Sonata in C MaJor

by:SheilaVR

Character(s): CJ
Category(s): General
Rating: MATURE
Disclaimer: Warmest thanks to Aaron Sorkin, Warner Bros., NBC, et al for graciously allowing us to expand upon their patented creation at no extra charge.
Summary: CJ disappears without a trace...
Spoiler: After "Galileo".

***

Interlude I

Oooohhh... hurts... head... walking to car... needgogym... missed yesterday... last week, too... somethingsomeone behind me... too paranoid... apartment's safe... flybite?... hate flies... sting's gonna itch... wait... strange... tiltingfalling... car engine... must've dreamed it... alarm's gonna go off soon... motion... hmmm... felt real... different... carried... carried – where?... scented candles... don't burn candles... usually... need to get up... need to wake up... got to get to work... God I feel awful... not hung over... came straight home... am I sick?... flu?... don't need this... no time for sick... too much to do... so exhausted... maybe come home early today... did I oversleep?... ruin my perfect reputation... don't want to get up... call in sick?... no... White House... kinda important... let me go!... never felt like this before... head... dull ache... nausea... bad taste... did I get sick last night?... really weird dream... walk to car, like every day... sting... did something sting me?... pressure around my arms... what are you doing to me?... someone holding me... world tilting away from me... faint?... someone catch me?... need coffee... lotslotslots... feel... dead... arm hurts... did I twist it sleep on it?... okay... opening eyes... lightdarklight... too bright... left the lights on?... never do that... who moved lamp?... am I on the floor?... doesn't look right... can't move head... something is wrong... come on, head, move...

"I'm glad to see you're finally awake. I was starting to worry."

What? Who?

"Don't try to move too much. You need time to recover."

OhmygodnothomenotalonenotinmyroomnotinmybednotanyoneIknowWHATHAPPENED?

"But don't panic; you'll be fine by morning."

Whoareyou?What'sgoingon?HaveIbeenkidnapped?... he sounds nice, considerate... rescued me?... was I in an accident?... how did I get here?... sorta see now... he's sitting besides me... like a hospital... not a hospital... never seen him before... still blurry... can't move... too dizzy...

"That's it; everything's all right. I'm here for you."

Makes no sense... who?... who... whowho...

"H...who...rr...oo?"

That was me?... what's wrong with me...

"Sounds like you could use a drink. Let me get you some water. Your mouth must be so dry."

He's movingmoving... what's he doing?... can't see... hear glass... water pouring... water... thank you... motion... movement... the bed?... ME... I'm moving... he's touching me... moving me... sit up to drink... can barely swallow... so weak...

"I'm really sorry for your discomfort, Claudia."

What?... Claudia... no one calls me that... don't like it... why is he sorry?... see him better now... vision clearing... not handsome, but not terribly plain... dark hair... green eyes... friendly smile...

"I wasn't sure how much of the drug to give you. I sure didn't want to hurt you with an overdose, but it was necessary. I had to surprise you, and I had to hold you until it took effect. I didn't want you to be afraid. But don't worry. You're safe now. I'll take care of you."

Touching my hair... trying to comfort me?... drug... surprised me... held me... took effect...

That dream was real.

Oh, shit.

*****

Keep breathing. Breathe.

"Where am I...?"

"Our new home."

Home? HOME?!

"Who... are you?"

He chuckles pleasantly enough. "I'm sorry we haven't officially met before now. I'm Paul. I apologize again for the bizarre circumstances under which we're meeting, but I'm comforted by the fact that we have the rest of our lives for me to make it up to you."

Our lives? I don't know you. I don't want to stay with you. Please, no...

Breathe. Don't panic...

"What... talking about..."

No, no, don't get closer...

"Claudia, I fell in love with you from the first time I saw you on TV. Right then I knew we were destined to be together always."

You love me? You watch my press releases and you think you love me?

Together? Always?

Good Lord, you're obsessed.

But – that makes no sense. Why would you want to be obsessed with me? I'm just a normal person. I'm not special...

Oh, my God. You aren't sane... Are you?

I feel sick... please get me away from here...

What is going to happen to me now?

Nono...

"No..."

"Not to worry, sweetheart. You're perfectly safe here."

Quit smiling at me...

"And you'll be feeling fine before much longer. You've only been out for twelve hours or so, that's all."

Walking to my car this morning... So it's the same day... Tuesday...

"What..." slowly, clearly "...did you use... to..."

What will it do to me?

