Chapter 42: Damsel in Distress

Cecilia contemplated on her next move. The man in front of her was nothing but kind. He’s the leader of the enemy gang after all. He could be pretending to be kind to her in order to get information out of her. She looked down at her hands. How much did she know anyway?

She had stayed in the clubhouse for her whole life, hidden away from people. Even the gang members didn’t know who she was or if she really existed. She always thought that if she did what she’s told, everything would go accordingly. She had always thought that there’s a set of protocols she should follow as a part of the gang. That, however, turned into her source of trouble as she grew up and was asked to go on missions. She started to question if she really had a place in the gang.

“Well?” Chad probed. She fidgeted with her fingers. Theoretically, she shouldn't say anything but her disappointment of the gang and the environment, even of her brother, shook the foundation of that principle.

She wondered how Mike’s doing at the moment. Was he alright? Where would he be? Did they bring him here as well, or did he manage to escape? She made sure to only consider these two scenarios. The alternative result was something she wouldn’t be able to handle.

“Your brother..” The moment those words came out of Chad’s mouth, her whole being snapped to attention. Chad, however, didn’t continue the sentence. “What about him?” She blurted the question. Chad studied her worried expression as she held her breath while waiting for his response.

“Do you really want to know?” Chad folded his arms as he leaned back against the wall. Cecilia silently cursed his laid-back manner. It got on her nerves. “Of course I want to know! Why do you think I ask?”

Chad smirked. “I asked you a question as well. You didn’t answer me. What makes you think that I will answer yours?”

Cecilia calmed down. Realization hit her at once. She fell into his trap. “How do I know if you’re telling the truth?”

“That’s a good question.” There’s a knock at the door. The guard came back with a tray of food, placing it on the ground in front of Cecilia. Chad stood to leave.

“Hold on! Are you not going to answer me?” She called out, a little too desperately than she intended to sound. Chad looked back from the door. “Eat up. I’ll come back in a while. There’s someone I want you to meet.” The door closed behind him, leaving her alone once again, worried about the future. Who was it he wanted her to meet? Was it Mike? Was he captured as well? There were so many questions left unanswered.

The sound of a metal chain dragged against metal bars echoed loudly in the space. The man didn’t stir at all. He stayed in the same position with his eyes closed. There’s more wounds on his body but he seemed as relaxed as ever, like there’s nothing else for him to care about in this world.

“It looks like you’re having a great time here,” the visitor said. He didn’t have to open his eyes to know who the person was. “Your torture skills are lacking. You need to work harder.” His tone was way too casual for someone sitting in a cell with blood stains on his body.

“Would you show me how it’s done, then?” Chad's unusual request didn’t manage to get a reaction out of him. The man remained silent, not moving even an inch. Then, he’s greeted with the sound of approaching footsteps. He estimated a total of three people from his years of training.

He heard a gasp. It’s made by a girl. “Scream,” Chad’s low tone commanded. Immediately, the girl grunted. It sounded like she’s in pain. The voice was familiar.

He opened his eyes. Cecilia was held by two men. Tears welled up in her eyes. She didn’t say a word but her pleading eyes were fixed on Hank’s.

“Now, tell me. How hard should I work?” Chad took relaxed steps, slowly approaching the wall where the torture equipment were placed. He hovered his hand across the metals. “Huh?” He turned his attention back to Hank.

Hank’s expression remained unchanged. His relaxed manner was like a wall, shielding his emotions from being seen by others while also reflecting their feelings away. He met Chad’s gaze with ease.

“Should I use this?” His hand landed on a knife. There wasn’t any reaction from Hank. “On second thought, I’ll use this,” he reached for a fire tong. Fear was written all over Cecilia’s face. Her legs almost gave out. She was practically vibrating from the intensity of her shivers while Hank didn’t even move a muscle. ‘How cold-blooded can a person be?’ Chad wondered as he looked at the man sitting leisurely in the cell while he was about to torture his daughter.

“She can’t withstand the torture,” Hank finally said. His tone remained calm. “What’s that got to do with me?” Chad retorted. He extended the metal into the fireplace and grabbed a piece of charcoal. It was still burning red as he pulled it out into the open. “Say, where should I place it?” He hovered the piece around Cecilia. Tears streamed freely from her eyes. “Don’t..” she pleaded softly.

Chad smirked. “I’ll start with the face. How does that sound?” He turned his attention back to Hank. Hank watched quietly, not giving any comments.

“I’m listening. Give me some advice,” he pressed. Still, the man remained as unmoving as a mountain. Seeing that he wasn’t getting any feedback, he turned to Cecilia. He took a step closer to her. She shrunk back from him but the iron grasps of the men beside her prevented her from moving far.

She could only watch in terror as the charcoal inched nearer to her face.

“NO! Help!! TELL HIM TO STOP! Dad–”