Voyage into Slavery Chapter 25
Still bound and gagged securely in the crate, Louise made every effort to try and raise anybody's attention. However, her kidnappers had anticipated this. The crate she was sitting in, held just enough room for her to sit, with her knees pulled back. There was no way she could try to bang or kick the crate. The tape gag was driving her insane; it still remained firmly over her mouth. The noise from the bustle of activity from the harbour, guaranteed her gagged screams would go unheard.
The crate she was imprisoned in was being pulled along, by a pulley. Louise tried to look out of the crate's narrow gaps, but everything was just going too fast. Nobody was challenging Madam Chen and her crew, as they took their 'cargo' to a large waiting truck. Louise saw that this was where they were putting her. She saw four burly crewmen, easily lift the crate, and pushed it into the far back of the vehicle. Louise was really scared. The auction house where they were taking her was the last place she wanted to be. Yet, they had Sarah, and had threatened her elder sister, if she tried to escape.
The remaining crates were put into the truck. Louise could hear the faint whimperings of all the other bound and gagged girls, inside their own crates. Her own muted voice joined them.
Two of the crew jumped onto the back of the truck, and they were armed. They were accompanied by Madam Chen, as they both helped her climb up. She made straight for Louise's crate.
'Open it. 'She ordered.
One of the men produced a crowbar, and did open it, with several pulls. Madam Chen's lust increased, as she gazed down at her favourite, and tied up pretty slave. The fear on the girl's face, fully enjoyed by Madam Chen. Louise clenched her eyes shut again, this woman just loved touching her up.
She was hoisted up by the Chinese woman herself, Louise still glared defiantly back over her tape gag. As long as she knew John was alive, she knew that he would come for her, and Sarah. Louise had known about many of her brother's exploits. He'd rescued many damsels in distress, and had always promised he'd do the same for his sisters. As a chuckling Madam Chen continued to fondle and grope her body, Louise needed him now, more than ever.
Jennings opened his eyes slowly, he was still lying down, but wasn't in the boat. He was in hospital. There were two men in the room with him. One looked like a police official, or an army uniform. The other man was dressed in civilian clothes, both were talking quietly in their native Thai. They then noticed that Jennings was awake. Both of them came closer, the man in civilian clothes spoke in English.
'How are you feeling?'
Jennings had to admit that physically, he felt better. However, all the recent memories were still burning inside him, and he couldn't stop thinking about Sarah and Louise. What they must be going through didn't bear thinking about. He realised he had to be polite to the two men, patiently waiting for his answer.
'I'm alive, that's something. 'He finally spoke.
The uniformed man then gave Jennings, the customary Thai greeting, bowing his head slightly, and clasping his hands together, as in prayer. Jennings returned the gesture. The man then took out a photograph, and handed it over. Jennings saw that it was of the young Thai woman, Su. He gazed up at the man, both could see, that she was known to them.
'The young lady is my daughter. 'The uniformed man told him. 'I am Inspector Panna, head of all police operations in Bangkok. My daughter was last seen, with you on the 'Eastern Paradise. I'm hoping you may be able to give me any information, as to her whereabouts. '
Jennings told him the truth. 'Yes, I met her. She actually came to me, offering assistance. The bad guys got her, though. ‘His face was painful, as he remembered.
Inspector Panna then produced more photos. They were all of Captain Liu, Yee, and Madam Chen.
'These people are highly dangerous criminals. ‘Panna probably knew that the Englishman knew this already, but he had to tell him. 'There's no bad deed that they have not done. Armed violent robbery, kidnapping for slavery, even murder. '
Jennings nodded, recalling Madam Chen's gloating, when Sarah had just been seized.
'Yes, the Chinese woman's a nasty piece of work. 'His face grimaced in distaste at that.
Inspector Panna fully agreed with him, then asked politely. 'Do you know where they may have taken her?’
Jennings could only tell him about Madam Chen's boat, that Louise had been grabbed on. 'I'm assuming they were heading here, for Bangkok. '
'We have our people on it. 'Panna told him. 'There is someone here to see you. 'He went to the door, and opened it. A very familiar, young woman entered. She was dressed in the naval white uniform of the Royal Navy, and she was fully glad to see the patient.
