During the day, the TLE Investments building was a hive of activity near the center of the city. Outside, people came and went, filling the streets. Inside it was chaos. People scurried from point to point fielding calls, managing portfolios, balancing and growing assets far in excess of what most people would possess in their life times
At night the TLE Investments building idled. Outside the streets were quiet and clear. Inside the building the lights were shut off. Darkness stole across the plush leather office chairs and edge of the line computer systems. The ordinary office walls took on a more sinister appearance as the only sounds that could be heard were that of the cleaning staff making their rounds.
The building itself was tall, one of the tallest in the city. It sat on top of an underground parking system. With three different levels, each level reeked with gasoline and were barely-half lit. There were any number of shadows to hide within. It was in these shadows that the masked men moved.
Stealthily, they crept through the darkness, moving ever so closer to the building's entrance. Every now and then, a quiet gasp would float through the air as one of the masked men encountered a security guard and gently caressed their throat with a blade. The group was concerned with speed and stealth, so the bodies of their victims were quickly shoved under lonely cars or pressed deep into concealing shadows
At two am, the only people in the building would be the cleaning crews, security, and a handful of employees who had worked late enough to convince themselves to spend a night on the company couches. The staff of this building were not the target, but should they get in the way, they would be eliminated.
Reaching the stairwell, the men crept upwards. They bypassed the elevators to avoid unwanted attention. The building's power began to fail as they rose. Lights flickered, and then went out. There was no sign, but the phone and internet lines had all been cut as well. Nearby a handful of cell towers were being jammed.
Arriving at their predetermined floor, the men left the stairwell. They encountered various patrolling guards with flashlights and automatic weapons. The men could hear strained whispers from the guards as they spoke into their battery powered radios. Quiet rasps of fear escaped them, echoing through empty corridors. The smell of sweat and panic filled the air as knives were drawn in the dark. The masked men quickly quieted the guard's whispers, and the hallway fell silent.
Darting down the halls, the men finally reached their destination; a simple break room. The odor of cold coffee permeated the walls. A small refrigerator and microwave stared forlornly across the room toward a sink, and a handful of cupboards.
One of the masked men stepped forward. He pulled out a cardboard box from within his pack. Placing it on the sole table in the room, he spent a few moments quickly and efficiently assembling the contents inside. When the device was complete the men left the building as swiftly and quietly as they had entered.
If the police had arrived at that moment they might have been puzzled over the corpses, confused as to the purpose of this attack when none of the valuable data had been pillaged from the company's computers. They may have wondered if it was a message, or a threat, but it never came to that.
Within minutes of the masked men's departure the lonely break room in the heart of the TLE Investments building gave birth to a fiery explosion. The glass panes along the outside of the building shattered from the concussive force. Dust fell from the walls. The shaped blast channeled the force of the bomb, disintegrating floors both above and below, but leaving the outside walls mostly intact.
Moments after the blast went off the TLE Investment building collapsed in on itself, looking much like a controlled demolition, if not quite as clean. The western face of the building crumbled, the pressure sending chunks of construction material into the streets below.
Accompanying the destruction of the building, at least for a few moments, were the deafened screams of the unfortunates trapped inside who had survived the initial blast. Though they did not live for long, they spent a few moments in their own personal hells. The blast ruptured their eardrums. They couldn't hear their own cries for help.
Moments later, the floor beneath their feet, and the ceiling overhead, crumbled around them. Confused and terrified, they experienced an awful moment of freefall, until they were lucky enough to lose consciousness as either their bodies impacted with something, or something impacted with them.
For a long moment, everything fell silent. Then, within the underground parking chamber, an unplanned secondary explosion went off. The earth tore itself apart from the force. Aboveground, the wreckage of the TLE Investments building was hurled upwards and outwards, raining wreckage down like the terrible aftermath of a hurricane. Girders and support beams, desks, computers, and shrapnel fell in a miasma of destruction. Walls were pierced, people impaled, pets broken and killed.
And this was repeated not just here, but at dozens of TLE Investment buildings around the world. Dozens of office buildings, all destroyed, all at the same exact time. And within another building, surrounded by darkness, a phone quietly rang.
Cage woke silently opening his eyes. It took him a moment to realize where he was as he rolled to sit up. Flashes of his dream slowly faded from his mind. He'd been somewhere. A garden or a maze, maybe both. He'd been chasing someone. And every time just as he was about to catch them, they turned around another corner. All he could see was the flicker of a white dress, just out of reach of his hands.
The naked woman laying next to Cage moaned. He looked at her briefly, wondering why she was still here. He didn't prefer to share his bed. Especially with whores. Without a word he tossed the woman out of his bed. She fell naked to the floor, whimpering in pain. When she woke enough to be aware of where she was, she didn't bitch or complain. Quickly realizing her mistake, she left the room.
