Page 74 of The Collector
The Collector stepped back into the shadows, his voice soft now. Surgical.
"You do this— and we're closer to release. Or don't be sensitive— read more into it than you need too… and we pivot. But you won't like the alternatives; they are far more painful. If you'd like I'd be happy to tell you about the process. It's called electroejaculation. First I''ll insert a probe in your ass near your prostate. The probe is designed to send electric pulses through the gland until you ejaculate. Under the right conditions it might not be so bad—." The Collector shrugged, " but— if you force my hand and make me perform the procedure. I'll ensure its painful. Trust me—"
"Stop already— I'll do it. I won't pretend to understand—how could giving you my sperm help me get out of here? I've already given you my life, been locked in this cell for— I don't know howmany days anymore—,"the man grasped at his forehead with one hand holding it as he tried to recall. " I've lost count—. And you won't even do me the curtesy of showing me your face. And you expect me to trust you, not to hurt me?", his voice cracked as he spoke still hoarse from inactivity.
The Collector stepped closer, crouching now, just outside the cage bars, his eyes locked on the man.
"You don't understand because you still think you're part of your own story. You're not. You're a paragraph in mine. And I need that paragraph to scream. The only question that remains is if that scream will belong to you or someone else. Now stop twisting what I'm telling you and just do what I ask. It's for your own good trust me." The Collector smiled to himself. He needed the man alive, but he didn't need him whole. A little bit of torture before he released him wouldn't hurt. The thought of seeing his blood on his hands aroused him.
It had been far too long since his last kill. This moment would have to get him through until he captured Mynx and her brat of a sister, Cyndi.
The man spoke again, pulling him from the momentary daydream.
"I'm going to need my hands free to do what you're asking. I hardly have any strength left, lifting my hand once is a struggle, but repeatedly, I'll never be able to do it with these on." He held the heavy chain up slightly.
The Collector studied him.
His frame was brittle, his skin caked with filth—starvation had slackened his muscles, confinement had dimmed the light behind his eyes. His fingernails were cracked, rimmed with blood. His body refused to heal in the environment he was being forced to endure. Whatever he’d been was gone—starvation had made him pliable, confinement had made him forget.
Why not give him the small comfort? Ensure his attempt.
He turned without answering, the fluorescent light casting his shadow long across the concrete wall ahead of him before making the concession.
"Fine— you have ten minutes," he called back. "After that, I pivot." He reached for his keychain and removed the key to the cuffs and tossed it into the cell. It landed with a slightTinkon the concrete floor. He'd retrieve it later.
Where was he going to go anyway. He was locked behind steel walls of his bolted cage and the miles of silent woodland that wrapped around the cabin like a grave, all ensured that.
His odds of escape were less than nonexistent, and if he did, his chances of survival were even less.
The Collector could linger, could play with his head some more, but that felt indulgent considering his time crunch. There were things to do—details to secure. He needed to check the perimeter and make sure his cameras were still in place.
He needed to check his phone, needed to see what damage had begun to bloom at Blood Lust.
There were ten missed calls and several texts.
He banged his hands on the steering wheel. He didn't have time to be here but he needed that sample before he could leave.
He pulled up the feed.
Blood Lust’s members were being corralled—tight formation, nervous movements. His team hadn’t moved yet.
They were waiting. For him.
Shelby— Where are you? Things have gone way into left field here. Hector is gone….. Raven needs you. Sub-basement Code Black
Felton— Security Code—Black has been enacted. Building Secure. All persons within. Advise of special handling.
"Fuck, fuck…fuck."He pounded his fist on the steering wheel agitated.
Stoker-- Initiate Flash Protocol— eta 30 mins to inbound. Hold it all down till I get there Felton
Felton- Copy that
Shelby I'm enroute ETA 30 mins tell him to wait for me.
Shelby—- HURRY
The timer was ticking. He needed the sample. He needed to go.
