Can’t Leave Without Her

      "I told you all of this because you both remind me of my siblings and I won't forgive myself if I watch you both die," Geo said as he help himself calm down. "I will try my best to get you out of this situation," he said and left the room. I began to see Geo in a different light after that day.

     I got up that morning. That morning I told you that we probably have used five days in that room. The morning before I told you everything about 'The Man', now Geo. I woke up that morning feeling the most tired and haggard I've ever felt before. I've not taken my bath for perhaps six days now. The room was becoming stuffy of our body odor now. But who cares about a bath or a smelling body when your might end up dying or end up in the hands of one full moon-sized belly man.

        Geo had told us the previous day that I'll speak with my Dad again today and he advised me to pretend like I'm starving and being tortured so those on the other side won't become suspicious.

      Geo no longer brings his subordinates with him, though they always make attempts to stay in the room, he always tells them to go wait for him outside and that he can handle matters himself. So when Geo came in that day without his subordinates, I knew it was time for the call.

     The call was as usual. They keep trying to use me to threaten Dad into accepting their offer. I heard someone on the other side say during the call that Dad will soon receive my corpse if he keeps being stubborn but Dad would only keep quiet and just ask me how I am and other questions that I've grown used to hearing whenever we speak. 

      There were a lot of calls after that one and Geo came in a week after telling us that Dad has accepted to become the transporter. 

        "Your father really loves you, he is doing this because he's afraid that we might kill you" Geo said as he looked at me.

       I imagined how Dad is fairing. He is being forced to do something against his own will and he is doing it so I wouldn't get hurt. Dad and I have not been the closest but to hear an outsider say that he loves me, put this warm feeling in my chest. I didn't even know if to be sad that Dad has accepted a job that could probably be the end of him or to be happy that I will be free at last. 

      "That means they will let Mase go, right? Jane said. She looked at Geo and me pathetically. We know it is unlikely that they will set Jane free along with me. I got Jane into this situation in the first place. If had told her to stay behind and not follow me to search for my parents, she wouldn't be here now. I was only thinking about myself then and I fail to think that she might get into dangerous situations. I was selfish, that's why Jane is here so I decided that I won't leave this place without Jane.

      "Since Dad has accepted to become the transporter now, I'll surely be released. Please Geo, is there a way you can make them not to release me. I have to be here with Jane. Please, it's my fault that she's here. I don't want to have regrets" I said and could not keep the tears back.

     "Calm down kids," Geo said "I have a plan". My eyes lit up when I heard Geo say he has devised a plan and I could not wait to hear his plan. I was beginning to trust Geo so much. I was not just beginning to trust him but I now love his courage and the fact that he's an ex-soldier just makes me admire him the more.

      "I also don't want you to leave now because you'll have to be here for us to rescue Jane. Your Dad accepted to become the transporter after the call yesterday. He'll most likely be put through his pace today and released most probable tomorrow when they'll order for you to be released as well.

       I plan to give them a logical reason for you not to be released. They know your Dad is a skilled fighter admired by the military, so I will tell them that if they release you and also release your Dad, then there's a high chance that he might run off. But if they hold you hostage, then he won't be able to run. 

       They'll most likely accept this reason and it'll give us enough time to plan Jane's rescue mission. Moreover, this will also clear their suspicions about me before, then I'll be able to work at full strength. Remember your Dad being who he is will also find ways to rescue you, which is more reasons why I said you need to remain here because I won't be able to convince your Dad to help rescue Jane if you're not here".

       "Wait, you'll involve my Dad in the rescue mission," I asked out of shock.

    "Yes. I don't have enough manpower to execute my plan, that's why we'll need your Dad. He won't be transporting anyone till about a month and a half, and the auction will be held a week before his first mission. Remember I told you the women are moved to the auction house a week before the actual auction, so we have at least a month or less to devise and execute our plan. 

      I'll give you the details about the plan when the issue of Mase's release is settled and I contact your Dad. I'll also gather some of my trusted men so there won't be regrets but the less number of people we involve, the better. I have to go now. Eat better than before now. You have a huge task ahead and you'll need every ounce of strength that can muster. Mase, you have more tasks when the issue is resolved tomorrow. I'll see you guys tomorrow." Geo said and he left the room and I was happy that we have such good person on our side.

     I'm happy I won't have to leave Jane behind and happier there's a chance she could be rescued. I smiled genuinely for the first time in weeks. 

      "We'll soon be free again Jane," I said as I looked at her, giving her a reassuring smile "and we'll go back to being great knights".