Cage stretched for a moment before reaching for a cigarette and his lighter. He lit his cigarette, taking a long drag from it before he finally answered his cell phone. The voice on the end was panicked as they informed him of what had happened.
Cage took it in calmly, smoking his cigarette. At one point he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Not once did he lose control as he assessed the situation at hand. When he felt he'd gathered enough information from the caller, he quieted him, informing him who should be called and what should be said. Then Cage hung up his phone.
He took a moment to send out several texts. When he was finished he scratched his head before putting out his cigarette. He glanced at the time on his phone to see it was 2:58 am. He sighed. Today was going to be a very long day.
****
Autumn woke to curtains being drawn. Sunlight beamed down on her, blinding her with light. She groaned, tossing and then turning in bed to get away from it. Her body ached painfully as she buried herself under the covers. She attempted to hide her head under her pillow. She wanted to go back to sleep. She wanted to dream of a better time, and a place she knew she'd never be.
She wanted to dream of the life she'd almost had. The life that Cage had taken away from her. It had held so much promise before she'd been taken. Autumn had a two year degree as a lab technician. For over a year she'd been working and getting the experience she needed for a better paying position.
She'd met Curtis in his last year of medical school. They were together nearly six months when he graduated. When he picked another city to do his residency in, Autumn had been concerned they might break up. But Curtis had asked her if she'd come away with him for the weekend.
She'd agreed and the two had shared a lovely time. On their first night in the city, Curtis took her to a beautiful bridge and asked her to marry him. Autumn had said yes and the next day she started looking for a job. She'd called her family and friends to tell them about the news, and that night she and Curtis had celebrated. That night Autumn had met Cage.
To celebrate, Curtis had taken them to one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city. Autumn had wondered how he knew about it and more importantly how they had got in on such short notice. She couldn't help but think he'd been planning this for weeks. When she asked him about it, he'd simply smiled at her. She teased Curtis then, asking him what he would have done with this reservation if she'd said no.
He pondered the question for a few minutes before he said he probably would have still brought her here and asked her again after she'd tasted the food. As if the food would have changed her mind. Autumn had laughed and almost couldn't wait to taste the food. She took a quick sip of her wine before she slipped away to the restroom. She got lost along the way and bumped into a man when she came around a corner.
That man had been Cage. He'd looked like he might be upset with her. As he took a step back his face twisted in anger. The man next to him glared at her but she'd barely noticed it as she met Cage's eyes. He paused then, his anger draining from his face. Autumn had stared at him in awe. He had to be the most handsome man she'd ever seen...and his eyes were breathtaking. They were like a pale blue sky, or the deep blue of ice.
The man next to Cage quickly barked at her to move and Autumn realized she'd been staring. She couldn't help but blush as she quickly bowed her head, stepping aside. "I'm so sorry. I have no idea where I'm going."
The man next to Cage stepped forward as if to walk on but Cage made no motion to move. He'd simply smiled at her and kindly asked, "Perhaps I can help you. Was there something you were looking for?"
Autumn felt like an idiot as she said, "Yes, the restroom. It's my first time here."
Cage had let out a light friendly chuckle as he pointed in the opposite direction. "It's just down that hall to the left."
"Thank you, and again, sorry."
"No problem." said Cage. For a moment Autumn felt his eyes on her as if he was staring at her but she didn't dare look up. She'd been too embarrassed. She'd kept her head down as she quickly turned and went down the hall. In her fluster she went right instead of left and Cage called after her, "LEFT!"
Autumn quickly turned around and went the right way, calling out to him. "Thanks again!"
When she got into the restroom she let out a heavy sigh, thinking that had to be one of the most embarrassing thing's she'd ever done. She'd quickly used the restroom before she'd washed her hands. Her mind had kept drifting back to the mysterious stranger. She'd kept thinking of his eyes and found herself smiling as she blushed once more. She'd caught herself in the mirror shaking her head.
She'd rolled her eyes, thinking she was being awful. Here she was going gooey over some stranger when she was supposed to be celebrating her engagement. Autumn quickly pushed Cage from her mind before fixing her hair. When she got back to her seat the appetizers had already arrived. Curtis asked what took her so long and she told him about her little adventure. She left out the fact that she found Cage handsome.
They ate their appraisers and at one point Autumn looked up and noticed the mysterious stranger was sitting in a booth not far from their table. The man he'd been with was sitting next to him, but there were also three other men standing around the booth. Autumn realized they must be bodyguards. She wondered who this man was.