"Oh, it's just sodium pentothal. The hospitals use it for a fast-acting sedative. It'll wear off soon enough."

No side-effects? We hope...

"You should rest some more. I'm going to fix you a little something. I'll just be in the next room, so don't worry about a thing. If you need me, I'll come at once."

He gets up, and I can't see him anymore. But I can hear his footsteps drift away...

Where am I? How far from Washington? Hours at least...

Who is he? An escaped psychopath? Or one who was never caught?

Why does he want me here? To live with him from now on?

That means he won't be calling anyone about a ransom...

Is anyone looking for me? Does anyone know I'm gone? What's happening right now?

My family... my friends... the White House!

But I'm alone... except for this nutcase who thinks he loves me...

The room... looks like a log cabin or something... rustic, but tasteful... soft candles... four-poster bed... At least he wants me to be comfortable... comfortable enough to stay here willingly for the rest of my life?

My head still aches... what did that drug do to me? So heavy... but at least I can move my hands a bit now... soft duvet... satin...

Wait – not my suit – not my clothes –

This is a satin sleeping-gown... and I didn't put it on myself...

What has he done to me? What does he plan to do to me?

God, I just lay here helpless while he –

Feels like... yes, my underwear is intact at least... What does this guy think he is – a doctor? Either way, he's certifiable!

I can't defend myself at all!

Now I know what fear tastes like.

*****

Door opening... he's coming back... someone please help me...

"Here, Claudia! A little light supper to help you recover and keep up your strength."

I can smell hot food... soup? Don't know if I can eat... my stomach...

What are you doing? Don't touch me!... propping me up? I think it scares me more that you're so gentle with me... Guess I can't eat any other way... Now I can see more... but still so tired...

"You still feel kinda worn out, huh? That's okay; I'll feed you. We'll eat together. This'll be good."

Please don't sit so close...

A bowl of creamy soup, and a plate... carrots, mashed potatoes, steaming... all on a bed-tray across my waist. Even a flower in a small vase... You're eating with me?

I can't do this... I can't sit here like this and eat with you... this is too... too intimate... No, don't feed me... You lean forward too far when you bring the spoon to my mouth... Could this be drugged? But you're eating it, too. How sane are you? Are you killing us both? No... please don't smile at me...

I should refuse – don't want anything you make!

If I stage a hunger strike, will you let me go?

Not likely. You're insane.

Besides, I need my strength. Got to get this drug out of my system...

"Please don't be afraid, Claudia. I won't hurt you, I promise. I'd never do anything to harm you, ever."

I don't think I can help flinching... you're slowly getting closer... do you even realize it?

Do you even know how truly weak I am? What are you thinking right now?

The soup isn't bad... I just hope I can keep it down...

"Good, huh? Made it myself. I've been practicing for awhile now. Oh, Claudia, wait 'til you see what I have planned for us!"

No... wait... hold on...

"My... my name is CJ." I can barely even hear myself.

"Oh, I don't want to pervert your real, God-given name."

Parent-given, anyway, and I've never liked it. There are only a few people who ever get away with using it...

"I prefer CJ."

"That's only because everyone else has always called you that. You're used to it. But it's not right. And they've never seen you as you really are. They always forced you to repress your true self. Well, I never will. You're free now, Claudia. Absolutely free, like you can't even imagine yet!"

Free? Free... free to do whatever I like. Except leave.

"So, how are you feeling now?"

Assaulted, drugged, terrified... what should I say? How careful do I have to be around you?

My body does seem to appreciate the food... now it begs for sleep...

"Better. A bit."

"That's great! Here, eat some more. I've got recipes that you're gonna love. By morning, after a good night's sleep, you'll be a lot stronger, don't worry."

I'm an invalid and a victim... what's going to happen tomorrow?

"I know you're tired, but do you hurt anywhere? I tried to be so careful with you, but I might have accidentally knocked you around a little getting you in and out of the car. I've got some aspirin here – "

"No." No, no, I'm afraid to take anything of yours. But what is that look on your face? Is it concern? Or are you becoming upset? Did I answer too quickly? "Th... thanks."

"Oh, you're more than welcome! It's totally my pleasure! Anything I can do to make you feel good here."

I don't even want to be here!

I need to know... "Where am I?"

"I told you – you're home."

"This... isn't my home."

"It is now."

Oh, God. No, don't panic. Try again. "Where are we?"

"Oh, it's the most beautiful spot in the world. It was made just for the two of us. You're going to absolutely love it."

Please don't avoid the question. I need to know! "And where is that?"