'Kelly?' Jennings was stunned. 'What are you doing here?'
Kelly smiled warmly back at him. 'Are you okay, John?’ There was much concern in her voice. 'Sarah told me what was going on, before she was kidnapped. She managed to send over some useful information, which can help us get them back. '
Jennings still thought he was seeing things. Kelly and Sarah were best friends. Both of them had enrolled in the Royal Navy from university. Like Sarah, Kelly's expertise was intelligence gathering from any enemy threat. She'd helped Jennings out many times, and was a priceless ally. Both were great mates, and Jennings never tired of thanking her, for her invaluable help. She asked for a moment alone with him, and the two men left to wait outside. Kelly hugged him, he returned the greeting weakly. He still hadn't fully recovered.
'I'm so glad you're okay, John. 'She meant every word.
'Kelly, I can't believe you're here. 'Jennings managed to say, his voice low. 'When did you get here?'
'When that Chinese woman's boat docked in Bangkok. I watched them. They've transported the girls somewhere. I don't know yet, but I'll find out. '
'You sure of that?’ Hope was slowly beginning to manifest inside him.
Kelly grinned. 'Of course I am. Who do you think you're talking to?’ She produced a laptop, and patted it affectionately. 'When I watch somebody, I'll know everything about them, and where they go. You know that, John. '
He did know it, and he returned her grin, though faintly.
'I'm doing a reece of a suspected house, ' she went on. 'I've spotted that Chinese woman, going in there many times. It's possible, that's where they may have Louise and Sarah. If I'm right, I don't think we'll have to wait long to confirm it. 'She then saw him try to get up.
'I'd better go with you. I don't want you there alone. '
However, Jennings’ strength was still low, and Kelly gently pushed him back down.
'John, you stay here. That's an order. I want you fully recovered. ‘He watched her take out a syringe. 'This will help you sleep. When you wake up, you'll be ready for action, but you'll have missed it. 'She smiled, as she took his arm. and cleaned it.
'Kelly, don't go. They'll be watching you, and you'll be taken. 'He then felt the needle slide home, instantly he fell sleepy. He just saw Kelly lean over, to kiss him gently on his forehead.
'When it’s all over, you can buy me a drink. 'She winked at him, before Jennings fell into a deep sleep. Kelly stroked his hair, very concerned for him. She looked at her laptop, and after a few moments thought, placed it in Jennings' hands. She covered it up, and was satisfied nobody would find it. Once he woke up, he'd find all the intelligence needed, to take down Madam Chen's slavery ring. Kelly then squeezed his hand, and after informing the two Thai men, that he was asleep, promptly left the hospital. She had a mission to accomplish.
Leaving the hospital however, Kelly failed to notice that she was being watched, and followed. She hailed a taxi, and made her way to her hotel, placed opposite Madam Chen's building. The hotel wasn't a luxury one. It was located in the back streets of Bangkok, hardly anybody was seen here. Kelly was willing to put up with the lack of luxury, so far she'd managed to track Madam Chen's base of operations. Or more precisely, her auction house.
Kelly entered the hotel, and quickly got her key from reception. She was aware that people were watching her. There were some eager looks from a lot of the men. She could tell, that her uniform was much appreciated, as well as her feminine gait. Her high heeled steps attracting more unwanted attention. Two more Thai men were sitting, just out of her sight, and watched her every move. Both men licked their lips in eager lust, as they stared at the girl. One of them nudged his accomplice, ordering. 'Better go and tell Madam Chen, she's going to get an unexpected bonus tonight. 'His accomplice smiled in agreement, and did as he was told.
Kelly made it unmolested, to her hotel room. Nobody had tried to force their way in. She'd left some careful traps, but none had been lifted. She slid the key in, and after entering the room, made sure the door was locked. Satisfied at that, Kelly got her stuff out from under the bed. A pair of high quality binoculars, a digital camera, and of course, her weapon. A .45 handgun with extra clips. Pulling up a chair to the side of the room's only window, she settled down, and waited. She checked her watch again for the umpteenth time, and was still waiting hours later. Nothing was happening. The street was deserted, but Kelly was patient. She was certain things would be happening soon.