Curtis turned to look at Cage when he noticed Autumn was staring. He asked, "Do you know him?"
"Oh, no." said Autumn, turning away. "Well, I told you I got lost on the way to the restroom. That's the man that helped me find my way."
"Ahhh." said Curtis. "So he's the stranger that helped you."
Autumn detected a little bit of jealousy in Curtis's voice but didn't call him on it. Instead she asked, "Do you know him? I mean, all those men around him... Do you think he's somebody famous?"
Curtis stared at Cage for a bit longer, taking in his men. He sipped his wine before turning back to Autumn. "I don't know. Maybe he's a celebrity. You should have gotten his autograph."
Autumn laughed, knowing he was teasing her. She shook her head before she playfully slapped him. Then she rested her hand on top of his. Curtis leaned in and the two kissed. They finished their appetizers and Autumn took another glance at Cage. She found him staring right at her. Her breath caught in her lungs as his gaze pierced her. Something about the way he stared at her seemed cold and calculating. Autumn had to look away, feeling uneasy.
Curtis asked her if she was okay. She said she was fine before drinking some wine. Their food arrived moments later and Autumn was exited to see if Curtis was right about how good it was. Each bite was amazing. Autumn couldn't help but think she'd want to come back here at least once every few months, if they could afford it. She knew a place like this had to cost. For a second she wondered how Curtis was affording this, but money wasn't something they talked about.
They ate in silence and, after a few bites of her Chicken Alfredo smothered in several different kinds of cheese, the waitress came up to Autumn with a drink she'd never seen before. She looked at Curtis, wondering if he'd ordered it. He looked at her obviously wondering the same thing of her.
The waitress set it down and looked right at Autumn as she said, "Mr. Zisgani would like you to join him."
"Mr. Zisgani?" repeated Curtis as he looked at Autumn.
Autumn quickly shook her head. "I don't know who that is. You must be mistaken."
"No," said the waitress. "He specifically asked for you and would like to pay for your dinner."
Autumn looked at Curtis, confused. She could see he was getting upset. "We can pay for our own meal. Who is this guy?"
"That gentleman there." said the waitress, nodding to where Cage was sitting. He'd changed his expression and looked friendly as he raised a glass to her.
Autumn watched as Curtis balled his fists. She could tell he was very upset but he didn't want to ruin the evening. He pursed his lips as he turned to Autumn. He held in his frustration as he spoke to the waitress. "Could you please take this drink away and tell this Mr...Zisa that we don't want to be disturbed, as we are celebrating our engagement?"
The waitress looked weary but nodded and took the drink away. Both Autumn and Curtis watched as she went over to Cage. She bent down and whispered what Curtis had told her in his ear. Cage took it in without changing his expression. Curtis stared Cage down for a moment or two as if to send him a message. Cage looked back at him with a pleasant smile before he nodded as if to say he understood.
Perhaps this moment had been their downfall. Autumn didn't know. Looking back on it, there were so many things she hadn't known. After the drink was returned they didn't pay any more attention to him for the rest of their meal. Autumn just looked at Curtis as if he were the only man in the world.
They talked about the future. They would rent a small apartment downtown. They'd marry, go on their honeymoon, and move into a two or three bedroom house. They'd have kids and a dog, maybe even a cat, and they'd go on two or three vacations every year. Most people didn't like to plan things out, but Curtis thought it was important and Autumn found it cute. She liked to imagine their life together and picture it being a happy one. Even though she knew plans could change, she figured they would weather the changes together. She knew if she got married she wanted it to be only once, to the man she truly loved.
When they were done eating Curtis paid the bill and they got their coats. The air was cold and crisp as they stepped outside. Curtis gave the valet their ticket and Autumn waited by the curb for their car. A black town car had pulled up rather close to her. She'd taken a step back when a man had opened the door and stepped out. He'd been in a black tux and sunglasses. His suit reminded her of the men that had been with Cage.
The man looked at Autumn, taking her in as if to make sure of something. He held the door open and said, "Please get in."
Autumn stared at him before looking to Curtis. He was discussing something with the valet. He didn't see this man standing before her. At first, Autumn thought it was a misunderstanding. She said, "I'm sorry, this isn't my car."
"Please get in." said the man, more sternly this time.
Autumn got nervous and took a step back. She thought it must be some sort of joke, but the man was insistent. He grabbed her arm before she could react. Autumn struggled with the man and screamed for Curtis. He quickly turned to see the man had nearly thrown her into the car. He was so powerful that Autumn couldn't fight him. Curtis ran to the car, yelling out Autumn's name. "Autumn! Autumn!"
