Alex shifted uncomfortably where he stood, the excitement of playing with his friends momentarily overshadowed by a growing need. He turned to Jordan.
"Hey, I gotta go to the bathroom. Can you come with me?"
Jordan shrugged. "Yeah, sure."
The two of them jogged toward the small public restroom at the edge of the park, just beyond the playground but still within sight of the others. The door creaked as Alex pushed it open, stepping inside. It smelled like cleaning supplies and old pipes, the usual for a park restroom.
"I'll wait here," Jordan said, leaning against the sink while Alex entered a stall.
Alex hurried, not wanting to be gone too long. The last thing he wanted was to miss out on more playtime. He finished washing his hands when he heard the door creak open.
"Jordan?" Alex called, turning to look at him.
But Jordan wasnât looking at him. His eyes widened in shock just as something dark and fast moved behind him.
Before Alex could react, a heavy hand clamped down over his mouth, muffling his startled yelp. His feet lifted off the ground as he was yanked backward. Panic exploded in his chest. He struggled, kicking wildly, his muffled screams trapped against the rough palm covering his face.
Jordan shouted, but his cry was cut short by a sickening thud.
Alex barely registered the sound of his friend hitting the ground before he was dragged out the back exit of the bathroomâan exit he hadnât even realized was there. The sunlight outside blinded him for a moment, but he caught a glimpse of a black car parked close.
No. No. No!
He fought harder, twisting and thrashing, but the man holding him was too strong.
"Shh, kid. Donât make this harder than it needs to be," the gruff voice warned.
Alex ignored him, his panic driving him to fight with everything he had. He tried to bite the manâs hand, but his grip only tightened.
The trunk of the car popped open.
Alex's heart pounded as he was shoved forward. He dug his heels into the ground, trying to stop himself, but the man was too strong.
"Let me go!" he finally managed to scream, but it was too late.
Darkness swallowed him as the trunk slammed shut.
Alex thrashed inside the trunk, his breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. It was pitch black, the air stale and suffocating. His hands scraped against the rough fabric lining as he searched for anythingâanythingâthat might help him get out.
The car jolted forward, the sudden movement sending him rolling into the side of the trunk. He let out a small yelp, his body curling up instinctively. The car was moving. He was being taken.
No, no, no!
His heartbeat thundered in his ears as he tried to think. He couldnât just sit here. He had to do something.
Reaching out, he felt along the walls of the trunk, his fingers fumbling for a latch, a handleâanything. His mind raced, remembering something heâd seen in a TV show once. Some trunks had an emergency release.
He slid his hands along the back wall, his breathing shaky. His fingers found somethingâa small, plastic handle near the top. His heart leapt. He grabbed it and yanked hard.
Nothing.
He pulled again, harder this time, but it wouldnât budge. It was either broken or⦠the guy had disabled it.
Tears burned at the corners of his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. He had to stay calm. He had to figure a way out.
The car made a sharp turn, sending him sprawling against the opposite side. He bit his lip to keep from crying out. He had no idea where they were going, how far theyâd already traveled.
And then he remembered.
Miss Harper had to of seen him.
She had of seen the man at the park. She had to of called mom. The police were going to be looking for him.
They would find him.
They have to find me.
He took a shaky breath and focused. He needed a plan. He needed to leave clues, anything that could help them track him down.
Feeling around his pockets, he realized he still had a few thingsâa small piece of gum, some loose change, and his shoelaces. Not much, but maybe enough.
He slipped a quarter into his hand, positioning it between his fingers. When the car slowed, he wedged it into the small gap between the trunk lid and the carâs body. He prayed it would fall out onto the road, leaving a trail.
He had to believe someone would find it.
The car kept moving, the hum of the engine lulling the world into silence.
Alex clenched his fists.
He wouldnât give up.
They were going to find him.
They had to.
As Alex laid in the trunk scared he felt the warmth sensation in his diaper as he began to pee himself out of fear... not knowing how much time had passed the car finally came to a stop... the man got out of the car and opened the trunk.
Alex shivered as the cold air hit his damp clothes. His cheeks burned with embarrassment, but the fear gripping his chest was far worse. The man grumbled under his breath as he carried him inside the dark, musty warehouse. The place smelled of rust, oil, and something rotten, like old wood and decay.
Alex struggled weakly, but the manâs grip was like iron. âLet me go!â he cried, kicking his legs.
The man scoffed. âYeah, thatâs not happening, kid.â
He dropped Alex onto a rickety wooden chair in the center of the room. Before Alex could move, the man yanked his arms behind him, securing his wrists with rough, coarse rope. Alex winced as the fibers dug into his skin. His ankles were next, bound tightly to the legs of the chair.
Once the man was satisfied, he stepped back, arms crossed. He was even more terrifying up closeâtall, muscular, with that deep scar cutting across his cheek. His expression was unreadable, but his dark eyes bored into Alex like he was nothing more than a problem to be dealt with.
Alex swallowed hard, his breathing shallow. âW-what do you want?â His voice came out smaller than he intended.
The man sighed and rubbed his temples. âI donât want anything from you, kid. Youâre just leverage.â
Leverage.
The word sent a fresh wave of fear through Alexâs body. This wasnât some random kidnapping. It was planned. He was being used against someoneâagainst his mom. Against Miss Harper.
Alex tugged at the ropes, but they didnât budge. His skin already felt raw from how tight they were.
The man noticed and chuckled. âYeah, keep trying. Youâre not going anywhere.â
Alex clenched his jaw, fighting back the tears threatening to spill. He had to stay strong. He had to think. Someone was coming for him. They had to be.
The man sighed again, pulling out a chair and sitting in front of him. âLook, kid, I donât have anything against you, alright? But if you scream, if you cause trouble⦠things get worse. Understand?â
Alex glared at him but nodded stiffly.
âGood.â The man leaned back, pulling out a knife and lazily twirling it in his fingers. âNow, letâs just sit tight and wait for the real fun to start.â