Tales to Keep You Bound

By Kev Pickering

From a young student meeting a bank robber, to an older woman who finds a new experience when a stranger breaks in. Thirty tales from the world of Kev Pickering, featuring themes like personal reflections, days gone by, and sports - but all featuring ordinary women in situations they cannot escape from, no matter how much they wish to.

The perfect introduction to the world of Madame X, The China Doll Gang and others. As you read it, remember - these are all fiction, they could never happen to you.

Could they?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781326202699

Book preview

Tales to Keep You Bound

Tales to Keep You Bound

By Kev Pickering

Copyright (C) 2015 Kev Pickering

All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-326-20269-9

This work is licensed under the Creative Communities Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.  To view a copy of this license, visit

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/

or send a letter to

Creative Commons

171 Second Street, Suite 300

San Francisco, California 94105

USA

http://www.kppresents.com

A Smorgasbord of Delights

Simply put, what we have here is a collection of tales of Ordinary Women in Peril, taken from various sections of my story site.  The one thing that links them – I wrote them.  I hope you enjoy.

Actually, let me expand on that a bit.  The thirty stories you will find here are amongst those that have been most appreciated and commented on in the eight years I have been doing this writing malarkey – and range from a young girl’s encounter with a robber, through family perils, to some more – shall we say, adult encounters.   So I hope it gives a fair representation of what I do outside the other collections.

The majority also lean towards the more – mature woman.  Take that as a sign of what I like writing about – and do feel free to contact me with your comments.

Kev Pickering.

Waiting for Father

Come on – it’s only been an hour.  Even I don’t think they’ll be back that quickly.

I know, but I always get nervous waiting for him.

The young man pulled the curtain over again and turned to talk to the girl.  Both were dressed in grey boiler suits, with stocking masks over their heads and leather gloves on their hands.

Calm down, Son – I’m sure they will be back soon enough.

All right, all right – what about the rest of them?

They’re still sitting at the table like good little girls – as you can plainly see.

Son turned and looked across the room, where the three women were sat at the dinner table.  The remains of the evening meal were still there, but none of them moved to clear the table.  Instead they sat there, hands on their heads, looking at the two people who were in the house with them.

The youngest of the women had her head down slightly, and the sound of quiet sobbing reached the ears of Daughter.  She walked over and stood behind her chair.

I thought I told you to keep quiet, she snarled at the girl.

Please – she can’t help it if she’s scared.  We all are.

The woman who spoke was the oldest of the three.  Sat at the end of the table, she was wearing a mustard coloured blouse with a red scarf worn as a cravat, a pair of dark brown trousers and brown leather shoes with kitten heels.

Either you tell your daughter to be quiet, and she stays quiet, or we make sure she does so, Son replied as he came over to the table.  We all have to be patient and not get upset – even us, so remember that Mrs Gordon.

The older woman looked at the masked intruder, then turned and said Jessie, please try not to cry.  I don’t want you or Pippa to get hurt, so please try not to.

All…. All right Mum, the young girl replied.  She was wearing a blue short sleeved dress, with a wide white belt around her waist, white socks and trainers.

Where’s our dad – what have you done with him, Pippa called out.  Slightly older than Jessie, she was wearing a black bodysuit with a blue sundress over the top, and black slippers.

Father wants to talk to him about some business, Daughter said as she walked round.

What sort of business – it’s not as if he’s a manager or the store owner,

That’s enough talk, Son snapped back, Father knows best.

Pippa, please, let’s not make them more angry, Her mother said quietly, and Pippa turned back to face her.

Wise words, Mrs Gordon, Son commented as he turned back to the window.

I hate this waiting, Daughter, he said as his sister came over to join him, her gaze fixed on the dressing table all the time.

I know, but Father does know best – so we have to wait.

The Gordon family were in the middle of dinner when the door bell rang.  Pippa had gone to answer it, only to be grabbed and pulled back in by Son as soon as the door was opened, his gloved hand over her mouth.