From there it was a nightmare that replayed a thousand times. Autumn struggled with the man in the car. She kept her eyes on Curtis as he moved towards them. Cage came through the double doors of the restaurant with two men behind him. One man ran ahead and grabbed Curtis. The two had fought as Autumn screamed for Curtis. He'd yelled for her, struggling to fight off the other man as he attempted to get to her. Cage casually pulled a gun with a silencer from his coat.
He put it at the back of Curtis's head. Curtis had no idea what was happening, but Autumn saw it all. Cage pulled the trigger. It wasn't like the movies. There wasn't some big explosion or dramatic impact. Curtis just looked shocked as the bullet went into the back of his head. One moment he was alive, struggling to free himself from Cage's bodyguard and save Autumn. The next minute he was limp, falling forward.
The bodyguard that had been fighting him, caught Curtis's body and handed it off to the other bodyguard like it was nothing. Together, they took him away as Cage put his gun away. Autumn stopped struggling as she stared at where Curtis had been, in shock. The man that had dragged her into the car, stepped out. Cage handed him an envelope and then got into the car. The moment that door shut, she knew her life as she knew it was over.
Countless times Autumn laid awake, wondering what if she'd just asked where the restroom was? What if she'd just had one drink with Cage? What if they'd never gone to the restaurant? Would Curtis still be alive? Would they be together now? Would they be married living in a house? Would they be expecting a child? Would she have a nice job? And, most of all, would she have been happy? Autumn knew she would never know. She would always be trapped here, forced to live a miserable existence.
Truly she hadn't enjoyed being kidnapped, but these last few days had been different and it had been so long since something had been different. For almost two years now Cage had controlled just about every aspect of her daily life. Now that she was back here she couldn't help but feel depressed. She wanted to curl up in bed and stay there forever.
"Autumn... Autumn," called a cheery voice, "Wake up now or I'll get the hose."
For a second Autumn paused in her misery to smile slightly as she recognized Penna's voice. Penna was the only thing Autumn liked about this place. She was the closest thing Autumn had to a friend. She was in charge of keeping Autumn on schedule. When she was first taken, Autumn had spent weeks in bed until Cage decided she should get up and move around.
Penna had been assigned to make sure Autumn got up every morning. She made sure Autumn showered, ate, and kept to her routine. At first Autumn had despised Penna, just as she despised Cage and this tower he kept her in. Autumn had thought Penna was just another person keeping her here, but Penna had been patient with her and helped her through the worst of it. Somehow she made Autumn to want to wake up each morning and experience the day.
Over time Autumn learned that, like her, Penna wasn't here by choice. When Autumn and her had gotten more friendly, Penna told Autumn about her parents. They had died when she and her little brother, Byron, were only in their teens. She told Autumn her family had debts to pay and, not even a day after her parents funeral, the Zisgani organization had come to their home.
Cage's top men had given her the option of either her or her brother paying off the debt. Penna was seventeen at the time and had no choice but to step up. Byron had only been thirteen at the time. He'd just been just a kid. To this day he was still unaware of the sacrifices Penna had made for him. He didn't know what she did for a living, or anything about the Zisgani organization. He only thought she had a well-paying, legitimate job.
Penna didn't want Byron to have anything to do with the Zisgani and did her best to keep him from finding out. She worked hard to pay off their family's debt and was attempting to put Byron through college. He wanted to be a doctor and Penna wanted to make his dream come true.
Autumn admired Penna's choices. On top of that, Penna always had a smile on her face. Autumn had asked her once how she could smile so much especially with everything that had happened. Penna told her that the reason she could smile was that taking care of Autumn was the best job she'd gotten in the Zisgani organization. Getting to hang out with Autumn was loads better than some of the other stuff they'd had her doing over the years.
Autumn had wanted to know just what other things they'd had Penna do, but she knew better than to ask. Usually Penna was open and friendly, but when it came to things that involved her past in the Zisgani organization, she would often grow quiet and her eyes would grow dark and dangerous.
Autumn recognized the violence in those eyes from Cage, and so there were things they just didn't talk about. They didn't talk about Penna's dealings with the Zisgani organization and they didn't talk about Autumn escaping. Only once had Autumn asked Penna to help her escape. Penna had made it clear that if she was ever seen planning or trying to break Autumn out, she would lose more than just her job.
Autumn sighed as she thought of her friend. She could feel her sit on the bed and a moment later a hand came down over the blankets to rest on her back. It patted her gently, soothing her. "Come on, Autumn, you have to get up. You know if it was me I'd let you sleep, but orders are orders."
Autumn sighed once more but slowly came out from under her pillow. She reached out and pulled the covers down. Slowly she sat up and was met with Penna's warm smile. She could smell her flowery perfume and see her kind eyes. Quietly Autumn said, "Hello."
