Chapter 18

In East London, the hot summer sun beat down as a group of schoolgirls poured out of their school, filling the streets with their lively chatter in their short skits and bare legs. They were buzzing with excitement about Dilan’s party, which was happening the next day, and their laughter echoed with the promise of a fun-filled evening. “I wonder if Sophie is coming, anyone hear from her today?” it was Thalia, who had texted her but had received no response. None of the girls could say or care, they were too preoccupied with the chat of parties, boys and music to fill the summer.

Teresa Yildiz hurried home after her shift. She had passed a group of school girls with Sophie’s uniform on the way, and was not surprised that she had not come home yet. She supposed she was still soaking up the summer sun in the park. She smiled to herself, she was happy that her withdrawn and shy young daughter was finally coming out of her shell. She had seemed happier over the last few weeks but had seemed very worried this past week about something.

Teresa, though had something else on her mind. She had a tinder with Brad, an American investment banker. Teresa stripped off and checked herself in the mirror. She was forty two years old, still with a slim waist but with crows eyes, and thinning lips. Her strawberry blonde hair and green eyes had once bewitched young men but the years of minimum wage work, raising two young girls by herself, and a bottle of wine nearly every week had taken their toll.

Still, she smiled as she rubbed her fingers over her waxed pussy, and cradled her full large breasts. She still had it and could attract handsome young men like Brad, who seemed to be loaded with money. This would be their third date, and she hopped in the shower before trying on her prettiest black lingerie and stockings, hoping it would not be too hot, and then her little black dress. She hurried out, and held her breath as she heard another gaggle of young girls. She did not want Sophie to see her like this, she knew she was a little prudish and would not approve!

Edward Pembroke was on the train back to Willowbridge, his local station in Norfolk. He was buzzing from the alcohol and the success of his venture so far. The train was full of commuters going home for the weekend and he allowed himself to perv over some of the office girls.

On his walk home, he watched the girls cavort and stroll around in their skimpy shorts and skirts and tops. He stopped and bought an ice cream and allowed himself to luxuriate in further fantasies. One girl with dark hair was walking with her friends in tight short denim shorts which showcased her butt cheeks, and her nipples protruded out of her tight red vest top. If he wanted, he could have her. He smiled to himself – ‘yes, just follow her, find out something about her, I just need one clue, and if it takes one, two or three months, that little bitch can join Sophie in my dungeon.’

Eventually, he moved on. A sense of apprehension grew as he got home. He kissed his mother on the forehead, and went to his laptop beside her on the sofa. He clicked into his secure personal server, and was able to view the closed circuit camera footage of his dungeon.

He smiled in triumph as he watched poor Sophie, in her school uniform of blouse and skirt, but now barefoot, sitting on her bench in the cell. She was playing with her hair, one leg drawn up in a semi lotus position. He switched cameras, and was gratified with a view up her skirt to see the white triangle of her panties.

He looked at his mother, drooling and vacant. He turned on the microphone connected to his server and spoke into the laptop. “Hello, Sophie. This is your captor speaking. I will be coming down soon, do not worry. I’m sorry for leaving you alone down there, but I have to take care of some things up here first.”

Sophie jumped at the sound of his voice, her heart racing as she scanned the dim room to find the source. The hidden speakers amplified her disorientation. She had been sinking into a resigned stupor, her mind succumbing to hopelessness. But the voice snapped her back to reality. This was no dream; she was kidnapped, and her captor was coming back. Why had he taken her? What was he planning to do?

Pembroke headed to his garage to continue cleaning up. He collected more debris from the van seats, then brought out a vacuum cleaner, a hose, and bleach with cloths. It took time, but he wanted the van spotless. He’d rented it from Scotland, with the agency believing he was holidaying in the Highlands. It would be returned in a few days.

Back inside, he cleaned out the wooden box and returned it to the garage. He put his clothes in the washing machine and discarded other debris in the trash bin. He scanned the house, looking for any stray red hairs. The council usually sent people on Friday evenings to check on his mother, so he needed to be prepared. After another shower and reapplying makeup and concealer, he sat with his mother on the sofa watching TV while also monitoring Sophie on the laptop.

When the carers arrived, Pembroke pretended to be busy in the kitchen and upstairs to avoid close contact with them, not wanting them to see his scratched face up close. Once they left, he relaxed. Now he was free to confront Sophie.

Sophie shivered when the basement door groaned open. The harsh fluorescent lights came on, revealing the grim basement. Stanley, now in different black clothes, approached the cell where Sophie was held, his expression eerily calm. He carried a small tray, speaking with an unsettlingly gentle tone.

“I’ve brought you some food, Sophie,” he said, sliding the tray through a hatch in the cage. “You must be starving, and it’s been quite a traumatic day for you.” The tray contained fruit, a handful of nuts, and a sandwich. He pushed it toward her, ensuring she could reach it.

Sophie shrank away from his words. His gentle tone contrasted sharply with the reality of her captivity. This man, with his unnerving calmness and twisted kindness, held her fate in his hands.

“Eat up,” he said, his eyes cold and intense. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Once you’ve eaten, we can talk.”