Rock Radio - By Lisa Wainland Page 0,97

sternly, anger creeping into his tone.

Back off, Dana, back off, she thought, trying to remember all the TV specials she’d seen on kidnapping and what to do in the situation, never thinking she’d ever need those skills. Gain their trust, be their friend, don’t confront.

“Larry,” she said as sweetly as possible, “I appreciate what you’re doing, but how can I get to know you if you have me tied up in this little room?”

She made a good point. And she said his name. It sounded so nice when Dana Drew said Larry. It made him feel like somebody, not the loser everyone thought he was.

“You’re right, Dana” he said, crawling into the room to get her out.

Dana’s body skid against the concrete floor as he pulled her out. She felt her legs burn with pain. Her head came out first. She breathed in the air; it was not much less stagnant than where she was.

“I’ll help you, honey,” Larry said, as if he had found her trapped here and was her rescuer, not the man who put her in this situation.

“Thank you so much.” She was out. “How about these restraints?”

“Oh, yeah,” he said, grabbing a large knife from the kitchen. Dana closed her eyes as the sharp blade flashed before her eyes and slit the tape restraints on her hands.

She wriggled her arms at their freedom. Large red bands ringed her wrists. She rubbed her irritated skin feeling stinging pain. And then, her feet were free. They were both sitting on the floor. Larry reached his hand out and caressed her face with his hand. She flinched back.

“You don’t need to be scared,” he said rising to his feet, extending a hand to her. “I love you. I’d never hurt you.”

Reluctantly, Dana took his hand to get up. His skin was cold and clammy. She surveyed her captor and her surroundings. Before her stood Larry, buzzed hair, angular face, anxious eyes. She could vaguely conjure up a memory of him. All that filled her brain were the calls, the picture he sent and that crazy card. I told you, Jonny, he’s creepy. Her words echoed in her brain. She scanned the room. It was dingy, dark and small. An old couch and a small coffee table filled one room. The dining area was connected to the living room. A simple card table stood in the middle of it with four folding chairs. The window curtains were drawn shut. To her left was the front door and to her right, the kitchen with a sliding glass door that led out back.

“Where are we?” she asked, probing for information. The more she knew, the better she could plan her escape.

“At my house.”

“In what city?” she said, trying to gauge her surroundings.

“Why?” Larry asked, not liking the list of questions.

“I just want to know where we live,” she said.

“Oh...we’re in South Florida.”

“In...?”

“Miami.”

“Oh, good.” Thank God, they weren’t far.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” Larry hugged her. “I have so many plans for us and our life together.”

She recoiled at his touch. “Like what?” she whispered.

“My darling,” he took her hand like he’d seen so many men do in the movies, “it will all be clear soon.”

Dana blinked back tears. She was terrified.

“Now, my sweet, I must go to work. I tried to get time off for your arrival, but alas I was unable. But, no worries, I’ll be back soon.”

“Oh, I’ll be fine,” Dana said.

“Yes, you will.” Larry pulled a folding chair from the card table. “Please sit down.”

“Why?”

“Dana, darling, I love you but I don’t trust you. I fear if I go you won’t be here when I get back.”

“No, Larry...”

“I’m not stupid, Dana Drew.” His sweet voice grew mean. “Now sit,” he ordered.

“But...”

“Sit,” he said sternly and pushed her down into the chair. In seconds he had bound her hands together again behind her back and taped her feet. “I’m going to let you stay in the special room I built for you.”

“No!” Dana screamed. She couldn’t go back in that glorified hole with a door. “No, please, don’t put me back in there, please!”

Larry felt a wave of excitement at the power he had. She was begging him...begging! He was in control. He loved it.

“Sorry, but I have to do it.” He picked her up. She squirmed with all her might, trying to break free.

“No! No!” she yelled pushing her body away from him as hard as she could.

Larry felt his grip loosen. It was hard to hold someone so