Penna reached out, moving some of Autumn's hair behind her ear before she said, "Hello."
Autumn could tell Penna was worried. She looked Autumn over, resting her hand on her wrists. She looked at the bandages and sighed before saying, "I hate to say it, but I'm glad to see you back. I would have been happy for you if you'd truly gotten away. But when I heard you'd been taken…This whole place has been up in arms ever since. I couldn't help but worry about what those bastards might be doing to you. Did they hurt you?"
"Not much." said Autumn, looking away. "It was like a vacation compared to…him."
"Mmm," said Penna, looking at Autumn sadly before she got up from the bed. "I'm sorry you're back but I'm glad to know you're okay."
Penna offered Autumn her hand and she took it, allowing her to help her out of bed. "Thank you." said Autumn. "Any news? How have you been?"
"Busy. Byron is nearly ready to graduate, top of his class I might add. Come a few months from now, he told me that if he keeps his standing he'll be the one giving the graduation speech. He wants me to be there and has asked me to come. Of course I told him I didn't know if I can make it. Maybe if things change. I asked for the time off, but who knows if I'll get it."
"You'll get it." said Autumn before yawning. "I'll make him give it to you. I don't have much power, but I know if I make it a point to ask him he'll let you."
"Oh, you don't have to do that for me." said Penna.
"No, it's the least I can do for making all of this bearable. Though I don't know what I'll do without you." said Autumn gloomily.
"It will only be for a day or so, I promise."
Autumn smiled at her and the two began their daily ritual. It was funny knowing yesterday she'd been drugged and handcuffed to a chair and now here she was back in the tower as she called it. It was actually just a large skyscraper. One of the tallest in the city from what she heard. But given her situation she couldn't help but think of it as a tower she'd been locked in. Now, if only she could grow out her hair or have someone save her. Autumn laughed to herself for a second as she thought of someone actually being able to save her.
She was kept on the top floor of the tower and the only way in was through a hidden stairwell or a guarded elevator. Cage owned the building and had it set up with all sorts of security measure so no one could get in or out unless he wanted them to. Autumn wasn't exactly sure what Cage did for a living but from what she had gathered it was something very dangerous and highly illegal.
A few times she'd seen people being tortured around her or even killed as she sat in the shadows next to Cage. For the most part Cage didn't get directly involved in the torturing and killing, but there were some special cases he saw to himself. It was terrifying what he could do to another human without flinching. Without even the slightest amount of remorse crossing his face. Just that expressionless face and those hard, dry eyes. Autumn didn't know how she could have ever been taken in by them now.
Cage owned many other buildings and houses, but he spent most his time here. Thankfully, he had his own separate bedroom and wing on the floor. Autumn was kept within her own wing that included three rooms beside her bedroom. She had a workout room, a classroom, and an entertainment room. If she went anywhere else within the tower she had to have special permission and even then she was never allowed to wander. She was usually accompanied by Penna and various guards. She wasn't allowed to go outside the tower without Cage.
She was required to participate in various daily activities that kept her mind and body in shape. Every day she had some sort of task to complete and had to exercise a minimum of one hour. Autumn wasn't exactly fat or plump, but she had curves. She'd never really cared about her weight because she mostly ate when she was hungry and didn't when she wasn't. Of course, she indulged in the occasional treat here or there and didn't always eat the best things for her, but everyone did at some point.
In the tower her foods were mostly handpicked. Special menus were devised for her particular needs. She was given what was best for her even though she didn't always like it. She also had to do specific exercises designed to heighten her health and well being. She was still allowed to have sweets and treats, but with the understanding that she would have to work for them.
Sometimes it wasn't worth it. The first time she found out how long it took to work off a single slice of pie, she didn't think she'd ever want another one. But there were days when she just needed something sweet to make her feel good. Holidays were the best time to splurge if she really wanted something. She was allowed to eat whatever she wanted and didn't have to work it off. Of course, holidays never lasted long around here.
When she wasn't exercising, she had classes. Cage had her studying all sorts of things. She was allowed to choose some of the things she wanted to learn but for the most part Autumn didn't want anything to do with it. She refused to play his game. She was a hostage, a captive here, and just because he gave her activities to do didn't make things any better. So he usually chose for her.
At first she didn't participate and would just stare off into space, but after a while she eventually gave in out of boredom and lack of willpower. It was exhausting fighting all the time against every little thing in her life. Sometimes she just had to give in, and she learned to pick her battles.
She found some classes were interesting while others were quite frustrating. Sometimes she wouldn't like a class and would ask Cage to let her drop it. But he seemed to have a set amount of classes he thought she should attend before allowing her to quit.