"You'll see."

Oh, Lord...I've been out almost the entire day – we could be anywhere from Atlanta to Toronto! I don't even have the first clue which direction to run...

I really hate to ask this... "How did you... get me here?"

"I picked you up at your place this morning and drove you here."

Picked me up? You make it sound like we had a date!

Fly-bite... pressure around my arms... world tilting... car engine... motion... carried...

You injected me from behind, held me so I couldn't struggle before I passed out, stuffed me in a car and spirited me away to – where?

I'm so scared... is any of this showing on my face? Can you tell that I am repulsed by you? Keep talking, keep going. Hide in the conversation... Think. I work in communications, after all...

"Will you... tell me about this new home?"

"Sure! Just you wait until you see it! It's utopia. It's paradise. It's so perfect a spot to live. And there's no one else around at all. We've got all the privacy we could want."

Noooo... Please be exaggerating...

"I designed this cabin myself. Just for you. Isn't it lovely?"

"Yes... very nice." Can you hear my whisper? Do you believe me?

"I didn't want it to look too much like a city house – that's what we're getting away from. Back to nature, that's us. But we've got all the modern comforts. Nothing but the best for you, my dear."

Like Adam and Eve? Oh, nononononononono....

"I looked around for ages until I found just the right spot. And I had you in mind the whole time. I kept saying to myself, 'What would Claudia want?' "

How have you considered what I want? Do you really think that this is going to make me happy? Do you have any sanity left for me to appeal to? Okay, stop it. No panicking – I've got to think. Okay. You've got an American dialect. You've been stalking me for months. And there just aren't that many rural areas in this region of the U.S. anymore. So we couldn't be more than a day's drive from Washington. Maybe.

Careful on the wording of this one... "Some people... will wonder where I am."

"Oh, not to worry. They'll soon forget all about you. And besides, they're not important anymore. We're in our own private world now. Nothing else matters."

Forget about me, just like that? My family, my close friends, the President of the United States – they're all going to glance around, wonder for a moment where I am, and then shrug and get on with their lives? Not if I'm so damn special that you had to commit a crime to get me here...

What did you do, back at my place? Did you try to make it look like I took a trip? Did you phone the White House yourself and say I was off sick today?

Even so, they'll be looking for me eventually. Maybe even right now. Oh, God, I hope so. Please let it be so...

"And Claudia, we're going to be so happy here. We have absolutely everything we need: peace, quiet, privacy, all the creature comforts we could want – and each other. Just think of it: the rest of our lives in this slice of heaven! Our home, our children – "

"Children!"

No, not that! Children with you? That would mean –

"Or, perhaps not. At least we don't have to anytime soon. Only if you want them too. The important thing is for you to be happy. Still... what a joy it would be to see our children grow up here, safe from evil..."

Don't focus on the children thing. Don't even think about it.

"The... evil? What evil?"

"The evil of society!" Oh, God, no – don't lean in any closer to me... please sit back... what is that look in your eyes? You are terrifying me – where is this passion coming from? There it is – I can finally see it... utter and complete lunacy in your eyes. You really believe this. "Society is corrupt. It warps innocent minds that should be free of such unnecessary and damaging restrictions. The only way to be truly happy is to get away from society altogether. And we have! This is a place of eternal beauty, safety and happiness. Trust me, Claudia, this is the best thing that can ever happen to you. This is the ultimate gift anyone can possibly give another!"

I can feel your breath on my face in between your words... please sit back... why are you looking at me like that? What are you seeing? Are you going to... no, no, don't bring your face any closer, please... Okay, you are collecting yourself... so you do have some semblance of self-control... Look away... good...

"Well, you had a good meal. Don't worry – I'll wash up." Yes, go away; leave me alone! "Is there anything else you want? A shower? Even a trip to the bathroom? I know you're feeling weak still, but I can help..."

Oh, please God, no... The mere thought of you washing me –

"I'm fine." Please don't hear the terror in my voice...

"All right. If you do need anything, just call me. Why don't you get some sleep?"

No – don't tell me you're planning to sleep in here – no –

"I know all this still takes some getting used to, and you're still feeling somewhat off, so I'll sleep in the living room. You can even lock the door here if you want. I don't mind."

Oh, thank God... I want that door locked so badly!

No, don't come any closer, I know what you have in mind, don't kiss me –

"Sleep well, Claudia. This is the first day of your wonderful new life."

Go away! I never want to see you again...

"...Night."

"Good night, my love."

