. He didn't know what, but more. He wanted them to answer his questions now, like will he ever see her again? Will she visit him? He knew that the link with Sophie was broken. The police weren't interested in him now, they might not even contact him again. Still, at least he knew she was safe.

Sophie walked to the car. She wanted to get it all over with. She couldn't wait to see Sarah. She wondered what Clive had been telling her. She would soon find out. Swifty said nothing all the way there. He glanced nervously in the rear view mirror from time to time. The route home had been short.

Sophie tried to compose herself as she headed towards the door. Swifty opened it for her. She walked towards the lounge and shrieked in horror at the sight that awaited her. She ran to Sarah and placed her hands under her head.

'Oh my god, what have you done to her?' She pulled Sarah close to her and fumbled with the tape.

'Don't do that. Leave the tape.' Clive rushed towards her and pushed her to the floor.

Sophie jumped quickly to her feet. She couldn't bear to see her friend in such pain. Her face was battered and bloody. She could hear her whimpering, like an injured animal. Sophie attempted to cuddle her again. She pulled her close and rocked her in her arms.

Clive and Swifty looked on, there was no emotion in their eyes. They had set there own scene and were in control. Sophie asked them to fetch her some water to wipe Sarah's torn face. Clive accommodated her and placed a bowl of water and a face-cloth beside them.

'I'm so sorry Sarah. What have I done to you?' Sophie couldn't control her tears. She could almost feel the pain for Sarah. She wished she could wash it away with the blood.

'She needs to see a doctor.'

'No she doesn't, she'll be fine.' Clive was quick to answer.

'Why are you doing this? Why can't you just let us go?'

'Come now Sophie, you'll go straight to the police.' Clive bent down to her face.

'And we wouldn't want that now would we?'

Sophie begged him to believe her, she pleaded for him to let them go. Clive was in no mood for compromise.

'You have to let us go eventually, Clive, Please?' She stared into his eyes. The eyes that had once set her on fire with lust. They were now cold and empty. The passion had rotted away and left an empty shell, now filled with greed and madness. Clive rose to his feet to escape her softening gaze. He loved her. He wanted her.

'Can we talk in private? I need to talk to you alone.' He placed his hand on Sophie's shoulder.

'No way. You're a monster. I hate you.'

Clive spun round and struck her across the face with the back of his hand. Sophie felt the power of it as she lost her balance. She felt her own pain now.

'Why can't you just be nice for a change? I've given you everything, I would do anything for you and this is how you repay me?' Clive disappeared to the kitchen. Swifty helped her to her feet and led her to the sofa.