June 2020 BCE
Blackstone, VA
Blackstone, VA
Half of his face buried in liquid, Paul struggled furiously against his restraints. As water filled his throat, the instinctual drive to survive kicked in, lending extra strength to his struggle for freedom. This boost in power made no difference to the straps which mocked his captivity, barely flexing and refusing to break. He tried to regain a sense of calm, but this fight against instinct was too much. Wisps of red began to swirl about his hands and wrists as the bonds he sought to tear, instead tore into him.
Paul felt the surface he was strapped to begin to rise. Tired as he was, a new energy overcame him as he focused his energy on expelling this unwelcome guest residing in his lungs. Returned to his rationale, Paul began to notice his aches and pains, the throbbing torment of breath, being the most notable.
A gaunt face with short black and white hair came into his view. A rather nasal sounding voice pierced the splashing of disturbed waters.
"Mr. Smith, perhaps now you are feeling more a little less obstinate? We merely want the information you've gathered on your client, Oscar Chavez."
The man who had introduced himself as Agent Fuentes stared at Paul with a demanding expression.
Was this really what they were after? Paul wondered at such an insignificant character in his repertoire of clients. Oscar had money to be sure, but had little else to boast of when it came to influence and power. His waste disposal company was a front for some more devious dealings, but nothing which would have garnered attention of the state police, much less the feds. Paul didn't think he would have remembered his name at all except that his company name, "Doo Me a Solid Waste Disposal", had been so ridiculous he couldn't forget it. Regardless, nothing had been suspicious in his requests and his background checked out with no flags at all.
Paul had promised though. He kept all his client information completely secret.
"Go to Hell.", Paul coughed.
"This will not get tiring for me, Mr. Smith. I hope for your sake that you see reason soon."
Agent Fuentes pressed a switch at his side and Paul began to lean back toward the water. The sound of moaning hydraulics faded as water filled his ears. This had to be bigger than Oscar Chavez, but Paul was at a loss for how or why. Once again he struggled in vain at his unyielding prison. How long could he keep this up? As darkness closed in on his vision, Paul knew the answer to his question. Long enough for his enemies to run out of patience. Long enough.
A gaunt face with short black and white hair came into his view. A rather nasal sounding voice pierced the splashing of disturbed waters.
"Mr. Smith, perhaps now you are feeling more a little less obstinate? We merely want the information you've gathered on your client, Oscar Chavez."
The man who had introduced himself as Agent Fuentes stared at Paul with a demanding expression.
Was this really what they were after? Paul wondered at such an insignificant character in his repertoire of clients. Oscar had money to be sure, but had little else to boast of when it came to influence and power. His waste disposal company was a front for some more devious dealings, but nothing which would have garnered attention of the state police, much less the feds. Paul didn't think he would have remembered his name at all except that his company name, "Doo Me a Solid Waste Disposal", had been so ridiculous he couldn't forget it. Regardless, nothing had been suspicious in his requests and his background checked out with no flags at all.
Paul had promised though. He kept all his client information completely secret.
"Go to Hell.", Paul coughed.
"This will not get tiring for me, Mr. Smith. I hope for your sake that you see reason soon."
Agent Fuentes pressed a switch at his side and Paul began to lean back toward the water. The sound of moaning hydraulics faded as water filled his ears. This had to be bigger than Oscar Chavez, but Paul was at a loss for how or why. Once again he struggled in vain at his unyielding prison. How long could he keep this up? As darkness closed in on his vision, Paul knew the answer to his question. Long enough for his enemies to run out of patience. Long enough.