Deep shuddering exhalation as the door closes behind him...

Okay. First, lock the door. Then, the washroom. But can I even stand?

It's like every bone in my body was made of lead.

Whoa... dizzy... been lying down too long... there, it's passing...

All right, one leg over. Now the other. Hold onto the poster. Take the weight gradually. Good. Now, one step at a time. Slowly. One step... another... another... this drug has made me uncomfortable in my own body – at least by tomorrow I'll be able to handle events myself...

Whew. Who'd have thought just crossing a room could feel like such a victory? And the door lock looks pretty strong. Of course, if he decides to break in during the night –

Stop. Don't even think about it. Onward. One step. Two.

Wow; this place is huge. Look at that sunken tub... Oh, no; I can just see what he has in mind... not that...

Forget about it for now. Nothing you can do...

Water... amazing how good it can taste. Not too fast... I'm breathing too hard; I can't choke.

Now the long journey back... Oops, I'm staggering – and if I fall, I doubt I'll be able to get up... Hate the thought of sleeping in his bed, but that's better than on the floor...

Made it.

This is my worst nightmare. Stories like these are told to small children to get them to behave. I've been kidnapped. I'm trapped here, and I don't even know where here is, completely at his mercy. He honestly believes that we're going to live here happily ever after.

What about my friends? Have they missed me? Are they looking for me? Do they have the first idea where to look? Did he call them? Would they believe him? Surely not; not some unknown saying that I need some time off or that I'm sick... The only person they would even remotely believe...

Oh, Danny... I'm sorry for hurting you...

No, I don't want to cry. This will not help. I can't make any noise... But I'm so scared...

Guys, please hear me. You've got to hear me somehow. Please hear me. I need you...

*****

Morning. Feels late. Did I forget to set my alarm or something? I never do that! I have a reputation to uphold in the White House, after all –

Wait. This isn't my room...

Paul.

This is real...

I can't believe I actually slept. But between the exhaustion and the drug he used I must've just about short-circuited.

It's a new day. I've been missing for twenty-four hours. Surely someone's noticed by this stage.

Their concern is bad enough, but when you factor in the power some of them wield...

Not many people get to have the President of the United States worry over them personally. And no one can instigate a search like he can. They will find me.

But in the meantime...

At least I feel a lot more human now. Weak, still, but my muscles are obeying. What a relief. Now to face this totally unreal day – and the man on the other side of that door.

First off: a shower. God, I hate the very idea of making myself even more vulnerable, even with the door locked, but I sure don't feel clean. It'll ease my mind a bit if nothing else.

Looks like all the necessities are here: this guy must have lived with a woman before. Hmm – I'm not sure if I want to know where she is now...

Hey, I didn't notice the patio doors before. Right out onto a garden, completely enclosed for the winter. Damn, he really plans. All the amenities a person could want, and even a few ornaments thrown in for good measure –

Oh, no. He had to get flamingos. Typical, cliché, plastic pink flamingos.

He just couldn't know how sickeningly ironic that is...

And beyond that... forest. I'm stuck in the middle of a snowy wilderness. So much for making a break for it. Even if the doors and windows aren't locked, there's just nowhere to go.

The water is gloriously hot. Thank God for that. My mind is clearing even faster. How much longer is this going to last? There must be some kind of search going on by now. On the rare occasion that I do get sick, I'm in constant contact with the White House, usually to settle disputes between Josh and Toby. No, they have to know that I'm truly AWOL. And they'll never be able to keep it under wraps, either.

The President will have his people tear the hills apart looking for me. Now that's a level of enthusiasm that almost no other captive would be granted! Perhaps it's not so bad after all that I was chosen, rather than some poor anonymous woman without such an impressive and vital connection. That magnitude of a search will surely find me before anything... happens...

And it's also a very good thing that I'm just an employee of the President – not a member of his family. He'll be able to think much more rationally. Then too, why would anyone kidnap a staff member to use as leverage against the White House? No, they'll figure out soon enough that there's a totally different reason...

... That a certified nutcase believes he loves me.

I have no idea how to approach this entire situation. If I'm pleasant with him, will he see that as an invitation? If I flatly refuse to cooperate, what will he do? Would he hurt me?

I'll have to take this one step at a time. See what's likely to set him off. Get to know him – just a little. No more than absolutely necessary. Get as much info about him as I can, without seeming to show the wrong kind of interest. That'll be tricky.

Soft towels... much better. Now, for my clothes... hey, where are they? Did he actually take my suit? Maybe he hung it up for me, in one of these closets...