When the Family had brought her in, Mr Gordon had immediately stood up and rushed over to help her, only to be met by Father with his pistol pointed straight between his eyes.

All of you sit down and do as you’re told, he had snarled, and then Son pushed Pippa back towards her chair.

Mr Gordon, you’re going to come with me.  If you do anything to alert the authorities, your family dies.  If they do anything to alert the authorities, they die and you die.  Do you all understand?

As Father had said this, both Son and Daughter had taken their place at the table, their clubs held in their arms.

We understand, Mr Gordon had said, and father gave his pistol to Son, taking his club in turn.

Stand up, Mr Gordon.

Father took a zip tie from his overall pocket, and fixed Mr Gordon’s wrists together behind his back.

Wait for us and don’t move unless you’re told, he said to the three women as much as Son and Daughter, and then he pushed Mr Gordon out of the house.  The three women sat, hands on their heads, as the sound of a van driving off faded into the distance.

Please, Jessie, don’t cry, everything’s going to be alright….

Jessie had started to cry again, and Son came back over to the table.

I told you to be quiet, he barked at Jessie, but that only made her cry more.

I think you need to put a sock in it, Daughter said.  Turn round in your chair.

Jessie looked up at her mother and sister, then shuffled round in her chair so that she was sitting side on to the table.

Take off your trainers, Daughter said, and Jessie used her toes to push the trainers off her feet.

Now, take off your socks and hand them to me, Daughter said, as Son put the pistol towards Jessie’s head.

Oh no, Mrs Gordon called out, Please don’t do that.

Did I say you could speak, Mrs Gordon?  Now, take your socks off and give them to Daughter.

Jessie pulled her feet up onto the chair, took the white socks off and handed them to Daughter.  She then balled the pair up into a wad, and handed it back to Jessie.

Go on then – put a sock in it, she said, and Jessie realised that Daughter wanted her to put her socks into her mouth.  Slowly, with a grimace at the slight odour and taste, she pushed the wad of cotton into her mouth.

Much better, Son said, and picking up a roll of silver tape he tore a wide strip off.  Pippa and her mother watched as he smoothed it over Jessie’s mouth, and followed it up with two more to keep the socks inside.

Daughter, watch these two while they clear away these plates – I’ll take care of this little lady.  We need to get a move on anyway.

Already, Son?  We still have time…

Son looked at Daughter, and she turned to the other two women.  You two clear away these things and take them to the kitchen – you can put them in the dish washer I saw there.  Son will take care of your daughter.

Stand up, and put your hands in front of you, Son said to Jessie, and as Pippa and her mother gathered the plates into piles they watched as he used the duct tape to bind her crossed wrists together in front of Jessie, then wound it round her waist to hold them in her lap.

Come with me, he said as he took Jessie by the arm, while Daughter watched Pippa and Mrs Gordon take the plates and other dirty table things through to the kitchen.  Son took Jessie over to the long couch in the main living area, and sat her down.

Don’t move, he said, and Jessie watched as he looked through the closed curtains again.

Do you think Dad’s all right?  Pippa whispered to her mother as they loaded up the dish washer.

I hope so – he’s a brave man, but he won’t do anything that may lead to us being harmed.

I hope so – the one that called himself Father scared the hell out of me.

That’s my father you’re whispering about, Daughter said as she watched the two women, the gun in her hand.

Does he love you?  Mrs Gordon asked as she stood up.

He looks after me and Son, and provides for us.

Yes, but does he really love you?

Daughter stood in thought for a minute, before replying He is Father, and what he says we do.  Have you finished?

Pippa nodded as Mrs Gordon started the washer.

All right then – let’s get back into the main room.

Pippa and her mother looked at Jessie as they walked in, hands on top of their head.  Son had taped Jessie’s ankles together with tape, as well as her legs below her knees, so that she was sat there perfectly still.

Are you all right, Jessie? her mother asked, and Jessie nodded while saying something that came out as m fn mm.

