I remained absolutely motionless, feeling my heart pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird. That night, while I was sitting in my car and checking my phone, I discovered a recording that I had accidentally activated when I left my bag on the floor.
At the seven second mark of the audio, a man’s voice could be heard clearly. “This time, add more of the sedative because the girl is already starting to get suspicious,” the voice warned.
I couldn’t sleep a single wink that night, knowing that my life was in danger. The following Saturday, I hid a high quality pen recorder in my bag and a tiny mini camera disguised inside a fake wall charger.
When I arrived at my in laws house, I saw two pairs of unfamiliar men’s shoes sitting by the front door. “There are some guests joining us today,” Martha said without looking me in the eye, her hands trembling as she adjusted her apron.
Frank introduced me to two men named Roger and Victor, and the latter looked me up and down in a predatory way that made my skin crawl. During the meal, Frank raised his glass toward the ceiling with a theatrical flair.
“Here is to the family, and to the important agreements that benefit everyone involved in our future,” he toasted loudly. I pretended to drink the broth, I pretended to get dizzy, and I pretended to fall unconscious on the chair.
Brian took me to our usual guest room, but this time, when he closed the door, I heard the definitive click of a lock being engaged from the outside. Then, I heard the slow, heavy sound of footsteps approaching.
Victor’s voice broke into a low, sinister laugh. “Has she finally fallen for it?” he asked impatiently.
And Frank replied with a cruel edge to his tone. “She won’t wake up so easily today, and we have work to do.”
I couldn’t believe what was about to happen in that room.