My soul in heaven... Look at all these clothes! He must have thousands of dollars in dresses here! And a lot of them would fit into a state dinner perfectly. What is he thinking – that we'll be entertaining dignitaries in the middle of nowhere...?

Uh-oh. I think I can guess what he has in mind... and I don't like it... they're far too sexy for my liking at the best of times, let alone here!

These dresses, the skirts, the shoes... they're all in the correct sizes... Are all of these drawers filled with undergarments that will also fit? I can't look just yet; that's too much. And I am not wearing lingerie that he's handled!

How? How long have I been ignorantly going about a normal life while he was just around the corner, watching everything I do, everything I say, everything I buy?

He knows me. Far too well.

No sign of my suit anywhere. Well, I'm sure not going out in this nightgown, so I guess I don't have any choice. Still, there's got to be something here more appropriate for breakfast in the mountains. Boy, he didn't provide much in casual fashion at all... Offhand, I'd say this angora sweater and skirt are about the least provocative items I'm going to find.

There. I suppose I'm as ready to face the day, and Paul, as I'm ever going to be. No point in putting off the inevitable. Although a part of me just quails at the thought of looking him in the eye.

He did say he doesn't want to hurt me, that he just wants the best for me – his version of the best, that is...

If only he weren't so obviously unbalanced, I could deal with him no problem. I've handled men the size of mountains without flinching. Of course I was never afraid that they would kill me.

I can't stay in here forever with the door locked; I'd never get any information about how to escape, I'd risk seriously upsetting him and possibly endangering my life, and if not, I'd eventually starve. Not good options. Clearly there's no escape from this room, so if I'm going to get out of here, I have to go out there and start looking for opportunities. Which means... I have to face him.

So here goes.

There has got to be some way that I could get a message to my friends. They're among the most powerful men in the country, after all. If only they knew where to find me...

Danny? Josh? Toby? Come on, guys, I need you... Oh, if only you could hear me...

*****

I never would have believed it could take so much effort to open a door. I don't want to at all... but I must.

"Claudia! Good morning!"

Okay, don't run, don't flinch. I simply have to face you – no matter how much you scare me...

No – not a good-morning kiss... Okay, on the cheek, but not the hug! I don't want you to even touch me!

"I knew you usually get up early." You do? Oh, of course; you've been watching me for ages... "I heard the water running, so I made your breakfast. Come and sit down! Enjoy!"

"Thanks." Careful; keep it as neutral as I can. Businesslike.

The table looks nice, the food looks wholesome, if plain. And you even hold the chair for me. Is there a chance that I am grossly overreacting?

This place is really rather pleasant. Pure country comfort, not too much décor. A full kitchen, from the looks of it. TV and stereo, too. And of course the ultra-modern bath. I just wish with all my heart that I wasn't forced to stay here.

"Did you sleep well?"

What should I say? Lie and pretend that I like it here? Or tell the truth and risk getting you angry at me? Better take the middle road until I know more... "Well enough."

"Great! Don't worry; I'll make the effort to match your early schedule until we develop a mutual timing. After all, we'll both have lots of opportunities to sleep in..."

Oh, God, that look of yours... Are you leering at me? I feel sick again.

"But that can wait until you're fully settled in. I had the foresight to build two bathrooms and closets into this place; I didn't want to pressure you at the start."

And just what can I expect after you decide that we're past the start?

"You look great. I was sure that sweater would suit you, and I was right!"

"Thanks." Should I stay on this topic? It makes me so uncomfortable... Well, better take the plunge at some point. "Speaking of suits, where did you put mine? I didn't see it anywhere."

"Oh, that old thing? I burned it yesterday."

"What?"

Calm down... don't get him going... He burned it?

"Sure. It was a symbol of your old life. So I severed the ties for you. You'll never need it again, anyway. I got you lots of stuff to wear instead!"

Calm... "Yes... I saw. Thank you." You're mad. Utterly mad.

What am I going to do?

I need another neutral topic – before I panic completely...

"What's the weather like today?" Oh, for mercy's sake, CJ, is that the best you can do?

"Still snowing a bit, which is good. I chose yesterday for a reason: I wanted a snowy day to cover our tracks. This'll also seal us in for the getting-to-know-you stage."

That smile of yours... I'm struggling not to shiver. Try something else.

"I saw the garden."

"Right! That's a touch I'm really proud of. We don't want to have to make a lot of grocery runs; in fact I don't want to be away from you at all. This way, in the spring you can plant all the vegetables we need and all the flowers you want."

