I was probably wrong and I doubted it would work, but it was a very improvised decision as I had little to no time for thinking up a plot on the spot.
I did my best to keep up my poker face, repeatedly reminding myself that this was just a measly chipmunk that didn't know what a lie was.
After he examined my face for a good two minutes, he finally broke away his beady gaze to look down at his lie detector.
« I see you're smarter than you look. That honest answer just saved you a black eye. » He smiled up at me, looking like a penguin now. And I didn't mean cute penguins, I meant like the Penguin from Batman.
Wait, the machine hadn't caught my lie ! Was it broken or was it just my pure confidence ? I doubted the latter, as I caught on to one detail which revealed the man's bluff.
I had to bite back a smirk, realizing I had just gained even more leverage.
« When was the last time he traveled ? » Chipmunk asked his next question, his beady eyes trained on me.
I really didn't know which answer would work to my own benefit and was contemplating if I should just straight up tell him to go back to his two chipmunk brothers, but I wasn't taking any more chances. Regardless of the fact that the guy looked more of a Disneyland security guard than some mafia leader.
« Two years ago. » I replied.
He stared at me, then glanced down at the 'lie detector'.
He nodded slowly, before raising his eyes up to mine.
« I will ask you once more, and I want a real answer this time. » He said, slowly dragging out his words to minimize his high-pitched voice.
Great, I was caught. I had taken his idiocy for granted and was getting too relaxed with my answers. I guess I should be showing more emotion if he really thought I was on good terms with my stepdad.
I let out a long sigh, slowly raising my head to meet his dark eyes.
« What if I don't tell you ? » I asked, throwing in a glare to really sell my emotions.
« Then this happens. » He said with a large grin, reminding me of a shark.
I barely had time to blink before I was knocked to the floor as I felt his fist connect with my right cheek.
For one tiny man, he sure packed a lot of power. It was probably due to all the frustration that had developed and consumed him over the years of having to deal with being tiny. Plus, being at his height he was probably exposed to a lot of bad air…
I gritted my teeth hard to keep from wincing at the stinging pain on my cheek. I glared up at the small man, and pushed myself up. Although it was fun to joke about this pathetic man, I really wished I didn't have to be here right now…
« Answer the question ! » He yelled in frustration.
I fought back the urge to knee him in the stomach, since he was too short for my knee to damage his male area.
« What was the question again ? » I asked, feigning innocence, just to get back.
I watched his eyes smolder up, before cooling down, a smug look in its place now.
« Answer. » He squeaked, raising a hand. « The fucking. » He took three steps towards me. « Question !' He practically screamed, irritating my ears.
I just winced at the leftover ringing in my ears from his squeaking.
« Rela-« I started to say, but was cut off when his hand swung down and smacked my face, this time on the other side.
I felt a large source of anger course through my body before his hand had even touched me, and as soon as my head snapped to the side, I opened my eyes and snapped it right back to face him, barely feeling the pain in the moment.
I gave him the dirtiest glare, before spitting on his face. Twice.
I watched his face transition into that of an angry chipmunk in a matter of seconds. I watched his shaking fist raise up once more, and before he could move it back I spoke with a sadistic smile. « You can keep hitting me all you want, but know that it only aggravates me and makes me feel more inclined to not tell you the truth. »
I knew it was worth it when I saw anger, frustration, helplessness, desperation, and then anger again all flash in his eyes.
« We'll see about that. » He gave me a twisted grin now. « Guess we'll have to experiment with some other toys. »
I really did know how to dig my own grave.
« Bring her ! » He barked at the kidnapper, before storming off into the dark.
« Hey, are you okay ? I'm sorry I wish I could have done something, I really wasn't expecting it. » He whispered softly, concern shining through his eyes as he lightly touched my face.
« I can handle myself, plus it was my fault for not staying cool. » I shrugged.
« I'm sorry. » He spoke quietly, before taking my arm and guiding me after Alvin. I looked up and examined his guilt-ridden face.
I would forgive him, but he was the one who had brought this fate upon me when he had taken me away.
We stopped in front of the metal chair, concealed by the darkness as we stood a few steps outside of the dimly lit spot. The kidnapper pulled me closer into him, as if trying to protect me from the inevitable.
« Come forward and sit down you brat. » Alvin ordered.
I was about to protest, but was cut off when the kidnapper squeezed my hands in warning.
« Trust me. » His lips grazed my ear, before he walked us to the chair and gently pushed me down in a swift motion.
« Tie her up. » Alvin said, turning to face the kidnapper.
He dropped down by my legs, lifting a pile of rope off of the floor, and began to wrap it around my ankles.
I saw Alvin storm off, probably to get my saliva off of his face and bring in his torturing devices.
« What were you thinking !? » My kidnapper exclaimed all of a sudden as soon as Alvin was out of the vicinity, making me jump in my seat.
« What ? » I asked, looking down at him in alarm.
His eyes cooled down instantly and he let the rope around his fingers slip through them and fall to the ground. He stood up on his knees, his soft eyes slowly grazing over my face.
« I'm so sorry this had to happen. » He whispered, his eyes filled with guilt. I watched as he raised a hand up slowly, extending it towards my swollen bruised face but stopping midway and letting it drop to his side instead.
He looked down for a second, before placing his hands on my knees and looking at me with nothing but seriousness now. « So I need you to use up as much time as you can, okay ? Start talking about your stepdad and really drag on the stories, but don't say anything that could lead back to you or your brother. » He instructed, his green orbs fixated on me. « And please, also do refrain from saying more provocative things that will get you more hurt. »
« Okay, I can do all those things. But where will you be ? » I couldn't help but ask. I'd be lying if I said I was okay being left alone with that crow.
« I'll be creating a distraction, something that will get him to cut this thing short. » He explained.