Blood Red Blindfold

Chapter 8

Joshua and I sit against the wall. He holds my hand, rubbing the backside of my palm. We both jump as a creak comes from upstairs. I hear the door open from the top of the stairs.

Josh stands, pulling me with him. He lets go of my hand and clenches his fists. Feet start to walk down the stairs. Bumpy appears, being tailed by Shaggy and Ginger.

"Terrox wants to see you," says Bumpy.

"Who?" I ask, before thinking.

"Are you stupid?" Shaggy questions me.

"Must be Marine," I mumble.

"Let's go," barks Bumpy.

I step forward, ready to follow.

"Not you, girl," he spits.

"What?" I flip. "I'm coming."

Bumpy drags Joshua past me. Ginger grabs me from behind, holding me just tightly enough so that I can't follow them. Shaggy and Bumpy pull Josh away.

Josh stares back at me. 'Promise me you won't do anything stupid,' rings through my mind.

"I promise," I mumble as the door slams.

Ginger releases me, and backs away. I turn to face him. "What do they plan to do with him?" I spit at him.

He shrugs. "I'm not exactly sure. But our was never to intentionally hurt him. Or to even have taken you."

"You came to my house to abduct Josh?"

He stares at me. He isn't going to answer this question. He isn't allowed to.

"Fine. Can I at least get your names? I'm tired of these stupid nicknames, Ginger," I complain.

I can see him fighting his smile. "I don't particularly like being called Ginger either, but it's unfair that we don't know your name." He narrows his eyes at me.

"It's not like I don't already know Terrox," I say, staring at him. "And that's your leader. Police would find Terrox after I get away and he'd give you up." I spit. "Knowing your name doesn't make a difference either way," I remark.

Ginger looks at me coldly. "You're difficult."

"So I've been told," I respond.

"You're not scared of me?" he questions.

"Am I supposed to be?" I raise my eyebrow, mocking him.

"Considering the circumstance, yes!" He scoffs. "I'm one of your kidnappers, you're with me alone in a basement. Do you have any common sense?"

"You're also my age. You don't have a weapon. And sometimes you look a little intimidated by me." I step towards him quickly. He flinches slightly. Then he shoves me away. I stumble backwards slightly.

"Don't get to comfortable," he says. He turns to walk up the stairs. I watch him ascend.

My voice stops him at the door. "Will you make sure he's okay?"

He looks down at me. "Sure."

"Thanks, um-"

"Grant." The door closes behind him.