You want me to tend a GARDEN?

"I can see it now: you out there in the summer sun, surrounded by roses..."

Give me a break!

And I can do without that idyllic gleam in your eyes, too...

"You know, I still can't get over it. I've loved you so long from afar – and now, at long last, you're finally here!"

How I wish I wasn't... But I'd better go along. I need information.

"How long have you been... interested in me?"

"I'm... not sure anymore. It seems forever. The first time I saw you on TV, I knew we were right for each other. You're so beautiful, so intelligent, so businesslike..."

You fell in love with an image on the screen, not me!

"I wondered for ages how I should best approach you. I thought about making an appointment at your work, or just showing up at your home... but nothing felt right." Pause. "And then, last May – you could have died! And I knew I couldn't wait any longer. I had to get you to safety."

"Safety?" This is safer?

"Absolutely! It's the evil of government that prompts people to strike out at it, and it's the corruption of society that permits such violence and such government. And yet you were content to keep working for that institution anyway. I knew then that I had to get you away from it. You were just too accustomed to trusting the establishment – and you didn't even see how miserable it was making your life. You never looked happy. Like most citizens, you've been brainwashed by society. You have to be completely removed from it in order to heal. I planned yesterday morning to be as painless as possible. I knew you'd forgive me, and love me, once you realized the truth."

My God, you actually believe that.

"Say, while we're at it, tell me about the President."

Why – so you can plan an assassination?

Play along... "What do you want to know?"

"It must be neat that you've met him. He seems like a decent enough guy... still, I can't trust him. He's in charge of this whole diseased society."

"He's doing his level best to fix that!" Whoa, girl – never argue with a lunatic. But I can't help myself. I don't take kindly to insults aimed at my friends or my leader.

"He's going about it the wrong way. There's no salvation in politics. You can't change people like that. Your only hope is to get away from the whole thing."

Don't retaliate – don't bait him –

"I guess the President wants to help others, not abandon them."

So much for that resolution...

"Then it's a good thing I got you away from him before he led you into the line of fire again, huh?"

Don't answer. Keep your blood pressure down. It'll only get him mad.

"You know, I still don't know much about you." Actually, I know nothing at all. Nor do I want to know you. But it'll get the conversation off me and onto you: your roots, your childhood, how long you've "known" me... And if I can give the Feds some details, after I escape –

"Oh, don't worry. We have the rest of our lives to remedy that."

Don't think... just talk...

"Still, I'd like to know. You already know a lot about me. That's not entirely fair, is it?" Easy, girl; keep it playful.

"All in good time. I'd much rather talk about you. And then, when you're done eating, I have a surprise for you."

No, no – not another surprise! I don't even want to imagine –

Easy; must keep the fear out of my voice. Can't let on how scared I am. No telling what you'll do if you knew that!

"What... kind of surprise?" Did I hear my teeth chatter that time?

Please stop smiling at me. I don't know whether to be relieved or afraid.

"Well, I should think you deserve a tour of your new home."

Did you hear me release the breath I'd been holding? Surely I can survive a tour... I hope...

And a tour will give me a lot of information. Maybe even enough to get myself out of this.

"I'd – like that."

*****

"Try this coat on for size. I didn't stock up on a lot of winter gear, since we'll be staying inside most of the time – but I don't want you to catch a chill, of course."

Of course. "It's fine."

"All right, my queen. Let me introduce you to your new realm."

It's chilly out – but what do you expect when the snow's still falling? And this is not the flat country around DC; I can see rolling hills in the distance. Where are we – Virginia? West Virginia? There are trees everywhere. And not one sign or sound of civilization... except for us.

"So, what do you think?"

The cabin is fairly large, but its log construction looks a lot less modern than it is inside. It also blends into the trees better than I'd like...

"It's lovely."

"Yeah! And it's fully self-sufficient, too! We pump our water up from the lake, I've got a gas-powered generator for electricity, and the stove provides all the heat we could want. No one's gonna bother us with utility bills and inspections, I promise you!"

Damn.

"Yep, we'll be totally free from society and relying on no one but ourselves! Isn't this so wonderful? Even the road in is rough; no one'll wander down it just for kicks, even if they have four-wheel drive like me."

So now I know that some rough roads lie between me and the outside world... and that the chances of someone dropping by even by accident are just about nonexistent. Terrific.

Of course, you planned it this way...

"Come on! You've got to see this!"

