Fire and Ice

Chapter 23

Alyssa

Who was hitting my brain with a pick ax? It was very rude. And painful.

I inhaled sharply as I realized that it wasn't a pick ax, but a major headache. I rubbed my eyes and pushed myself upright.

I was on a gritty, wood floor in a very dim room. With the lighting I could barely see a small night stand next to me and I used that to help myself to my feet.

My head spun and I put a hand to my forehead as I tried to steady myself.

"Oh, good morning, darling." A rough voice greeted, making me jump.

I looked up to see that I was in a small space, maybe an apartment. I was in the corner of what looked like the living room. A tall man stood about ten feet in front of me in a tiny kitchen. He had fluffy, brown hair and a scruffy beard. His plaid shirt was ratty and dirty.

My brain actually worked and reminded me of this man forcibly taking me.

"Sorry about the headache, sweetheart."

"Who are you?" I demanded, angry that he took me away just when I was going to find Kaden.

"Don't act like you don't know, Alyssa." The man dropped the bowl he was holding into the sink with a loud clatter.

I swallowed, realizing just what kind of situation I was in. I was just kidnapped by this strange man. I had no idea where I was. I didn't have my phone.

"Who are you?" I repeated, trying not to show my actual fear.

"I'm Richard. Richard Crane. Your father."

My eyes widened. "No, no, my father is gone. Long gone."

"Only because your mother didn't want you meeting me. She said I was too unstable. Which is completely ridiculous!"

I jumped from his sudden yell. This guy already looked crazy.

Richard ran a very shaky hand through his hair. "I'm not. I'm not. I just thought that you, my daughter, should be with her father."

"Are you kidding? So you freaking kidnap me?! Who does that?"

"A good father!" He yelled. His eyes were bloodshot.

You and your big mouth, Alyssa. Way to light the fuse. Now he's going to murder you.

I instinctively took a step back. "Where am I?"

"Home." He turned to the sink, putting his back to me.

I frantically looked around. This tiny place had tiny windows. Too small for me to crawl through. And by the look of it, it was late at night. There were three doors. But which one led outside?

"Are you hungry, Alyssa?"

"How did you find me? My mother kept our location from you."

Richard tensed. "I have excellent hacking skills. I found your phone number. Then I got access to your phone, so I was able to keep an eye on you. How else did you think I knew about your recent activities?" He finally continued whatever he was doing. "After some time, I was able to track your phone. Then I came to get you."