You sit down in that chair, Mrs Gordon, Son said indicating an armchair, and you sit in the chair there, he said pointing towards a chair he had brought from the dinner table.

Is that what you’re going to do to us?  Pippa asked as she took the wooden seat.

I don’t know yet, Son replied as he continued to look out of the window.

I thought you were going to stop doing that, Son, Daughter said as she came over to the window.

How long has it been?

Two hours now – try not to worry.  Father said he would be back, and he will be back.

Son shook his head.  You were too young, but I remember the last time he said that to me, and he got caught.  I won’t be happy until he comes back.

Mrs Gordon spoke up.  You don’t have to do everything he says, you know.  He may be your father, but he could be wrong in the things he says and does.

Son wheeled round.  You’ve never known hunger and poverty have you?  Well, we know what it’s like when you don’t know where you will sleep that night, or what you are going to eat.  Father stopped that, and I know he does the right thing for us.

All right, Son, calm down, Daughter said quietly.  You should not have said that – we know Father is rough, but he is fair and he does provide for us.

Here, Son said as he tossed the roll of tape to Daughter.  Take care of the other daughter while I go and relieve myself.

Mrs Gordon watched as Daughter walked over to Pippa.  Let your arms drop by the side of the chair, she said, and as Pippa did so Daughter took her left wrists and wrapped tape around it, then around the back of the chair so that her black clad wrists was secured to the chair back.  Moving round, she repeated the process on Pippa’s right wrist, before started to wrap tape around her chest and the chair so that she was secured to the chair back.

Will you be all right, Pippa? her mother asked as Daughter tore off the tape and went for a second roll.

Don’t worry, mum, I’ll be brave for you and dad, Pippa replied as Daughter returned, pushed Pippa’s left ankle against the chair leg and started to tape it into place.

Right, that should keep you in place, Daughter said as she tore the tape off around Pippa’s lap.  Wait there a minute.

If I don’t get a chance, girls, know that your father and I love you very much and we’re both very proud of you tonight, Mrs Gordon said as Daughter walked back over to the table.

Jessie looked over and mumbled thnks mm.  Pippa looked at her mother, nodded, and started to speak.

I know – thanks mmmmmm

As she spoke, Daughter took a napkin she had taken from the table and rolled up and pulled it into Pippa’s mouth, so that the corners of her mouth were pulled back, and knotted it at the base of her neck.  Taking the tape, she then tore three strips off and placed them over the girl’s stuffed mouth, further gagging her.

Son entered the room, and checked over the binding on both Jessie and Pippa.  Good – that should hold them tight.  Pity if either of them needs the toilet, but that’s just too bad.

I wonder, Mrs Gordon asked, and Son looked at her.

Yes?

I wonder if you would allow me to go – I don’t want to be dirty in front of my daughters.

Son looked at Daughter, who nodded.  I’ll go with her – she won’t do anything while we have the girls anyway.

Daughter took Mrs Gordon by the arm.  You can take your hands down now – come with me, she said as her daughters watched her walk out of the room with the armed woman.

Don’t look at me, Son snapped at them as he turned back to the window.

Thank you, Mrs Gordon said as she flushed the toilet and left the bathroom.

Not a problem – but we now have to make sure you’re comfortable as well, Daughter said as she held up the roll of tape.  Put your hands behind your back.

I guess this had to come, she replied as she turned round and crossed her wrists behind her back.  Daughter took the tape and bound her wrists together, over the sleeves of her blouse, making sure they were held tightly together.  She also taped her elbows together behind her back, then wrapped tape around her upper body and arms so that her breasts were slightly more prominent than usual.

Back to your daughters, she said as she pushed the older woman back into the living area.  Jessie was now lying on her side on the couch, and she tried to call out to her mother as she was sat back down in the chair.

It’s all right Jessie, don’t try to talk, Mrs Gordon replied as Son took the tape from his sister and started to tape Mrs Gordon’s legs together.  He wrapped the tape around her ankles, lower and upper legs, crossing her ankles to make sure she would be unable to stand up and taping her shoes to her feet to further prevent movement.