Autumn wondered if she was going to have breakfast first thing or go to a class. Maybe she'd even exercise. There were a few mornings she had done yoga as soon as she woke up. Before Autumn could ask what she was doing, Penna informed her she would be having breakfast with Cage.
Autumn sighed deeply then, dragging her feet through her room. Usually she only had to have dinner with Cage or the occasional lunch. He usually wasn't up by now or was busy with something. It was bad enough that she had to see him at all, but seeing him first thing in the morning often ruined her whole day.
Autumn considered climbing back in bed, but Penna went and started the shower. While the shower got hot, Autumn begrudgingly went to her walk-in closet. She picked out some clothes from the selection Cage had deemed appropriate. All of the clothes were sheer and most of them were short. Autumn pick out the long sheer peach dress, putting it in the bed. She knew this one covered the most and only showed the outline of her curves.
Most of the other dresses made her feel like she was practically walking around naked. The first few times she wore them she was sure people would stare at her. She despised being exposed. But to her surprise no one stared, or even looked at her for that matter. When Autumn shared her surprise, Penna had told Autumn that the men were used to seeing women with no clothes on. Especially around Cage. He was known for his appetite. She also told Autumn that none of the men would be stupid enough to get caught staring at Cage's woman.
When Autumn learned this she had almost wanted to be rebel. She wanted to go around naked and show Cage she didn't belong to him. That she could do whatever she wanted. But Autumn figured the men would just be removed and Cage would just do what he wanted.
Autumn sighed as she undressed from her sheer white night gown. Pulling at the straps she let it fall to the floor before stepping out of it. She didn't remember putting it on and for a moment she wondered who had put it on her. She stepped into the restroom as steam filled the room.
Before she got into the shower Penna gave some rubber gloves to wear over her hands and wrists. She sealed them so water wouldn't get to her bandages. Penna was good at planning. She almost always seemed to be prepared. She had a knack for the small things, and Autumn would often find her remembering things she'd forgotten. Autumn believe that, if Penna didn't have to work for the Zisgani, she would make a good personal assistant or a manager. Once Autumn had what she needed, Penna left the room. The water was just right when Autumn got in. The shower had a temperature gauge set to what Autumn liked.
For a moment she basked in the luxurious heat as water covered her from three different directions. It soothed her aching muscles and made her hum with relaxation. Eventually she washed her hair and then her body using the various soaps and shampoos available to her. When she was all cleaned and rinsed, she stepped out of the shower.
Penna returned and handed Autumn a large, fluffy towel before she turned off the shower. Autumn used to be modest around her but after a while she got used to the fact that Penna would see her naked sometimes. Now she didn't really notice it. Autumn dried herself off slowly before Penna helped her take the rubber gloves off. Autumn put the towel in the laundry chute within the room before she went to powder herself. She put it over every inch of her body, enjoying the smell of it and how soft it made her skin feel.
When she was finished she changed into the long sleeved peach dress Penna had brought in. Now dressed, Autumn moved into the bedroom. She sat down at her vanity and picked up her brush. As she brushed her hair, Penna informed her of the day's schedule. "After breakfast you'll play table tennis, followed by pottery lessons until lunch. After lunch there will be reading time followed by clarinet lessons. Before dinner you'll meet with your personal trainer who wants to assess your injures and see what you can do for the next few days. After dinner you can have a choice of music time or movie time until bed."
Autumn sighed as she went over the plans in her head. She didn't mind most of the things but she wasn't a fan of learning the clarinet. So far the only instruments she enjoyed playing were the piano, harp, and flute. She was not enjoying the clarinet and would rather learn the drums, maybe the violin, or even the guitar, but she knew Cage wouldn't let her quit until she learned a song. So far she was on her 6th lesson and barely knew a few bars of music.
Penna's phone buzzed and she checked it as Autumn tied her hair back with a blue ribbon. Penna looked stressed as she put her phone down. "You'd better hurry and get your slippers on. We're running late. He's going to be there any minute."
"Let him wait." said Autumn coldly.
"Autumn, now is not the time to rebel. You just got back. Give yourself a rest."
Autumn groaned, knowing Penna was right. There was no use in avoiding it anyway. Knowing Cage, he'd wait all day. If he wanted to have breakfast with her, then he would have breakfast with her. Autumn put her hairbrush down before she stood up and put her slippers on.
Together, Penna and her walked through several hallways and rooms until they reached the dining room. Penna nodded to Autumn that she would wait outside before Autumn went in. Cage still wasn't there. Only the chef and guard were standing in the room. A table had been set up with an exotic spread and expensive dishes. Autumn walked up to the table and the chef quickly pulled out her chair for her. Autumn sat down and thanked him before he began to tell her what she could have for breakfast.
