Kieko Yamamoto still sat tightly bound and gagged to her chair, as she stared with huge eyes at the menacing rifle, that was aimed directly at her chest. She'd tried so many times to free herself from the loops of rope tied around her, but it was impossible. Every time Kieko heard people walk by her cabin, she had tried to make any kind of sound, that would attract attention. However, her gag was extremely effective, and her muted mumbles made no impression at all. The string attached to the rifle's trigger, and to the door handle was still holding. Yet, she did see that her captors, had made sure it wasn't going to stay that way. With total terror on her face, Kieko realised her time was running out. It was then, she heard a knock on the cabin door.
'Miss Yamamoto, are you okay?'
It was Jennings' voice. She desperately tried to call out to him, but again, she was frustrated, due to the gag. Then with horror, she saw the door handle move. . . . . Jennings stood outside the Japanese girl's cabin. He heard no response from his knock, and put his ear on the door, listening intently. There were very vague sounds coming from inside, he could just hear them. He called again, 'Miss Yamamoto, you okay in there?'
There was still no reply, apart from the unidentified tiny sounds. Jennings put his hand on the door handle, and began to press it down, totally unaware of what was about to happen.
Inside, Kieki squeezed her eyes shut tightly, waiting for the shot that would finish her. However, the door did not open, and opening her eyes again, she saw the handle being carefully raised. The string attached to it, still stayed in position, but Kieko could see it was on its last legs. She glanced at the door, and tried to raise her gagged sounds desperately.
Jennings noticed straight away the door handle was stiff, as he tried to open the door. Every door he'd opened on this ship, had done so easily. This one had stood out to him. Sensing something was wrong, he went next door, and politely knocked. There was no answer, and no Do Not Disturb sign had been shown. He took a chance, and entered the room.
Much to his relief, the cabin was empty. Quickly, he went straight for the built in cupboard, and he managed to get in to the girl's cabin. Jennings was momentarily stunned by what he saw.
The girl had been efficiently bound and gagged to a chair, her beautiful dark eyes implored at him, over her cleave gagged mouth. He was also taken aback by the sight of the rifle aimed at her, he also saw the string fixed to the trigger, and to the door handle. Cursing himself inwardly, he could see the string was about to break. With lightning speed, he grabbed the chair where the girl sat tied up, and got her out of the rifle's aim, just as the string snapped. The shot was silenced, as the bullet flew out to where Kieko had been sitting seconds ago. The wall had been damaged, but Jennings was relieved to see the girl okay.
He put her up straight in the chair, and cut her bindings loose. There were plenty of them, but she was finally free, and he took the gag away.
Kieko looked at him with plenty of gratitude, 'You saved my life. 'She placed her arms around his neck, and hugged him warmly, then planted a great big kiss on his lips. 'Thank you, Jennings san. '
He smiled back at her, he'd enjoyed her kiss. She really was one of the most beautiful women he'd ever met. However, business first, he promised himself.
'How long have you been tied up there? Who did that to you?'
Kieko shivered, as she remembered being chloroformed. 'It was the First Officer Yee. I think they wanted to see you pass a test, to see if you could save me. '
Jennings thought that was bad news. 'If that's true, 'he admitted, 'then we're in serious trouble. 'He looked at her with concern, 'You sure you're okay?'
Kieko gave him a stunning smile, that almost blew him away. 'Thank you. I am fine. '
Jennings knew she was, but told her anyway, 'I'll stay with you. Just in case our friends come back to check on you. '
He was pleased to see Kieko nod in agreement, as she responded, 'Please do not leave me again. '
Jennings was happy to oblige that.
Deep in the ship, Liu and Madam Chen listened with interest, as Jennings and Kieko talked. Liu also looked at Louise, who had been bound and gagged to a pillar support in the room. Louise stared fearfully at these two dangerous people. It was a relief to know her brother was on board, and he'd managed to save an innocent woman's life. However, her own future was now being discussed.
'Are we still going to sell the girl? 'Madam Chen walked close up to Louise, and began stroking her cheeks lovingly. Louise froze at the woman's unwanted touch.
Liu nodded, 'Definitely, but I have to plan ahead. '
He then went right up to one of his favourite prizes, as he ran his fingers through the girl's long silky tresses. 'We'd better do something about your brother, hadn't we, my dear?'
An evil smile on his face made her whimper through the black tape firmly sealed over her mouth, 'and I have an idea, just how to do it. Or perhaps, in reality, you will help us get rid of him. '
Louise shook her head madly at that, but Liu gripped her chin, stopping her. 'And don't worry, my dear, you will be the main attraction of the show. '
Both her kidnappers chuckled, as they began to lay their plans. Louise struggled against the mass of ropes holding her tightly to the pillar, her fears doubled at what were they going to do to her.
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