Under Pressure

James’ POV

It’s been one long week, and it’s time to watch her die. She’s been holding out for far too long, and it’s only a matter of time before her sanity breaks and she expires. I’ve been watching her through the glass; I can time when the pain begins, just by memory. The way she tries to stop herself from screaming is almost humorous; her expression changes as she struggles to keep herself awake. The sensation of power over another is a priceless feeling than one can never get over. After my childhood, when someone was always taking advantage of me, I need to have that same thrill.

She’s unconscious; the perfect time to announce my departure. This plan has played out relatively well, minus the few snags along the way. This final phase is the one I wish I could watch in person, but for it to work the video will have to do. I opened the door slowly, and crept inside as stealthily as I could. I saw her neck flinch and her eyes flutter; I announced myself by giving her a good slap to the face.

“Rise and shine, its time to say goodbye.”

“What? You’re leaving?”

“Yes I’ve gotten all I’ve came for, we’ve had our fun, and now its time for me to leave you.” She immediately flinched and backed away from me as I pulled out a bandanna for her gag.

“Don’t leave me here alone; please just get rid of me. Don’t make me stay here; you can do whatever you want, just don’t make me be alone.”

I couldn’t help but smile; this was the moment I’ve been yearning for. This is the time when every one of my victims goes insane; they’ve been accustomed to human company for so long being alone cracked their minds. I tied the gag in loosely, so I can hear her scrams and pleas as I leave. It’s always a rush when I hear them begging for me, when they never would’ve thought of it a few days ago.

I sauntered towards the door and slowly opened it. I took one last look at her; her bloodshot eyes wide with fear. I felt a smile break out onto my face.

“Goodbye Antonia.” I walked out and closed the door behind me; I couldn’t help but laugh at what I’ve done.

I quickly walked out of the building and went to my car; I pulled out of the parking lot and went to the freeway. Once I was a good 35 minutes off I pulled out my cell phone; this is the best part. I dialed 9-1-1 and answered in a high-pitched and worried tone.

“Hello? I know where the missing Moretti girl is; she’s at the Rhine Warehouse Complex.” I hung up the phone and slammed down on the gas peddle. By the time they got there her life will be at its end; you’d be surprised how fast someone can lose themselves.

Antonia’s POV

That bastard has left me here to die. Before he left he dragged Marc’s body out from somewhere; he looked dead. And after him and the rest of his ‘fun’ he’s left me in this room to die on my own.

The silence was eerie and frightening; I was used to the sadistic laughter and the echoes of my screams against the walls. I quickly became paranoid; any sound set me off. Along with the constant waves of pain flushing their way through my body my life was becoming a tortured, tolling thing. The pain was increasing and it was harder for me to concentrate; my heart was racing. The silence was overwhelming, and filling my head.

I felt my mind lose itself, and my whole body start to go numb. Then the sound of car tires caught my attention; he’s back. The car doors slammed and a door to the building opened. My heart raced even more and I couldn’t breathe. The footsteps were running towards me; he was coming to finish me off, I knew it. He decided he couldn’t let me live out the hours; someone might find me. They were even closer now; I saw his shadow underneath the door. It opened and I didn’t expect to see someone new.

This man was about five foot six; he had black hair and dark hazel eyes, almost brown. He had his gun drawn and pointed it into the room before he entered. He looked around and walked straight to me.

“I’m Simon, I’m here to help you okay? You’re going to be fine.” He approached my arms to unhook the handcuffs and I backed away out of habit.

“I’m from the FBI, I’m not here to hurt you; he’s done enough.” He got the cuffs off, put his arm around my waist, and lifted me up out of the chair. He got me into his arms bridal style and carried me out of the room I considered hell for the past week.

“Tony, no we have to go back… he’s still there…”

“Shh, I’m sorry but he’s dead.”

“I know… but I can’t leave him…”

“You’ll see him again, I promise.”
He was carrying me down the hallway when I heard something that sounded like thunder going off inside my head.

“Put me down, now.”

“Just wait a minute, were almost to my cruiser.”

“No, put me down.”

As soon as I hit the ground I felt something go off in my head while pain erupted from my feet to my skull. Underneath my voice I could hear Simon on his radio, but it was too late; this is what dying must feel like.