Stolen (Joe Sugg AU)

Chapter Seventeen: Gut Feeling

I arrived at the spot where my dad asked to meet me. Out of everywhere, he asked to meet me at the fishing dock.

                I saw him leaning over the wooden railing and he had a pole in his hands. The pole started to bend, indicating that something was caught on the end of line. He reeled it in, and up came what looked to be a Jack Smelt.

                “Remember how we would have competitions when you were younger? We would see who could catch the most in a day?” My dad asked as I stood next to him. I looked out at sea, watching the boats in the horizon disappear into sunset.

                “Let’s just get this over with dad. I’m not in the mood to reminisce with you,” I said to him coldly. I saw my dad unhook the fish from the line and threw it back into the water. I watched the fish disappear into the water and think how ironic it was that my dad let it go free without anything in exchange.

                “Just think about all the lives you are helping. That’s got to be worth it right? And everything will be okay. It’s just going to be you and me. You always said you wanted me to be around more often.”

                I rolled my eyes. “Don’t say those things. That’s when I thought of you as a role model and as my dad but you aren’t any of those to me anymore. You’re nothing to me.” I spat the words out. I saw his eyes twitch and I knew he was irritated with me, but I didn’t care. There was nothing he could do to make me hate him more than I did already.

                My dad shook his head and laughed. “That’s good then. It won’t hurt when I sell you abroad. You may have ruined me here in England, but I have so many more places in America and Canada.”

                “How will you run it when you’re in jail? You know that you let Zoe out now, she will speak. And there’s proof you’re the kidnapper.”

                “But do you really have proof?”

                “Yes. I’ve spoken against you and people have heard my testimony.”

                “You? I hope you’re kidding right? You’ve been kidnapped by that boyfriend of yours. And you’re working with him now. And people will know that you’re a bit into those psychological crap of yours. I can easily say you’ve come down with what is it called again?” My dad said, making a whole dramatic scene of putting his hand on his chin and stroking an invisible beard. “I think it’s called Stockholm syndrome. Yes yes, it’s that.”

                I narrowed my eyes at him. I may have still had feelings for Joe while I was captive, but I know that I didn’t develop Stockholm.

                “Do you know the statistics for someone to develop Stockholm? No one is going to believe you, especially when I’m a psychologist myself!”

                “Really now? You’re a TA! And sometimes that makes people more susceptible to developing disorders. It doesn’t matter, because we’ll be gone anyways.”

                “That’s just it,” I continued. “Won’t it be suspicious that we’ve left as all the girls have been set free?”

                “Like I said; it won’t matter since we’ll be gone. Now let’s go. I still need to get everything settled before we go.” My dad urged me forward and a young couple walked past us. I thought about running away right now, but I knew my dad had people surrounding the area. Plus, the girls weren’t free yet.