So what happens now? she asked her captors as Son removed the red scarf from around her neck.

The three of you stay silent, he said as he forced the scarf into the bound woman’s mouth, then wrapped tape around her mouth, lifting her hair out of the way as he did so, so that she too was as well muffled as her daughters.  The three of them watched Son and Daughter as they turned out the lights in the house, then stood by the window and watched.

How much longer is he going to be?

Patience, Daughter – I thought you were the one who wanted me not to panic?

I know – but it’s been three hours now.

Wait a minute – ah, here he is.

A van could be heard pulling up outside, and footsteps in the hallway were followed by Father coming back into the house.

Good – we’re done here, he said, Come on.

Mrs Gordon started to call out what sounded like whrs m hsbnd?

Your husband?  He’s fine, but you’re going to have wait a while longer to see him.  Come on, before it’s too late.

The Family walked quickly out of the house, and the three women listened as the van drove off into the distance.  Mrs Gordon tried to find some way of peeling away even a little bit of the tape around her wrists, but it was impossible for her to get a grip.

Grls, b ptnt – fhtr wl cm sn she said through her gag.  Jessie and Pippa nodded, and the three tried to make themselves as comfortable as they could as they waited for their father to return...

Black Friday

Friday 25th November, 8am

You’re listening to the Morning Request show on W-KLZ, and this is for all of you out there who are working today.  If you’re braving the stores, folks, be kind to them – this is not their favourite day.  Here’s Lou Reed with Perfect Day...

As Tanya drove into the parking lot outside the downtown branch of Jewels’R’Us, she silently cursed the DJ for picking such an inappropriate song, and Janey for dropping her in it on this day of all days.  She had hoped to have a long weekend as well, but as her manager had so quaintly put it Tough – it’s your turn.

As she turned off the engine, she saw the three assistants waiting outside the front door.  She had never met them, but Janey had provided a brief description.  They all were wearing the regulation uniform – a short sleeved blouse made from light blue cotton, a short dark blue skirt, and black patent leather shoes. 

One had slightly curled brown hair, and stood about five foot eight – that would be Kim.  The second was slightly taller, with blonde hair cut around her head, who Tanya figured was Chrissie.  That left the one she was told was a bit of a rebel – Yvonne, with hair dyed purple and cut into a bob.

Good morning, ladies, she said as she walked towards them.  Thanks for coming in today.

Our pleasure, Kim said as she adjusted the large shoulder bag she had slung over her body.

How was your holiday?

Not too eventful, Chrissie said with a smile as the four of them walked into the store, Tanya disabling the alarm as they headed for the staff room.  Let’s get ready then, Tanya called after them, The store opens in two hours.

Thursday 24th November, 8 pm

Where the hell are they?

Kim looked out of the front window of the house she shared with her colleagues Chrissie and Yvonne.  They had gone to a boat party with some friends, while Kim had been at her own parents for a thanksgiving meal.  She had returned half an hour earlier, so that she could get an early night and be fresh for her job in the morning.

It was a warm November day, and Kim was wearing a grey jersey top, off-white cotton shorts and black sandals.  She looked out of the window again, looking for a set of headlights, but with little success.

Their house was set back slightly from the road, and the back looked out onto a recreation field.  Today was a quiet day, with most people watching the late game on the television, so nobody noticed the party of four that moved silently across the ground towards Kim’s house, or heard them scale the wire fence that separated their back yard from the ground.

Kim did not even hear the patio doors in the rear of the ground floor as they were slid open and the party crept noiselessly in, the sound muffled by the radio playing nearby.  One of the group looked at Kim, sitting in the window alcove and looking out, and signalled to two of the party.  They moved forward, so quietly that the first Kim knew of their presence was when she was pulled off the alcove seat and forced onto the floor.

