Chapter 6:

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A/N: Sorry about the wait!! It feels like forever since I've been on this website. D: I'll be updating this story more frequently from now on, though. I'm really getting into writing it. :) The italic part is like a flashback moment. Hope you enjoy reading!! :)

He didn’t hit me. He didn’t do anything at all; he just stood tall and let out a long, deep breath.

I let a breath slowly escape me too. My aching stomach felt like a balloon which had just been deflated as I breathed out.

He watched me curiously, a smile playing on the corner of his lips. He liked the fear he’d caused. I could see it in his eyes. He loved the control he had over me.

He shoved his hands into his pockets. ‘I’ll show you around in a bit,’ he said suddenly. His voice made me flinch. His eyes darkened. ‘I’ll leave you alone for now…let you get over your…stomach pains.’

He took a step backwards between each hesitation, his hands still in his pockets. Finally, he was out of the room. The thick air thinned without his presence. I wanted to cry with the relief.

Sometimes Radley would stay for tea, three, four times a week. He seemed pleasant enough. He and Dad were clearly friends outside of work.

Radley would make smalltalk with Mum and Rita over the dining table. He rarely ever spoke to me, but when he did he was always polite and friendly. I wouldn’t say I initially liked him, but I certainly didn’t dislike the man.

He and my dad would disappear into Dad’s office once they’d finished their meal. I, too, would wander off into my room, while Rita cleared away downstairs and Mum poured herself a big glass of wine.

The only time I paid significant attention to Radley was when I passed Dad’s office on the way to my bedroom. The door was open, which was quite strange; Dad usually relished his privacy. But Dad wasn’t in there.

Radley was alone in my dad’s office. He nodded politely at me, throwing me a big smile. His curved lips hit my eyes, making my skin go hot. I smiled back quickly, insincerely. I could feel a blush creeping along my cheeks.

He was handsome, even if he was old enough to be my dad. I wouldn’t say I was hugely attracted to him, but since the night he’d smiled at me until the last time I saw him, I found myself ever intrigued by him. While I once used to text under the table whilst he and my father conversed casually with Mum and Rita, I now listened intently. I watched the lively gesture of his hands as he danced them around whilst talking. His wedding finger was bare of a ring.

I didn’t really miss him when he was gone. I barely even noticed. It wasn’t like he was my first big crush; he was just one of many fleeting attractions – I barely remembered his name.

I didn’t even entertain the thought that there was an evil side to him. He was just my dad’s workmate.

I spent my time ‘recovering’ from my stomach ache thinking about home. I wasn’t really missing it desperately yet. I suspected the feeling was mutual.

Dad would be locked up in his office, Mum would be out shopping. What time was it now? What time would they wonder of my whereabouts?

I glanced at the door. There wasn’t a lock. It was open, it had to be.

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, letting my toes make contact with the carpet delicately. I could feel my toes sink into the fur of the carpet.

I scuttled over to the door, trying to be as silent as possible. I wrapped a hand over the greasy doorknob, struggling to tilt my other wrist, which was still tied tightly against the first one.

I turned the knob slowly. I was horribly aware of the loud squeaking noise it made. It echoed in my ears, screeching loudly. I held my breath, waiting for Radley to storm back and beat me.

I tried a tiny push, but nothing came of it. I pushed a little harder, wondering if I hadn’t used enough force. Still, the door didn’t budge. I tried to pull, but the door just wouldn’t move.

I choked back a sob, ignoring the tears which had suddenly drowned my eyes.

I sank to the floor, feeling deflated. I rested my head against the doorframe, letting the tears squeeze their way out of my closed eyes. My breath shuddered as it escaped my lips.

How long was I going to be here?

Submitted: February 14, 2012

Thrillers mystery stolen crime thriller syndrome hostage kidnap stockholm ransom

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Comments

kitteh

im so glad you are still writing i love this story

Tue, February 14th, 2012 11:59pm

Author
Reply

Wow, thank you so much! :')

Wed, February 15th, 2012 5:58am

buttercream

Fantastic, have been waiting for an update for ages now! Please keep me updated if you're able! :)

Wed, February 15th, 2012 8:54pm

Author
Reply

Thank you very much! I'd be happy to! :D

Wed, February 15th, 2012 2:29pm

botness

Yay you updated! I was beginning to lose hope. Glad you kept going. Please kmu :)

Sat, February 18th, 2012 2:15am

Author
Reply

Hahaha, I know, twas quite a wait. :) But thank you! I will do. ;D

Mon, February 20th, 2012 12:05pm

SexySweetheart

Can't wait for more! Keep me updated please!

Sat, February 18th, 2012 4:43pm

Author
Reply

Thank you! :D I will do. :)

Mon, February 20th, 2012 12:06pm

Jach

it's good :D kmu
And sorry its taking me longer to read stuff now, have so many things to do atm :O

Sat, February 25th, 2012 10:46pm

Author
Reply

Thank you very much! And it's fine, don't worry about it :)

Sun, March 4th, 2012 10:57am

Soapysoph

Dayuum! Sorry I took so long to get back to you, completely forgot about this website :') Well this is REALLY good, Can't wait to read more! :3

Mon, March 5th, 2012 4:43pm

Author
Reply

It's fine haha, I forgot about it at one bit too. xD Thank you so much :D :D

Mon, March 5th, 2012 1:57pm

MrV

This was beautiful in a morbid way. It was the kind of beauty you see from Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling.

Vero's attraction towards Radley in the past makes me wonder if in some disturbed way, the reason Radley wants her to stay, is because he... loves her?

Being the Dad's former friend, he could have seen things and noticed Veronica's misery.

Sat, June 9th, 2012 2:57am

Author
Reply

Thank you very much! :') That means a lot. :3 But I won't tell you if you're right or wrong. ;)

Sat, June 9th, 2012 4:18pm