Broken

Chapter 36

Lydia

I watch Liam as he plays quietly with his toys.

Children are so innocent. Oblivious to the ways of the world. Here he is, Kidnapped but still smiling. It breaks my heart.

I hate how he had to get mixed up in all of this.

As I calmly drink my tea, I contemplate whether I should call mom. Richard DID tell me to do it.

I put down my glass cup and reach for my phone when there's a sudden knock on the door.

Who could it be? I wasn't expecting anyone.

I usher Liam to stay quiet as I walk up to the door and peer outside through the peephole.

It's Zack. And he looks mad.

Why!? Why is he here!? Without informing beforehand!

Quickly, I pick up my phone and run into the bedroom as he knocks again. Atleast he can't bring a gun in here.

Liam sits there, worried. I give him the phone and take him to the bathroom closest.

"Hide. Whatever happens, DO NOT come out. And when I yell the word "Hilarious" call my friend Richard and just say code:blue. Understand? Can you do it?" I whisper to him as the knocking grows louder.

He nods but is still scared "W-who is it?"

"An angry friend of mine. Don't worry, I'll make him leave soon." I assure him and leave him to open the door.

As soon as I open the door, he glares at me.

"Where are they?" He demands.

"Who are you talking about?" I smirk.

He then pushes past me, forcefully entering the room, and starts searching the living room. I quickly shut the door.

"Is this about your embarrassing fiasco at the old toy factory? Saw it on the news" I taunt, successfully prompting him to stop in his tracks.

"Lydia. I'm done with your games. Tell me where Morgan and that boy is right now." He says firmly in a threatening tone.

I brace myself and continue to have the upper hand.

"I honestly don't know where they are but even if I did, aren't you so incompetent that you can't find them on your own? Guess now everyone will find-" before I can finish what I'm saying, he launches at me and his thick hands grab my delicate neck.

I lose balance and fall onto the sofa behind me while he gets on top of me and starts strangling me. The tea cup on the table falls to the floor, shattering to bits.

The weight of him on my stomach and his hands crushing my windpipe makes it incredibly hard to breathe.

"Either you answer me right now or I'll kill you right at this spot." He roars as I cough. My hands desperately try to pull him away.

Don't show weakness...
Don't falter...
Don't let them get to you...

I smirk and open my mouth, to speak. "Are you sure...you wanna do that? Richard will reveal...everything if...I'm not able to."

"I'll just take my chances. Deal with that later." He says as his grip tightens. He doesn't let go even as my nail dig into his hands prompting blood to drip towards my neck.

Not...yet...

"Poor Ethan...was...so proud" I utter as I start to gag.

His grip finally loses and I start to cough and gasp for air.