Duncan - Trapped

Trapped

Lillian Duncan

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Trapped

COPYRIGHT 2019 by Lillian Duncan

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or Pelican Ventures, LLC except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (R), NIV (R), Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Cover Art by Nicola Martinez

Harbourlight Books, a division of Pelican Ventures, LLC

www.pelicanbookgroup.com PO Box 1738 *Aztec, NM * 87410

Harbourlight Books sail and mast logo is a trademark of Pelican Ventures, LLC

Publishing History

First Harbourlight Edition, 2019

Paperback Edition ISBN 978-1-5223-0210-0

Electronic Edition ISBN 978-1-5223-0208-7

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

This and all I do is for God's glory.

Without the unfailing support of my husband, Ronny Duncan, in more ways than I have space to write, thank you for all you do.

What People are Saying

GAME ON (2016)

Game On is a romantic-suspense story layered with intrigue that captivates the reader on the first page and doesnt let go till the last page is turned. Lillian Duncan adds one surprise turn after another to keep readers on the edge of their seat. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to all suspense lovers.

~ Jo Huddleston, author of the West Virginia Mountains series of sweet Southern historical romances

I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author, and I got this one as soon as it was released. I was not disappointed in this one. There is lots of suspense, romance, family secrets and faith which resulted in a story that I couldn't put down after I had started it.

~ Ann Lacey Ellison, reader

Why are you doing this? Her eyes were open. Not that it did any good since she was surrounded by complete darkness. With a madman.

I thought you might want to play a game with me, Ange, came the whispered response. Want to play with me?

And then a sharp jab on the bottom of her foot.

She whimpered.

Dont you like my game, Ange?

Another sharp jab. On her shoulder this time. How about it, Ange? Do you want to play, Ange? came the whisper.

Each time he said her name, she cringed, knowing pain would follow. Before she could take another breath a knife scraped against her leg, leaving a trail of pain up to her knee. Probably blood, too. Not that she could see it.

Stop it. Leave me alone. The words came out as a whisper even though shed meant to yell them. Why are you doing this to me?

In answer, the room was flooded with light. Her eyes protested at the sudden change. She squinted at her captor as he came closer.

Because I can. He bared his white teeth in what would probably pass for a smile in a different situation even as his eyes darkened with hatred. Women like you think you have all the power because youre rich and beautiful. You think you can do what you want, then discard us like were nothing. Well, whos nothing now, Ange? Whos the one in control? He held up the knife as if to emphasize his words.

She stared up from the bed. Her hands and feet were tied to opposite bedposts. All she had on was a long T-shirt. The dirt was his. The blood was hers. I never did anything to you. I dont even know you. Pleasepleasethisthisisnt right. Just let me go. Please.

His bright blue eyes glittered with hatred and excitement as he stared at her.

She wasnt sure what drove him to such horrible actions, but the man was evil incarnate. She didnt care if he hadnt received enough love from his mother or if he was bullied as a child. That didnt give him the right to treat her worse than an animal.

This isnt right. He mimicked her, his lip curled with disgust. And so what? Is there really anything about your pitiful life that is right? All that money and what have you done with it? Nothing. Nothing but party and make sure everyone knows your name. The beautiful Ange Matthews.

Thats not

His hand moved at lightning speed, and he slapped her. Hard. Dont you call me a liar.

She bit her bottom lip to keep the tears from falling. He didnt like it when she cried. It made him angry. And that wasnt good. I didnt mean it like that. But I really do give money to charities. All the time.

I give money to charities. He mimicked her with a falsetto voice. And thats supposed to justify your pitiful existence. Because you give a little money now and then to some cause. Big deal. And no doubt, you make sure your picture is all over the news when you do. Look at me. Im rich and I give money to the poor. Im so good. Thats all you care abouthaving pictures of the beautiful Ange Matthews all over the place. Of course, you arent all that beautiful right now, are you, Ange?

Is that what this was about? Her money? Had he sent a ransom demand? If you want my money, Ill give it to you. All of it. Please just let me go.

He stared at her as if thinking about her offer.

Hope surged. Really. Ill give you my money. All of it. Every penny. Then you can go someplace where the police cant find you. There are countries that wont extradite you.

Interesting idea but what would the beautiful Ange Matthews be without all her money? Do you think your celebrity friends would still want to hang around with you, Ange? He shook his head. But it might be nice to be rich for a change.

Please. Please. Take the money. If he wanted it, she would give it to him. Every penny. We can go to the bank today.

He shrugged. No, thanks. I love this country. And Im a model citizen so I have no reason to leave.

The thought of freedom spurred her on. Then stay here. I wont tell anyone about this. Please take my money, and let me go. How about a million dollars? I promise I wont tell anyone what you did. Ever. She sobbed now, unable to control it. Please, II cantlet me go.

This isnt my fault. Its yours. He pointed the knife at her then jabbed her in the arm with it. A spot of blood appeared. Beside all the other poke marks.

Its not. Its not my fault. I

He slapped her face again, even harder. I already warned you not to call me a liar. I said its your fault. Tell me. Tell me that its your fault. He held the knife close to her throat.

Dont hurt me. Itsits my fault.

Of course it is. The beautiful Ange Matthews only cares about herself. No concern at all for those people you wanted me to leave behind. Not about how they would get home. How it would ruin their special evening. So very selfish of you. His finger pointed at her as if he was a school teacher giving her a lecture. Your fault, not mine.

I already told you I was sorry. Youre right. I shouldnt have done that. It was selfish. And mean. ButbutI was upset. Im so sorry. I promise I wont ever do it again. Please let me go. Theyd had this same conversation countless times. And the results were always the same, but she couldnt stop herself from trying. One of these times it might work. He might take pity on her and free her.