Where are we going now? A distinct slope downhill, but I can't see through the trees – hold on: a lake? Is that what he's showing me?

Yes, it is. Not a big one at all. Maybe one mile square at the most, and completely frozen over. And there's not another cottage in sight.

"What do you think, Claudia? Isn't it the most beautiful spot on earth?"

Watch the sarcasm. "Yes. Lovely."

"It's absolutely perfect! Spring-fed. Small and intimate. No one else lives anywhere near it. In fact, hardly anyone even knows it exists. It's just too small for most people to consider valuable. And that's what I've been saying – folks are corrupted by society. Something has to be big before it's worth anything. Well, that's just too bad; due to their shortsightedness all of them are missing out on the road to paradise."

What are you talking about?

"What do you mean?"

"This lake is the center of the universe! It's sacred. It's so spiritual you can sense it. It's eternity on earth. It's where you and I will spend the rest of our lives... and where we'll go when we die. It's perfection."

Wait – when we die? What is that supposed to mean? You figure we're going to live here to old age, and then commit suicide together so that we can share eternity in this lake?

Or – are you planning to kill me at some point and entomb me here, so that I'll never be found... and I'll always "belong" to you?

I don't know which possibility terrifies me more...

"Yes, Claudia, it's true. You've finally come home."

You've got that passionately crazy look again... Don't stare at me like that... I don't know what to do... Are you expecting me to say something? No, don't reach for me... Please don't pull me closer... I can't help but turn away... Please don't get angry... I turn to the side and lock my gaze back on the lake... I can feel your arm slipping around my waist as we stand, side by side, looking into a future horror...

There's a cold knot in my stomach, and not just because of this future you're painting.

What will come next? Will you always let me turn away from you?

You keep saying you'll never harm me, but do you even define harm the way I do? I'm less and less sure of that now, what with this idea about the lake... Your view of death is very different; I can see that now... Are pain and death even related in your twisted brain?

Guys, I'm begging you: don't let this happen. Don't leave me here to share a meaningless life with this psycho – for any length of time.

Wait – a plane! Almost directly overhead! Maybe they're looking for me!

"Oh, don't worry, Claudia. That's just a shuttle flight. They pass over now and then, but they won't intrude on our privacy any."

It's gone. Not looking for me. Not even aware that I need help.

And the silence and the isolation are complete.

All right, then – if I'm going to get out of here, I'd better not rely on anyone else happening along by accident.

"Come on, let's go back. Don't want you to overdo it on your first day, do we?"

Back uphill. Come to think of it, if this slope continues very far past the house, it must reach a pretty high point. Maybe I can rig some kind of signal from there... Hmm...

*****

"Claudia, I want you to do something for me."

You do?

I can't imagine anything that wouldn't be terrifying.

"I want you to make a list of anything you need or want that I haven't already got for you. I'll go get them at once."

Huge exhalation... weak with relief.

"You know... foods you like best, maybe brand name soap, or whatever. Anything at all. This is your home, and it's gonna be perfect."

It's not my home, and it could not be perfect! Still, it's decent of you to offer. It makes me wonder what you were like before you went crazy...

This also means that you'll be out of the cabin for awhile. I'll be free to look for an escape!

"Thanks. I'll do that."

Now I need to think of things that'll be hard to find. Anything to keep him away as long as possible. I need time to come up with a way out of here. On the other hand, I shouldn't make it too hard for him; I still don't know what kind of temper he has.

I doubt he wants to travel far, so there must be a fair-sized town with decent shopping not too many miles away. If only I knew where it was, I'd hike through a blizzard if I had to!

Actually, he's provided for almost all of our needs already. This guy knows how to live in isolation. Wonder what pushed him over the edge in the first place? He really is a pitiful man. Under less threatening circumstances, he could be downright kind.

Yeah, I can think of a few small things I'd eventually need – wait a minute! I am not going to be here long enough to need such luxuries! I am going to get out of this mess, whether I can signal someone or whether I have to walk out on my own. I am not spending one more hour as this lunatic's trophy than I absolutely must!

Just get him on his way so that I can move about. Let him think I'm settling in for good.

"Here you are. It's not long."

"Thanks, Claudia! I don't mind at all; anything for you, dear." Don't call me that! "Okay, I won't be more than a few hours, unless the roads are really bad. You just make yourself comfortable until then. I'll hurry; I have big plans for us tonight."

Oh, my God, I can just see what you're thinking...

How the hell can I hope to get out of that? Only by being gone before you get back.

