Feeling like a child castigated for not eating his vegetables; Mike rode blindfolded and hand bound in the trunk of the car, following their drive through fare.
After what seemed and eternity which thoroughly disoriented Mike, he heard the car engine shut down, and the trunk door finally open. He was assisted by four hands to make an unceremonious exit, his body having become a cold, twisted lump.
Mike was solicitously supported and guided to sit on a wooden chair.
He was secured by the ankles and arms surrounding the back of this chair, and was left to sit there still shivering as the space they were in was also cold as the trunk had been.
Mike strained to hear what was happening around him, as he heard another vehicle drive in and more footsteps approach him, accompanied by the bark of a ferocious dog.
-“How does it feel to be powerless Mike?” an almost familiar voice taunted Mike.
-“Do I know you from somewhere?” Mike asked almost sure, though not quite.
In response Mike felt his lights knocked out. The punch to his stomach made the chair topple backwards.
-“Hey! Hey! Please settle down, we should not treat our guest like this – unless it becomes absolutely necessary.” Boris arbitrated, as Mike’s chair was straightened.
-“Alright, eventually I will have my fun with you.” The man without the Russian accent threatened.
-“Please don’t hurt me anymore! I want to return safely to my kids. I am a father of two precious little girls…. PLEASE…PLEASE… DON’T HURT ME!” Mike wailed as the image of his kid’s faces became a beacon of light in the midst of the insanity and terror, shaking his frame with tremors that went beyond the coldness seeping through his clothing.
-“Okay, here is the deal Michael. I know it’s very cold, and it’s getting late, and you probably have a date with your little girls’ tomorrow morning, and lots of good times ahead.
This is how it’s going to play out. Listen to me please. You can decide how early we drop you off somewhere and leave you alone in your car.
Judging by the bank withdrawal slip, and by the assets we have been told that you have, I think that making a small contribution of fifty thousand dollars, is not going to brake you.
Obviously we would need to wait until the bank opens for you to make such a withdrawal in person, but that would only prolong the duress and length of this transaction.
You see, not only would you have to wait for the bank to open, and pass the night seated on that cold and uncomfortable chair, but I would need additional collateral as well, simply to assure me that you would not alert the authorities while inside of the bank.
I would need additional collateral Michael – do you know what I mean?
I believe that it would be best overall if you somehow avoided withdrawal from the bank, and perhaps broke your piggy bank.” Boris said in a persuasive yet chilling tone when the implications of what he said sank in.
-“You’re crazy. I am not rich; I’ve also been hit hard by the market crash- what do you think, that I keep all my money gathering dust under my mattress?” Mike answered in panic mode.
The direct kick on his groin made him see stars, these followed by repeated slaps which loosened the scarf covering his eyes.
Mike was able to make out the inside of a warehouse, and to also recognize the man who was delighting in hitting him incessantly.
To be continued….