Just as she was thinking that, she watched a large black limo pull up, to the building opposite. Peering through her binoculars, Kelly tensed, as she watched a very nasty looking man get out of the limo, and open the door, to reveal Madam Chen's familiar figure get out too. She had to admit, the woman was very attractive, but one look at the woman's expression told a different story. There was only cold, and ruthless determination visible. Kelly wouldn't want to fall into her hands. She'd watched the woman practise martial arts, and she appeared to be a highly formidable opponent. It would take a highly skilled warrior to beat her. Kelly had never seen the woman lose any of her practise fights.
She then saw a large army type truck, pull up behind the limo. More men were now coming out of the building, and the back of the truck was opened. With grim satisfaction, Kelly saw the large wooden, packing crates being off loaded the truck. Has to be the girls, she thought.
Kelly pressed a switch on her binoculars, as it offered her, an infra red option. Sure enough, the thermal images showed a female form, obviously still bound and gagged inside them. Kelly lowered the binoculars, and tried to make contact with the police. However, there was no signal. Kelly frowned. Why was that?
She switched back to normal mode on the binoculars, and gazed back at Madam Chen. The Chinese woman wore a satisfied smile, as she watched the packing crates being taken inside. Kelly gripped the binoculars more tightly, her face mad.
'You bitch. 'She muttered to herself. 'You're going to pay for this. '
Just then, a man approached Madam Chen, and spoke a few words. The woman nodded, but didn't say anything. However, the smile slightly increased. Then, she walked into the building, her men following.
Kelly tried again to get in touch with the police, but still no signal offered itself. You've got to get in there, and help those girls, she thought, and accepted it.
She took out the . 45 handgun, and quickly left the hotel room. Nobody was about, as she left the hotel. That didn't bother Kelly, she had to get into that building.
As she left the hotel, the two Thai men grinned at each other. One of them produced his mobile, and after being answered, he informed with relish. 'The girl's on her way. '
Kelly checked for any hidden entrances, but there didn't appear to be any. Even when the crates had been taken in, they'd used the front. Kelly tried, for the third time to call in the cavalry. Still nothing. Disgusted, she now accepted, it was up to her. Kelly carefully checked the door, and surprisingly found it open. Nobody came out to challenge her, and she was glad of that. Despite holding her weapon, she didn't want to get involved in a shoot-out. Her shooting skills were not exactly precise.
The place looked very rich, there were treasures beyond belief here. No doubt bought by illegal means. Kelly was sure of that. There was complete silence, as the place still appeared deserted. Where were they? Kelly then spotted a flight of steps leading down.
Cautiously, she advanced, and slowly descended. This time, she heard something. It was a woman's voice, or a woman trying to speak. It came to Kelly like soft mumbling. Whoever it is, she thought, she's gagged!
Kelly suddenly rounded a corner, and stopped in her tracks. Horror was fully on her face. She was looking at Sarah: her friend was tightly trussed up with white ropes, all over her body. A silk cloth was tightly tied around her mouth, her eyes pleading at Kelly.
The same man she'd seen get out of the limo, was holding Sarah down on her knees. A large wicked blade was also held firmly at her throat.
'Drop your weapon. 'The man ordered.
Kelly knew she had to obey. There wasn't the slightest hope, she could catch him by surprise.
As if to emphasise it, Kelly heard a woman's footsteps behind her. She looked over her shoulder to see Madam Chen, and she still wore the same smile Kelly had seen earlier.
'He said, drop the gun my dear. 'The woman repeated.
Kelly, very reluctantly did so, and raised her hands in surrender.
Madam Chen was pleased. 'Very sensible, Kelly. I certainly wouldn't want to shoot you. '
She was amused to see the girl's eyes widen in surprise, as she mentioned her name.
'Oh yes. You've been watching us, but we've been watching you. Ever since you got Sarah's download, that she sent you. 'The smile increased, as Kelly's face grew more alarmed. Madam Chen chuckled. 'You see, we know you're an expert with technology, and I've even read your assignments. You liked to help Jennings a lot, didn't you?'
Kelly was more and more stunned. She couldn't help, but ask. 'How do you know this?’
Madam Chen walked up to Sarah's still kneeling figure.
