“Can I get a hint at least?”
With a laugh he said, “Not now. The first thing you have to do is think about the possible theories, and yes there are multiple ways to do what I just did, and I’m only a master of the one that I know.” The warm smile began to take on a wicked gleam as he added, “But in the meantime, we have someone to terrify.” Alexis got out of the truck and I followed suit. Alexis lifted Dempsey from the bed as if he were a baby and hung the limp body in thin air.
Surprised by the lack of a struggle, I asked, “Is he still asleep?”
“Oh, I didn’t want him waking up while we were transporting him so I drugged him.” Reaching into his jacket he pulled out a small vial. As he moved the uncorked vial under Dempsey’s nose he added. “Come over here, I’d rather he see you right away.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I asked quietly as I got ready for the verbal tirade that Dempsey was sure to release when he awoke.
“Yes, I’m sure.” Alexis answered with nothing but confidence in his voice. When he noticed that I was still hesitant he added, “Remember you’re going to be my apprentice and that means you’re under my protection. And after this little demonstration, he’ll think twice before having anyone go after you. Come on.” With that command, I took a deep breath, steeling my resolve, and moved next to Alexis.
No sooner was I settled than Dempsey’s head whipped back as the vial finally did its work and brought him back into consciousness. His eyes instantly started to dart back and forth as he tried to understand what was going on. When they landed on Alexis they instantly widened in shock. He fought to control his breathing before managing to speak. “How long do you think you can hold me in my own home?”
With a shark’s smile Alexis looked into Dempsey’s outraged eyes, “Look around you fool. Do you really think this is your home?” Alexis extended his arms inviting Dempsey to examine the cavern we were in.
Hesitantly, Dempsey began to take in his surroundings, which was when he noticed me for the first time. But, instead of launching into a tirade, he simply stared at me. But when I refused to back down and continued to meet his icy glare, he started to speak in a father’s tone, “I'm disappointed in you Francis Harrison Bailey.” Eventually, he broke contact as if dismissing my presence as he once more took in the surrounding cavern. He did all of this in the blink of an eye and without losing any of his menace. Eventually, he returned his attention to Alexis before asking. “Fine, then where am I?”
“About,” Alexis replied, letting his words linger a moment as if calculating, “Fourteen hundred miles away from your home.” Alexis’ tone was flat and emotionless.
I knew Dempsey would consider this to be impossible, yet the surroundings definitely suggested that impossible things were in fact possible. And so the subtle hint of fear in his eyes made sense as he started to answer, “Fourteen… hundred miles…”
With a shrug Alexis broke in, “That’s right, though, I know you probably don’t believe me. But let me ask you this, even if we are closer to your home than that. How did you wake up in a cavern after falling asleep in your bedroom?”
“How…”
“Dempsey, I did it with the greatest of ease, and in the blink of an eye.” Alexis said emphasizing the comment with a wave of his hand.
“But that’s not possible!” Dempsey cried out.
Alexis straightened as he calmly said, “You see, unlike my new friend here, I am a true forger. I have been perfecting and expanding my skills for longer than either of you have been alive.” Alexis stopped speaking for a brief moment, letting his words sink in. I knew he wasn’t lying. “I can do things that you wouldn’t be able to dream of. For example, abducting you right from your bedroom without raising a single alarm.”
For a moment I thought that Alexis’ words had had their desired effect, because I briefly saw absolute terror upon Dempsey’s face. But then the despicable man must have found some fire left inside and asked a question, though it lacked the absolute fury of a moment ago. “How do I know we still aren’t in my home and that this isn’t just some grand illusion?”
“That is a possibility, it’s certainly something I’m capable of.” Alexis replied with a shrug. “I suppose you could call out for help.”
As if on cue Dempsey called out for help, but his cry was only answered with silence.
“Though that wouldn’t do you any good.” Alexis continued, as if the scream had never pierced the cavern, “since we’re not in your home. Believe me Bertrand, you’re out of your depth with me.”
Alexis’ absolute confidence in his own words must have shattered Dempsey’s legendary resolve because the once ruthless lord was now a hollow shell of himself. And from all appearances, Alexis was in no hurry to put the criminal out of his misery as he allowed the silence to stretch out. Judging from the worry lines spreading across Dempsey’s face it was clear that uncertainty was something he was unaccustomed to. As Dempsey’s fear and desperation continued to build, Alexis went on.
“Now as you’ve begun to realize, you are quite helpless. And as no one even knows you’re missing, you are unlikely to be rescued any time soon. So, if you want to have any hope of a continued existence you’ll answer any and all questions put before you. Do you understand?”