Prisoner's Prisoner

Chapter 21

"Would you like to play a game?" Antonio asked Sarah.

Sarah looked at Antonio's horrible face. He had aged. He was in his early fifties. His family left him and lived permanently in New Mexico. He only had one child. His mansion houses his men and a few women he brought home for temporary pleasure.

Antonio met her and his brother when Antonio had a vehicular accident near Southville. It was his brother who helped Antonio towed his vehicle. Then the two became friends. Without her knowing, her brother Sean borrowed some money from Antonio so he can send her to Italy to study fine arts. When she got back after two years, the shop was in bankruptcy. Her brother got addicted to gambling and casinos and women. Antonio supplied him with everything her brother needs. Antonio had been so generous. Until the day Antonio asked for repayment. Her. When she refused, Antonio threatened to kill his brother.

Sarah blamed herself for everything that happened to both them. If only she did not leave him. If only she did not pursue her dream.

She was sitting on the bed with her back on the headboard. She was hugging her knees like a lone child feeling cold. Her chin on her knees. Antonio was standing at the foot of the bed.

His smile was evil to her. She could see the scars she caused to his face a few months ago. The scars were deep and made him look more frightening as ever.

She said nothing then looked away. She had been here for almost a week now. She was helpless. Antonio and the guards were careful this time. She was ready to die anyway.

Antonio threw something on the bed. She tried not to be bothered.

"Take a look at it." His voice was soft. But changed abruptly when she did not move a bit. He shouted at her. "Take a look at it!"

Sarah was startled. She was not moving but she took a look at the pictures on the bed. Her heart beat fast. They were  pictures of David. Seems like he was looking around.

David was alive! He is here. Excitement could be seen on here eyes and a smile started to form on her lips.

Antonio grabbed her hair from the back of her head. Sarah hold back the tears from the pain she felt. Antonio squeezed her face with his other hand. "Let us play a game. I will invite him here then you will break his heart before I end his life. What do you think?"

"He is not in love with me. That will not satisfy your cruelty."

"Oh he's not?" Antonio squeezed her face tighter. More painful Sarah could feel his fingernails on the skin of her cheeks. "But you are."

"Just kill me."

"You know I won't be happy with that."

"I can't believe a person like you ever exists...but I will not give you the satisfaction you wished for."

Antonio pulled her hair. Sarah cried out in pain.

Antonio let go of her and walked back.  "Be ready. I will ask my men to invite him here. Let's see how brave your man is."

"He has got nothing to do with this. He just helped me. I-... I got an amnesia and he was the one who helped me."

"You think I'd buy that?"

"That's the truth. I always say the truth, please..."

"You do? Then tell me where the pictures are."

"I told you, I knew nothing about it."

"Let's see..." Antonio got out of the room and locked it from the outside.

Tears flowed down Sarah's cheeks. She grabbed David's pictures and hold it close to her chest. She was thankful David was alive. And she had to do something for him to stay so.

She remembered her cellphone. It was in her jean's pocket. She hurriedly stood up and looked for her jeans. Had she known David was alive, she could have contacted him earlier. She really thought David did not make it. She saw the blood gushing from his chest.

But knowing David was alive made Sarah want to fight to live. At least to be able to let him live.

She searched the whole room. She saw the jeans she wore but she found no cellphone. She cried in frustration. Antonio might have hid it somewhere.

Antonio was back after an hour or so. He had a tray of food for her. He put it on top of her bedside table. Sarah suddenly got up and hugged him while she cried loudly.

Antonio was a bit shocked. Sarah embraced him from behind.

"Please, please, Antonio. I will do everything you want. Just spare him, please. Just let him go. I will tell you where the money is."

Antonio was thinking. He did not need the money. But he badly need those pictures. He removed Sarah's hands and faced her. "You know what I want."

"You have to let him go first. I will tell you once he's back in Pennsylvania."

"You can't negotiate with me."

"Then you will not get what you want."

"I will have it sooner or later...eat your food." Antonio went out of the room.

Unknown to Antonio, Sarah was able to get his cellphone from his back pocket. Sarah made sure Antonio had left already then she immediately dialled directory assistance.