"See you later."

Oh, please, not a good-bye kiss –

"Be right back, my love."

Go on. Leave!

At last. Bolt the door after him, lean against it, and heave an enormous sigh. I'm alone again. Truly alone. Free from him.

Well, except for all this snow on every side... and I doubt he provided the clothes for an arctic expedition. But maybe there's another vehicle, or something!

Or a phone –

I don't see one anywhere. What nutcase doesn't own a phone?

He does like a few modern touches. This home theater is impressive. So is his music collection... oh, no. Slow songs. Romantic songs. I don't see one CD here with anything like a fast beat. He really does want to control the mood, doesn't he?

Damn – and the movie selection is no better. One romantic flick after another! I don't usually watch the action movies myself, but that'd be far better than these in this atmosphere.

Hey, maybe I can get the news! You'd think the White House has launched some kind of search for me by now. They probably won't want a lot of publicity about it, but the press corps will notice a missing Press Secretary sooner or later. Besides, this total isolation is really hard on the nerves.

What – oh, don't tell me! There's no cable! Paul must've planned it that way: movies only. Sure, he wouldn't want the news of social corruption to penetrate this utopia. Which means there's probably no radio around here either. Damn IT!

Now what do I do?

Keep looking.

Okay, this is the garage. Room for one car only; that's the one he's driving now. I wonder what happened to my car? Did he leave it there at my home? No, wait – he wouldn't be able to drive his car into my complex without a key, and he couldn't have carried me out unnoticed. I'll just bet you anything he took my keys and drove us out in my car.

And now it's gone. Well, of course my car is gone. He's taken my freedom, my job, my friends, my clothes, my NAME... why stop at my car?

No snowmobile – not that I know how to drive one. No skis, not even snowshoes. Looks like I'm officially housebound.

Maybe if I found a way later to filch the keys to his car... I should've taken a course in hot-wiring.

And this must be the den, his little sanctum, complete with the deer head mounted on the –

GUN!

Okay, girl, calm down. Breathe. That's a hunting rifle, nothing more.

Maybe so, but after Rosslyn I just can't think about firearms the same way.

You're perfectly safe; there's no one else here. And Paul's hardly going to use it on you anyway.

Can I be sure about that? He does intend to dump us both in the lake, eventually...

Don't think about it! Go on; keep checking the place out. You only have so much time.

Laptop! Oh, yes – Internet. Email. I can send out a message and have them find me in no time. Email accounts are supposed to be confidential, but if the President can't get that information no one can! Maybe the FBI or someone can trace the signal itself!

You know, there are times when it's advantageous working for the most powerful man in the world.

Come on, come on, will you boot up now, please?

Huh? – What – is – this?

Oh... my God. That's me. The wallpaper on Paul's laptop is a picture of me.

I don't quite recognize the photo. Some formal event, but I couldn't tell you when I last wore that particular dress. It looks like a publicity shot – of the President, naturally; no one takes pictures of a Press Secretary at these events. Which means Paul zoomed in on me in the background and then cropped everyone else out...

Or could he have actually been there himself, stalking me even then?

Nah, no way he'd get past White House security. What explanation could he possibly give?

I don't know... God, what a horrifying thought, that not even the Secret Service can keep him away from me...

Yes, that looks like the wall of the Mural Room behind me. And that tuft of hair where a man's head had been – was that Josh standing beside me at the time?

Dammit, Josh, where ARE you? Get me out of here!

Breathe. Concentrate. Get the mail out. That's your lifeline right now.

For Internet access, click here... I hate these glidepoint mice...

No. No, no, no. Don't do this to me –

Password protected.

Oh God, I haven't the first idea how to hack into a computer.

I've got to try. What on earth would he use as a password? Something about me? My name? No. My street? No. My job? No... hell, I have no idea. How clever are you, you little bastard? This is ridiculous. Think... DAMN IT!

I can't get in. I can't Email out. I can't contact anyone.

I'm stuck here. Alone.

At least, until he comes back...

So what do I do? Do I make a run for it? Hell, I wasn't a Girl Scout even when I was young enough to be one, and the only snow I've experienced has been through layers of expensive ski gear.

He said it would take hours to run a simple errand. The next town might be a hundred miles away... It's started snowing pretty heavily again... What would be worse? Dying of exposure, or attending my 'date' tonight?

I don't want to cry. But I am just so frustrated. Here is my door to rescue, right in front of me, and I can't open it!

~*~*~*~*~

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

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