Chapter 90
Filip’s head is spinning when he regains consciousness.
At first he can’t work out where he is. Everything is black; it is so dark that he wonders if his eyes are actually closed.
Is this a nightmare? Is he still asleep? Is he in bed in the hotel room, with Emily beside him?
Then he realizes that isn’t the case. His eyes are open, but however much he blinks it is impossible to see anything in front of him.
He can’t even make out faint contours.
Where is Emily?
Where is he?
Slowly he becomes aware that he can’t move. His arms and legs are bound. He has virtually no feeling in his hands, which are tied behind his back. Something is pressing against his hip, but when he tries to wriggle to find a more comfortable position, it proves impossible. The space is too small.
He can barely turn, can’t even stretch his legs without his feet coming up against something solid.
There is also a strange smell, unpleasant and acrid, like diesel. It is making him feel sick. It’s as if he is lying in the trunk of a car.
He tries to breathe in through his mouth, but he can’t do that either. A gag cuts into his skin.
Filip is panicking now, he wants to stay calm but how can he? Instead he breathes faster and faster without taking in enough air. The fear spills over and explodes, makes him tug at the ropes until his wrists ache.
He screams for help, but only a muffled sound comes out.
But he can’t stop.
He desperately continues to shout, until all that remains are rasping sobs. His nose is blocked with mucus and tears, his body is shaking so uncontrollably that he bangs his forehead on the roof. His head starts pounding, and somehow the concrete pain steadies him a little.
He manages to gain control of his breathing, makes an effort to think.
What actually happened?
The last thing he remembers is going outside for a cigarette. Someone tapped him on the shoulder.
Then everything went black.
The panic comes flooding back with such force that he feels dizzy.
He must have been kidnapped.
But why?