'Sarah was most helpful, telling us all her little secrets. 'An ominous syringe was now visible in Madam Chen's hand. 'Especially, when she helped her brother. '
Sarah shook her head in despair, as the Chinese woman smiled menacingly. The gag prevented Sarah’s bitter protest. They'd injected her with truth serum, to find out what she knew, in her military career. Sarah had tried to resist, but they'd dragged Louise in, bound and gagged, and threatened her sister. Even though, she tried to fight the drug, Sarah was overwhelmed by it, as she had to keep Louise safe from harm.
'Now, all we have to do is wait for Jennings to show up here, and see how it develops. That's if he survives the hospital. '
Kelly's eyes widened. 'What are you going to do to him?’
The woman smirked. 'What do you think, Kelly? We can't let him live. It’s a given that he'll come to try and rescue you all. '
She suddenly seized Kelly's arms, spun the girl around, and held her arms tightly behind her back. The girl yelped in surprise and shock. She felt the woman’s strong bony fingers close around her two slender wrists like a vise grip. She squirmed, but Madame Chen was far stronger.
'So we'll do everything we can to prevent that and what better way, than a very pretty lure. 'Madam Chen grinned, as she ran the fingers of her free hand through Kelly's silky dark hair. 'If he does survive the hospital, I think you'll do quite nicely. '
She then snapped at two of her men waiting for her orders.
'Go to the hospital, and kill the Englishman. '
Kelly and Sarah both squealed in horror at this cold, inhumane order. Sarah's squeal was considerably quieter. Both men nodded their obedience, and left to carry out the grim task.
Kelly struggled like mad, but the woman's grip on her, was just too powerful.
'Let me go, you bitch! I'll mmmmmffff!'
Before she could do anything, Kelly felt the woman’s fingers tighten in her hair, and yank her head back; Madam Chen’s other hand strongly clamped a chloroform soaked cotton wool pad over her mouth. Desperately shaking her head to try and get away from it, Kelly struggled in vain. The last thing she heard was Madam Chen chuckling, making sure the chloroform did its work, then she collapsed in her captor's arms.
With a lustful sigh, Madam Chen slowly smelled the unconscious girl’s shiny dark tresses. She loved her scent, smiling evilly at Sarah's frightened face.
'Very pretty, isn't she, Sarah?’ The woman ignored the girl's mumbled response, as she then ordered plenty of ropes, to be brought to her.
'The auction was planned for tonight,' she continued, 'but I'm patient. I know you will all sell very well indeed. So, I'll keep you, for just a little bit longer. '
She then became businesslike, as she ordered the man holding Sarah.
'Get her back down to the cellar, and keep checking on all their ropes. I don't want any of them to get loose. Understood?’
The man nodded, as he yanked Sarah up, and placed her over his shoulder. Her gagged sounds merely amused her captors, then she was gone.
Madam Chen had already been given her favourite white coils of rope, and was now tying Kelly's wrists behind her. She loved binding her gorgeous female captives, this girl was no exception. Especially, as she was from the West. More selling power, she sniggered.
Satisfied, the girl's wrists were useless, she lashed her ankles together, wrapping four loops over them, making sure the knots were cinched. Kelly was now totally at her mercy.
More loops were secured all over her, every coil of rope was pulled tightly, over the girl's uniform. Her white shirt made Madam Chen drool, as she enjoyed tying the ropes over it. Kelly's chest swelled, due to the bonds. The woman's hands lovingly fondled Kelly's breasts. She was impressed. They'd done extremely well, with their latest haul of kidnap victims. The slave owners would be very pleased, indeed.
Finishing off tying three loops of the rope over the girl's knees, Madam Chen tore off a huge strip of black tape, and slapped it over Kelly's mouth. She made a final, leering look at her latest prize. She looked so sexy, bound and gagged in her naval uniform. Madam Chen was spoilt for choice, knowing Sarah Jennings was dressed the same way, and helpless too.
She took Kelly in her arms, and made for her own room. The girl was just too tempting. She smiled again, life was never better. The auction was tomorrow, they'd make a huge profit, possibly the most. All that remained was to eliminate Jennings. Somehow, Madam Chen hoped he would manage to make it here. She really wanted to fight him, as she'd seen him in action in the 'Eastern Paradise's engine room. She was impressed again. One of the girls would be used as bait, but she'd think about that later.