What the hell, she called out as one of the pair sat across her back, facing her feet as she pulled them up off the floor.  The other grabbed her arms and forced them behind her back, holding her wrists together.  Kim turned her head to the side and saw a glimpse of her attacker pulling a length of white rope from her pocket, before she felt a cold ring press on her forehead.  A male voice said quietly Don’t struggle, and this won’t hurt, as she felt her wrists been pulled together as the rope was wound around them.

She could also feel her ankles been secured, presumably by more rope, but Kim could not see much of the second person save the black boiler suit they were wearing.  She tried kicking her legs out, but it was no use as the rope went between her legs, tightening the coils around her ankles even as she felt the same thing happening to her wrists.

What’s your name, she heard the male voice say as the binder got off her back, still holding her legs as a further length of rope was used to secure her ankles to her wrists. 

Kim, she replied, please, tell me why you’re doing this, we don’t have any money...

All in good time, Kim, she heard the man say as she felt her brown hair been pulled back.  As she opened her mouth, a large wad of cloth was stuffed in, silencing her even as a large white scarf was pulled tightly over her mouth and lips, the cloth pressing hard on her face as it was secured at the back of her head.

Kim looked round and saw four people standing there, dressed in black boiler suits, but now she could see the black balaclavas that covered their heads, as well as the pistol one of them was carrying.  Just stay calm, Kim, she heard the armed intruder say, and she realised he was the man who had been speaking earlier.

Whtsgnsn, she mumbled as the man and one of his companions took a seat, the other two leaving them alone.  You may as well get comfortable, he said as Kim looked at him, It’s going to be a long night.  She watched a third intruder carrying in a number of duffel bags as she allowed her head to hit the floor, wondering what would happen when the others finally returned.

Friday, 12 pm.

As Tanya looked out from the office, she could see the three women working, answering queries and selling goods as a steady stream of customers came in and out of the store.  It was looking as if it was going to be a good day – but then, Black Friday always was a busy one.

She walked back into the office and sat back down, working on her monthly report as the day carried on.

Thursday, 10 pm

Chrissie drove her car into the driveway of the house, killing the lights as she turned the engine off.

Do you think she’s going to be mad at us, she said to Yvonne as she started to climb out from behind the wheel of the car.

Nah – you know Kim, she’ll be all right, Yvonne replied as she left the car and pulled down the sleeves of her green mohair sweater.  Chrissie smiled in reply as they closed the doors and walked towards the front door of the house.

It had been a good party, but they had left a little early.  Even with the chill in the night air, it was still warm enough for both girls to be wearing denim shorts – Yvonne’s were faded, while Chrissie’s were still blue.  Chrissie was also wearing a white blouse over a t-shirt for a basketball club, and was wearing a pair of white strap-on sandals.  For Yvonne, a pair of blue deck shoes were on her feet.

As they walked into the house, Yvonne called out Kim, are you still awake?  There was a muffled call from the front room, which neither girl could clearly make out.

Kim?  As Chrissie walked into the front room, she was shocked to see Kim on the floor, kicking her legs out and screaming at her through the thick gag that covered her mouth.  Christ, Kim, what happened, she said as she ran forward, Kim screaming RN!!! GTOT!!!!

Chrissie?  When she heard Yvonne, the blonde haired girl turned round to see her standing there, a masked man holding a gun to her head as he said Stand perfectly still, and do nothing.  Your friends will be just fine so long as you do what we tell you.

What’s going on? Chrissie said as she slowly raised her hands.  Both of you, sit down on that seat and put your hand son your head, the man said as he pushed Yvonne forward.  Number two, would you come and release our friend here?

The two girls watched a second person walk in, dressed as the man was in a black boiler suit with a balaclava over their head, and kneel down next to Kim.  They heard her sigh as the rope holding her ankles to her wrists was untied, allowing her to stretch out as the other ropes were removed.

msrgrls, they heard her mumble as the scarf was removed from her face, and then the wad of now soaking cloth pulled from out of her mouth.  They jumped me a couple of hours ago – I don’t know what they want, but it seems we all have to be here.

