Collateral

Lucas nodded in mock understanding and agreement. “I thought you might say that.” He said, standing up and coming to look at her right in the face until she flinched. “By the time I am done with you, you will be begging me to take you far away from this place.”

“What makes you think that I would not run to the police or shout for help once you let me out of here after I agree to your terms?”

He smiled the exact same smile that Chloe had seen on the face of insane homeless people years back when she herself was on the streets. There was no doubt about it. This guy belonged in a psychiatric hospital.

“Because I wield all the power, that’s why.” He said, smiling at her as pleasantly as though he was about to pour her a nice, warm cup of tea.

Chloe wondered what he meant by that, but she did not have to wait too long to find out.

“You will agree to my terms because if you don’t, I'm going to kill your boyfriend.”

“I don't believe you.”