Kate couldn’t move. Her head felt heavy but at least her eyes were no longer covered. She blinked to get some moisture and hoped that the blur before her would clear. She wanted to take in every detail for when she escaped. There was no way she would let him win.
She had recognized his voice. She was sure he was the one who had knocked on Maggie’s door claiming to be looking for a lost dog. She would bet her life on it. Though he must have altered it slightly. He had been watching her enough to know she was staying with Maggie. The knock on the door startled her. She lay still. If he thought she was still asleep, he may leave her for a while. Allow her enough time to get her bearings. She felt so weak.
Tap. Tap. Tap. He knocked again. ‘Kaaaaate. I know you’re awake. Normally I wouldn’t even bother knocking but I don’t want to frighten you.’ There was a calmness in his voice.
Really? So attacking and abducting me wasn’t supposed to be scary?
She didn’t respond and quickly scanned the room for cameras. He had to be watching her. That would make things more difficult. Was she in a child’s room? There was a wooden chest in the corner that had dolls sitting on top of it.
‘I have to go out. Rest up, princess, and I will see you soon.’
That voice. He had disguised it previously. He was still trying to disguise it. It wasn’t just the lost dog incident. She had definitely heard his voice before. But where? Think Kate – Damnit! He was going out though. She’d need to try and take in her surroundings as quickly and as carefully as possible. If he figured out what she was doing, he would put a stop to it and who knows what else he may do. She wasn’t going to be fooled by his friendly tone. He had already shown what he could do with … she wasn’t going to focus on that though. She tried to lift her head but the pounding started. With her hands and feet tied to the bed, her movement was severely restricted.
Kate looked at the ceiling. Was that a hole in the ceiling? Could he be watching her from a room upstairs? Did that mean she was on the ground level or was there an attic? The questions made her head pound even more.
She didn’t hear him approach the door and screamed when she heard him knock.
He opened the door a crack and whispered. ‘Shhhhh. Nothing to be afraid of. I told you, I’m not going to hurt you. Don’t you realize that?’ There was an edge to his voice.
‘Uh … ssss … sorry. I guess I’m just a bit jumpy being tied to the bed. I thought you were going out?’ She wondered if reasoning with him would get her anywhere near her ultimate goal of escape. What did the email from her London colleague say? She needed to remember now because it could be the very thing that saved her life. She had to empathize with him.
‘Well if you’re good, we can fix that. But right now, I’m afraid you’ll have to stay that way. I’m just leaving now. We’ll talk more when I’m back.’
She wanted to keep him talking. ‘Where are you going?’
‘Out. Don’t try to analyse me, Doctor. I was hoping you wouldn’t, but I guess it’s second nature.’ He sighed. ‘Don’t be frightened but I am coming in.’
Kate felt every muscle in her body tense.
He opened the door and turned on the lights. The bright infusion in the room burned her eyes and she squinted until it felt more comfortable. The sight before her chilled her to the bones.