Her options were, fruit, fruit, or fruit. They had a fruit salad, a fruit parfait, or blueberry buttermilk pancakes with raspberries, bananas, wild berries, and a side of maple syrup. Autumn thought about what she wanted for a bit. She hadn't thought she was hungry but when the chef talked about those pancakes her stomach rumbled. Suddenly she couldn't remember the last time she'd ate. Her captors had given her food a few times a day but it had mostly been a box of crackers or a bag of chips and the night before they turned her over they'd stopped feeding her.
After Cage had saved Autumn she'd just come home and slept. She realized it had been morning when they saved her so that meant she'd slept through the day and all of the night. Her stomach rumbled once more. Autumn quickly ordered the pancakes and asked if she could also have a large glass of milk. He told her he didn't think she'd could have a large glass but he'd bring her a small glass and perhaps some fresh squeezed orange juice. Autumn nodded and the chef stepped away from her as they waited for Cage to arrive.
He came in not even a minute later with Fredric in the lead and Lane at his side. Fredric was Cage's main bodyguard. It was very rare to see one without the other. Fredric was often the first person to enter a room and exit it. Tall and muscular, he looked like he could easily take care of anyone. Autumn didn't like him much. The first time they'd met in the hall he'd glared at her, and he'd been the one to struggle with Curtis.
The first few weeks after she'd been taken Fredric had also held her down or back when she had attempted to kill Cage. For the most part he hardly every spoke. He often acted like a wall, putting his hands in front of him. He would stare off into space for hours at a time. As time went on Autumn often found herself forgetting he was even there.
Lane was Cage's personal assistant. She could have been a model with her good looks and taste in clothing. She was always dressed in nice suits and skirts. Her hair was never out of place. Autumn didn't know much about her even though she was often around. Over the last year they'd only ever talked once or twice, and even then it was mostly polite, if not civil, conversation. Lane was always busy either talking on a cell phone or texting. She carried at least a dozen phones on her at all times. Autumn often wondered how she kept track of them all and knew just which one was ringing.
Cage looked slick in his black trench coat. It fit him perfectly and almost always seemed to float around him as it wisped behind him several inches off the floor. His hair was pulled back. His face was cleanly shaven. As he took off his trench coat and folded it over the back of his chair, Autumn could smell his cologne. It was strong, but not too strong.
He was wearing a nice black suit that was perfectly tailored to fit his well toned body. While Autumn only had to work out for an hour a day, Cage relished working out two hours every day. Once in the morning and once in the evening. Sometimes he'd even work out while he was on the phone or in a briefing. He seemed to love physical activity and the benefits showed. Not that Autumn admired him or anything. Not since the first day she'd met him. Too much had happened between them for her to ever think he was handsome again.
Cage sat down and ordered what he wanted from the chef. The chef then left to make their food. Autumn looked at Cage briefly as he poured himself some coffee, adding some creamer and sugar. He seemed busy as Lane continued the conversation they'd been having. "We got a response. They are secure. Stenz wants to know what you want to do about the Beckwith."
"Nothing." said Cage, before taking a sip of his coffee. He looked tired as he set it down. He pulled out a cigarette and Fredric was there in a matter of seconds with a lighter. Cage leaned forward as Fredric lit his cigarette. He took several puffs before he said, "Stenz is always ready to jump when there is smoke. Tell him to sit on some ice and cool down."
"Yes sir." said Lane, quickly texting into her phone. When she was finished she asked, "Would you like me to call Berry and Michel and have them poke around to see who was behind this and how they got so many locations?"
"No, I'll find that out later." said Cage, releasing puffs of smoke into the air in the shapes of o's. "I called Barger for a sit down. It's only a matter of time now."
Lane slowly pulled away from her phone. She let it drop in her lap as she asked, "So you know who did it?"
Cage groaned and coughed, clearing his throat before he said, "They couldn't have left a bigger calling card."
"Hmm." said Lane, picking up her phone once more. She began texting again as she asked, "What do you think they want?"
"I don't know." said Cage as he put his cigarette out in the ashtray on the table. "But I know what I want: for you to finish this up so I can have my fucking breakfast in peace."
"Right." said Lane. She quickly looked through her phone to see if there was anything else they needed to discuss. "Ah yes, now about the party..."
Cage turned to face Lane and glared at her. She quickly apologized. "Of course, I'm sorry. We'll discuss it another time."
