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It’s the silence that jars you. In your apartment there was always some form of noise, from the old AC unit to the muffled traffic of your busy Boston apartment, but this time you woke up to complete silence, as if someone had blocked all possible noise from the place.
The second was the darkness, from the usual lights of the lit city and sun rising above the buildings to a jarring pitch blackness that makes it hard to catch your breath, the panic making it hard to focus on anything other than the pounding of your heartbeat echoing in your ears.
Warm, strong hands cover yours, a familiar voice gently shushing you as your back is slowly rubbed. “Shhh, it’s ok baby, just breathe for me...” He seems to wait until your heartbeat slows, seeming so kind that you can’t help your body relaxing at the touch. “That’s it, such a good girl...” The darkness slowly lifts, and you blink to adjust to the sight of a black silk tie in the strong hands of your boss.
“M-Mr. Barber-” You stutter, trying to get your bearings but quickly noticing the shackle on your ankle and the zip ties around your wrists, ensuring you can’t fight. “I- how-”
“Don’t worry sweetheart, everything is alright.” He hums, petting your hair like you’re his prized possession- a pet for him to spoil. “I made sure he’s been taken care of.”
You frown, desperately thinking. “Who- who are you talking about, I live alone, just please let me go-”
“Ransom Drysdale,” He hums, scowling at the mere mention of him. “After you mentioned him bothering you, I did some digging- he had you followed for weeks, sweetheart, I couldn’t let him get away with it.” You bite your lips, desperately trying to connect the anonymous flower deliveries to Ransom, but Andy presses on before you can speak. “So I made a few calls, gave some helpful tips about his money laundering in his investments, and made sure he wouldn’t hurt you again.”
Taking a shaky breath, you nod slowly, allowing yourself to relax. “Thank you,” You whisper, seeing the proud expression on his face. “I’m a bit confused what that has to do with me being here, did something happen?”
Andy chuckles lowly, slowly shaking his head as he continues to pet your hair. “Oh sweet girl, so innocent...” He smirks at your confusion, letting his knuckles graze your cheek. “You could have been in danger, especially if I hadn’t intervened. What would you have done if I hadn’t been watching out for you? What would have happened if you were grabbed by him, talked into following him home? I had to make sure you would be safe.”
You swallow, a chill slithering down your spine. “What do you mean? Andy?”
He smirks darkly, gripping your chin between his fingers. “I have to keep you safe, where you can’t get hurt. You’re just so trusting, sweetheart, I’m doing this for your own good.” He smirks, kissing your forehead as he rises. “Think about it, maybe you’ll be ready to talk about it more when I come back.” He winks before moving away, shutting the basement door behind him as you hear the telltale sign of the lock clicking in the door.