Silence in the Night

Chapter 1

"Good evening everyone, thank you for coming to the tenth annual Charity Ball.  This year the charity that was chosen was the local Children's Hospital.  Each year we like to pick a new cause to to donate to so everyone has a chance.  Now drink, dance, be merry, and remember to donate," my father, Phillip Astors, announced.  I stood beside him, as a good child always does, staring at the crowds of people that crowded the dance floor.  "And also, I would like to congratulate my youngest daughter, Claire, on her recent engagement to Vincent du Mont.  We are very happy to welcome Vincent into our family and our business."  The crowd clapped  politely and I smiled and played the part of the happy daughter.  

I walked through the banquet hall and made polite conversation with the people that made it to support the cause.  The skirt of my sky blue dress kept wrapping around my heels.  I seriously hate having to dress up all the time.  But this is what happens when your dad is a millionaire and has to keep a good face with the public.  God forbid he drags any of the my other siblings to these events.  

"Chin up Claire.  You're starting to frown and we can't have that happen," Vincent whispered.  I turned to face him.  He had the stereotypical look of a prep boy college graduate.  Blonde hair that is slicked back, blue eyes, tan skin, and tall.  

"Hello Vincent, I was wondering when you would show up," I commented allowing a small smile on my face.  He smirked a little and adjusted his suit jacket.

"Not a fan of the introductory speeches.  Plus there was a situation occurring at the office," he replied.  I nodded as if I actually cared about why he was late.  He brushed a strand of my brown hair behind my ear.  "I like when you curl your hair.  You should do that more often.  But you didn't wear the dress I liked.  You should have worn the green one."

"Sorry dear, father wanted the blue one.  Went along with the color scheme I suppose," I sighed.  His hand went around my waist and other guests looked over.  I suppose it was due to the announcement of my recent engagement and they wanted to look at the happy couple.  

"Next time wear the one I like.  Don't want you to always listen to your father.  Especially since you will be my wife in six months," Vincent smiled.  

"Of course, whatever you say," I mumbled.  His eyes sparked as they always do when I just go along with what he says.  He led me towards the dance floor as the music slowed down.

"Good girl, I'm glad that you are learning," his hands tightened on my waist.  I straightened up as the grip kept getting tighter to a painful degree.

"Vincent, you're hurting me," I whispered.  His smile got a little twisted.

"Just remember, my dear Claire, that you are mine.  And what I want from you is obedience.  Do you understand?"

"Yes," I mumbled.  We danced, painfully might I add, till the song ended.  The charity ball was going well at least.  My dad was about to make another speech and walked back onto the stage. As he leaned in towards the mic all the lights went off.  I looked up at where my father should have been but was dragged backwards.  "Vincent!"

"Hush, we need to figure out what is going on," he muttered.

"It was probably just a freak accident," I responded.  

"Shut up please," he growled.  He started walking away from where the stage was and I would have protested but it is better to just go along with Vincent instead of against.

"Hello everyone, I do hope you are enjoying your time here at this charity ball," a mocking voice rang through the hall.  

"Vincent where are we going?" I asked.  

"For those trying to escape, it will do you no good to run.  All exits are blocked off. "  Vincent stopped angrily.  I almost bumped into him but was able to stop myself.  His grip loosened and he  disappeared.  

"And you left me alone.  How kind," I mumbled.  

"For years, my people and I have been watching Mr. Astors and Mr. du Mont's father build their company on a bed of lies.  Dragging innocent people into their web and tarnishing the names of other businesses.  But that's not the only thing they have done," the voice echoed and I looked around the guests faces to see if anyone stood out.  "Selling the lives of their children to better the company's future.  Stealing money from the very charity's they claim to be donating too."  I quickly walked towards the stage in hopes to find something.  "Ironic right?  Claiming to help others but only help themselves.  Even some of their offspring act exactly like them.  But what can be done to stop people like that?"  The voice continued to be mocking and I was getting frustrated.  Someone is trying to sabotage this event.  "Oh, that's right.  Hit them where it hurts."  A hand flew over my mouth and I was dragged backwards.  

"Be quiet for me dear.  It'll make everything a lot easier," a voice whispered in my ear.  The next thing I knew, my hands were bound and a handkerchief was shoved in my mouth. "My, you are a pretty little hostage.  Heard you were worth a lot.  Let's see if that holds up."  I struggled against my restraints but it was pointless as I was just carried like a rag doll.  "Be a good girl.   Just be quiet and behave."  The world soon turned black and I felt weightless.