Cage groaned again, crossing his arms. Lane looked through her phone again and said, "Ah, you have an eleven o'clock with Francis. He wants to discuss countermeasures. At two o'clock Cardin needs to see you about buying the club. He told me he just needs you to sign some papers and wanted to show you some pictures for the insurance. And that should be it."
Cage nodded and said, "Alright, call Cardin. Get him to come in before Francis. I want to free up my afternoon. Also call the Granule and make a lunch reservation. I feel like going out."
"Yes sir." said Lane, quickly texting into her phone before she stood up. One of her many cell phones rang and she quickly moved to answered it as she left the room. The food was brought in a few moments later. For a while there was silence as Cage and Autumn dished up and began to eat.
Autumn hoped the silence would last through breakfast, but it didn't. Eventually Cage looked at her and gently smiled. She did her best to ignore him as she ate her food but after a few minutes he leaned forward, touching her hand.
His cold touch made her shudder as he talked sweetly to her. "And how are we this morning?"
"Fuck you." said Autumn, pulling her hand away.
Cage sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I'm not in the mood today, Autumn. Can't you ever say anything nice? Like, oh, I don't know. How about 'thank you for saving me.'"
Autumn let out a laugh. "Saving me? How can you save someone from a vacation?"
"Vacation? You call that a vacation?" said Cage, surprised by her choice of words.
"Yes." said Autumn, smiling at him. "Compared to you, it was. Anything compared to you is better."
Cage tapped his fingers on the table as he thought for a moment before saying, "Really? That's not what your doctors told me. You were dehydrated and had several injuries that needed medical attention. They had to give you fluid for hours and sedate you."
Autumn looked at Cage, not remembering any of this. The last thing she remembered was Cage carrying her to bed. Him looming over her before she passed out. She wished she could talk to Penna and ask her how long she had slept. Had it really only been a day? Or had it been several?
"You should eat." said Cage, bringing Autumn from her thoughts.
Autumn looked at Cage and then to her food. She pushed her plate forward and away from her, even thought she was still hungry. She said, "I don't want it. You ruined my appetite like you've ruined everything."
Cage rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You're always so dramatic, Autumn. How miserable must you be, getting to eat just about whatever you want, cooked by the finest of chefs. And how dull your days must be, having the best teachers and trainers."
"I didn't ask for any of it. I DON'T WANT ANY OF IT! I'd gladly give it all up if I could get away from YOU!"
Cage sighed deeply. Autumn could tell he was upset. She knew Penna was also going to be upset with her. She didn't like Autumn picking fights with him because she was afraid of him and the things he could do. Autumn knew he was dangerous and she should watch what she said, but there were times when she just couldn't take it. When she just couldn't take him and didn't care what happened if she yelled at him.
Autumn wanted to keep fighting with him. She wanted to yell and throw things at him, but she thought of Penna and reminded herself she still needed to ask Cage if she could have some time off to go to Byron's graduation. Autumn picked up her napkin from the table. She wrung it up in her hands on her lap. She pushed out all of her frustration and rage into it, causing her hands to turn red.
Her wrists ached and began to chafe against her bandages but she didn't care. The pain helped her not to release the fury within her. She closed her eyes and did her best to settle down. Cage sipped his coffee slowly staring off into space. He barely touched his food before standing up. He slowly took his coat off the back of his chair then put it on, straightening it.
He pushed his chair in before leaning forward. He pounded his fists on the table, causing Autumn to open her eyes as the table shook and dishes rattled. She looked up at him and he said, "I'm ever so sorry I ruined your VACATION. Maybe next time you get taken and held at gunpoint, I'll let them keep you an extra few days. Or perhaps, now that I know you enjoy that sort of thing, I can make arrangements in your schedule to allow you a week or two in a dark storeroom to be tortured and malnourished! I'm sure we have one lying around here somewhere."
Autumn glared at Cage. She knew he was being sarcastic. She snapped at him bitterly. "I HATE YOU!"
Cage let out a small mocking laugh before he said, "What a pleasure it is to have you back."
He pulled back from the table then with a smug smile on his face, as if to gloat in the fact that she was pathetic and her words were all she had. Cage's cell phone rang before Autumn could say anything in response. Without another word, he turned from her. As he left the room, he answered his phone. Fredric quickly followed after him, leaving Autumn alone.
She looked at the half-eaten pancakes in front of her and everything that had been laid out for breakfast. She wanted to throw it all to the ground. She wanted to rip and tear everything to shreds. She wanted to scream to the top of her lungs. But she didn't, because she'd already done all that before. She knew where it went and she knew who would have to clean it up. She slid her chair back, resting her arms on the table. She buried her head in her arms and began to weep, knowing from past experiences that it was useless. It was all so useless.
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