That’s right, ladies, the man said as Kim was helped to her feet and walked over to join her housemates, rubbing her wrists as she did so.  We’re going to have a nice pleasant night together – we need your help with something in the morning, and we need to know you will help.

Help, help with what, Yvonne said as she stared at the masked and armed man. 

You’ll see, he said with a smile, but for now, sit still and don’t move unless we tell you.  Number three, number four, see what you can find to eat and drink in the kitchen.

The three girls looked at each other as the number of masked intruders doubled, the two new arrivals bringing a selection of bags of snacks and bottled drinks and placing them on the coffee table in front of them.

What is this all about, Chrissie said as the man opened a bag of pretzels.

You’ll see, he said as he put one in his mouth.  For now, eat.

Wednesday 23rd November, 5 pm

I’m really sorry I can’t be here on Friday, girls, but I need to take this trip.  I’m sure Tanya will look after you, so don’t give her too hard a time.

As Janey left the store, leaving her staff behind to lock up, the three of them looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders.  How can I help you, Madame, Kim said as she turned to a woman who was standing there, about the same height as Yvonne with long red hair.

I wonder if you could show me this necklace, she said as she pointed to a display tray, looking round as Kim unlocked the cabinet and brought it out.  oh yes, that’s perfect, she said as she examined the gold, I’ll take it.

As she left the store a few minutes later, she removed a cell phone from her bag and dialled a number.

"It’s me – we’re good to go, and I have some additional news that may help.  I just need you to collect something for me...

Friday, 5 pm

Another hour to go, girls, Tanya said as she watched the number of shoppers thin out.  When we lock up, I’d like you three to hang back for a minute if that is all right.

No problem, Chrissie said as she looked up from talking to a customer.  As Tanya walked back into the office, she exchanged glances with Kim and Yvonne, who nodded in return.

Friday, 5 am

Yvonne slowly opened her eyes and looked round.  She could see Kim and Chrissie sitting next to her, their eyes closed and their heads slumped forward as they slept, and in the armchair opposite was the masked man, his eyes closed and the gun in his lap.  There seemed to be no other sound save the gentle snoring of her friends.

Slowly, carefully, she stood up and stretched, watching the man the whole time.  She had no idea where the other three intruders were, but Yvonne felt she had a chance.  If she could just quietly sneak out of the house, and get to a phone, then there was a chance she could call the police and bring this nightmare to an end.

She cautiously crept forward towards the front door, taking great care not to wake anyone.  Inch by inch, step by step, she moved closer to the door, closer, her hand almost reaching the handle...

The jerk backwards as the latex gloved hand was clamped over her mouth almost took Yvonne off her feet, as he head hit the chest of the person she had heard called number two.  Her eyes widened as she felt the other person’s chest, and even more when the man walked forward and looked at her face.

I wondered if it would be you who made an attempt to raise the alarm, Yvonne, he said as she looked back into his cold blue eyes.  As it is, we were going to wake you anyway, but I think we need to keep you away from the others.

He handed the person holding her a plastic bag.  Take her upstairs and make her – comfortable, the man said as Yvonne was frogmarched towards the staircase, number two keeping a tight grip on her as they walked together up the staircase.

As they walked into her room, Yvonne was pushed onto her bed, the turquoise blue woollen blanket wrinkling slightly as she landed face first and turned herself round. 

You needn’t think you’re going to get away with this, she said as she watched her captor take a length of rope out of the bag and walk towards her.

She pushed herself back, trying to get out of the way, but the masked intruder proved too strong for her as they grabbed her arm, twisting her back onto her stomach as they looped an end of the rope around her left wrists and pulled tightly. 

That bloody hurts, Yvonne shouted out as she looked over her shoulder and watched the rope been wound around and between her wrists, pulling them together as the coils dug into her skin.

The intruder ignored her as she pulled her ankles back, holding them together in her hand as she took a second length of rope from her pocket and swiftly wrapped it around her crossed legs.  The person  as too strong for Yvonne as she felt her legs been bound, the rope cutting into her ankles as well.

Why the fuck are you doing this, she called out as more rope was used to secure her ankles and wrists in a hogtie, before the masked binder stood up and walked back over to the bag, taking out what looked like a sponge ball and a scarf before she walked back.

Don’t think I’m going to allow you to put that in my mouth, Yvonne said as her captor walked back over, squashing the ball in her gloved hand as she did so.  There was a glint in her brown eyes as she reached down and pinched Yvonne’s nose, waiting patiently until the girl had to open her mouth and allowed her to push the sponge behind her teeth.  The material expanded, filling her mouth as the scarf was pulled tightly over Yvonne’s mouth and jaw, the ends secured behind her head as it was allowed to drop back onto the bed.

whttfcksthslbt, she mumbled as she struggled, trying to get free from the ropes.  She stopped suddenly as she heard the captor starting to unbutton the boiler suit they were wearing, allowing the garment to fall to the floor as they reached up and pulled the balaclava from their head.  Yvonne watched, wide-eyed as she saw the bra straps and panties, and as the woman reached up and ran her fingers through her purple hair, turning and smiling at Yvonne before walking to the cupboard and opening it.

Wakey, wakey, rise and shine.

Chrissie slowly opened her eyes and looked at the masked man standing in front of her.

I want you to go with number three here and do whatever you have to do, he said with a smile, and then come back here.

Where’s Yvonne, Chrissie said as she looked at the empty seat next to her.

Upstairs, been taken care of, he said as he helped her stand up.  Hurry now – we don’t have much time.

As she allowed herself to be led to the bathroom, Chrissie looked over her shoulder at Kim as the masked man leaned over her.  Please, tell me what’s happening, she pleaded to the person with her, but they said nothing as they opened the bathroom door and waited for Chrissie to relieve herself.

As she left the room, she saw her captor waiting with a length of rope tau tin their hands.  Do you have to tie me up, she said, but again they remained silent as they let go with one hand and indicated she should turn round.

Reluctantly, Chrissie turned her back and held her hands together behind her back.  The masked captor doubled the rope over and passed it round her wrists, keeping it over the cuffs of her blouse as she passed it round several more times, each time bringing them closer together before they cinched the coils by passing the rope between her arms.  Tucking the ends into the binding after the knot had been tied, the intruder then turned Chrissie round and marched her back into the front room, where Kim was now standing with the one he had called number four next to her.

Are you all right, Chrissie, she said as she watched number three take a long, long length of rope and pas sit around her housemate’s arms just below her breasts.

No, I’m not all right, I’m scared and I want this to end, Chrissie said as she watched Kim been escorted out, the ropes pulling her arms more and more tightly into her side with each pass.  It will end soon enough, the man said as number three pushed her back onto the couch and knelt in front of her, removing her shoes before she started to bind her ankles together.

Please, just go and leave us alone, Chrissie said in a tearful voice as she felt her ankles been pulled tightly together.  All in good time, the man said as Chrissie watched him squash a sponge ball in his hand, but we need to make sure you three are quiet and secure first.

Why?

You’ll see soon enough, he said as he walked forward while number three passed more rope around her legs above her knees.  As Chrissie looked down and saw the way the front of her blouse had been pushed open by the ropes around her upper body, she felt the masked man raising her chin so that he could look into her eyes.

Open wide, he said as he held the squashed ball in front of Chrissie, a smile on his lips as he did so.

Now what, Kim said as she left the bathroom, the sound of the toilet flushing in the background.  She saw the one called number four standing there, a length of rope in her hand, and said I wondered how long.  Just tell me why.

There was no reply as she turned and held her hands behind her back, standing still as she felt the rope against her skin again as her wrists were securely bound.  As she was marched back into the front room, she found Chrissie sitting on the couch, staring forward with a resigned look as a thick white cloth covered her mouth and ropes encircled her legs and body.

Shit, Chrissie, are you all right, Kim said as she was made to sit down on the floor.  Her friend looked up and just nodded before staring forward again, obviously trying to find a way of coping