He crossed over the threshold into the stairwell when he felt a powerful arm catch him around the throat. Throwing his head back, he missed his assailant's nose. Apparently the man had expected such a move. Leaning forward, Cal attempted to push him off balance but he was too large, too heavy. He couldn't catch his breath now as the muscular arm tightened its hold on his throat.

He moved his hands around in blind panic, looking for one of the man's vulnerable fingers but they were fisted tightly so he was left scratching at the heavy forearm, progressively growing weaker.

The sound of a sudden intake of breath had his graying vision shift slightly to the left.

Gillian. She'd come looking for him. No, no, no…

With renewed vigor, he stepped back, smartly catching the man's instep with his boot. A low grunt coincided with the arm loosening ever so slightly. But it was short lived. Cal pulled in one ragged breath before the arm pulled against his throat even harder. The guy was trying to choke him out.

"Get her!" The order was barked in a smooth baritone as another man darted toward Gillian's retreating figure.

Cal thrashed as he watched the masked figure catch her by the hair, pulling back abruptly, almost setting her off her feet. She whirled and punched the man straight in the mouth. Cal would have smiled if he were capable but the gray was turning to charcoal and he knew he would be out in seconds.

Just before he lost consciousness he helplessly watched the vicious backhand that the man gave Gill. She fell abruptly as Cal lost his own battle.

(BREAK)

"She wasn't supposed to be here!" The smaller man looked down at the woman at his feet. "Her car wasn't down there."

"Obviously she took the train or got a lift."

"No shit. What do we do with her though?"

"Guess she comes along."

"That wasn't the plan."

"Plans change. She wakes up, sounds the alarm and all of the sudden Lightman's disappearance becomes less of a mystery. Wouldn't take rocket science for the cops to figure out the connection. If they both disappear for a while…well, for all anyone will know, they took off together. 72 hours is more than enough time.

The larger man removed his gloves and pulled several items from deep pockets. He tossed a couple of zip ties toward his partner. "Blindfold and gag her too. Can't take any risks."

Crouching down, he used a couple of ties on Lightman as well, securing his wrists behind his back and getting his ankles. It was superfluous but he blindfolded the man before digging out two of the tiny vials and quickly preparing the injection. After the drug had been administered, the big man pulled the other up before maneuvering him across his shoulders in a fireman's hold.

"You got her?" He glanced behind him into the hallway

"Yeah, right behind you." Gillian was cradled a bit more intimately against the second man's chest.

They descended the stairs as quickly as possible, breathing hard under their respective loads.

The large SUV was parked right by the heavy metal door, but just out of sight of any security cameras.

Popping the tailgate, the big man dumped his charge in the back while the other went around to the backdoor and awkwardly laid Gillian on the seat.

"What time you got?"

"Almost nine."

"We'll call en route."

(BREAK)

Gillian's head and jaw ached horribly so it took several seconds before her memory caught up. Oh my God. She stayed completely still even as her pulse started to rocket. It was better that they continued to think she was unconscious.

They'd been arguing because of his cavalier attitude toward the Bainbridge trial. He'd been going out of his way to push all her buttons and she wasn't sure what pissed her off more. The fact that he was doing it or the fact that she was letting him do it. He'd smirked at her before bidding her a goodnight and had gone toward the elevators. They were all stuck on one of the bottom floors so he headed toward the stairs. She'd followed him for some reason. To make sure he was okay? To smooth over the fight? Probably just because she was a push over. She wasn't even completely sure now. But as Cal had entered the stairwell, a large figure in dark clothing and a ski mask had grabbed hold of him, wrapping an arm around his throat. She watched his eyes widen and his face slowly turn red, even as he violently struggled. In a panic, she'd turned to run back to the offices but someone else had caught up with her…

Shifting slightly, she felt leather under her cheek and the vibration of an engine. Her hands and feet were tied, a dark cloth was secure over her eyes and something was wadded in her mouth. Pushing her face against the seat, she tried to dislodge it but it didn't move. Heart hammering, she began to listen. Two men, voices low, one smooth and pleasant, the other slightly raspy, an ex-smoker's healing voice. They were currently talking about football but she hoped they'd shift into something a bit more helpful. Like where Cal was and what the hell they wanted.

There was a phone call several minutes later but it gave her little information other than she hadn't been part of the plan. Cal had been the lone target. Was he even in the vehicle with her? The seat seemed roomy enough to belong in a larger vehicle. Was he in the back? Trunk? She hadn't heard any noise indicating his whereabouts and the thought made her heart thump even faster. Was he okay? It seemed probable that the man was easily capable of snapping Cal's neck. Oh God. She could feel a sob building in the back of her throat but fought it back. A tiny noise escaped in its place.

"Someone's awake." The smooth voice made the observation. "I apologize Dr. Foster. You weren't supposed to be part of this."

She didn't react, taking note that the vehicle was leaving the highway and slowing down. There was no way of knowing which direction they'd come. She could only listen carefully for some sort of clue but with the exception of the sound of a train, they were few and far between.

Finally, the car slowed again, making a turn before making another turn. This time there seemed to be dirt or gravel under the tires.

"Almost there!" The raspy voiced man announced with feigned cheerfulness.

A few moments later, the vehicle came to a stop and the engine cut out.

Doors opened abruptly and Gillian could feel cool air wash over her.

"Don't think you're going to need that out here." Strong hands removed the gag from her mouth. "Just be mindful if you start squawking too much, I'll put it back in."

Gillian pulled the cool air into her lung hungrily as she felt him cut the tie at her ankles. "My eyes…?"

"Sorry. Blindfold stays." The raspy voiced man actually did sound slightly apologetic.

"Where's Lightman?" She found her voice trembling, edging on panic.

She heard a heavier slam as a tailgate was pushed down. There was a grunt from the big man, like he was carrying some sort of burden. Cal?

"He's here."

"He's…okay?"

"Don't worry. He's fine. Just taking a little nap."

"What do you want?"

Naturally, the question went unanswered. One hand caught her arm and guided her away from the car.

"Careful, there's some steps. Three up."

Gillian heard the creaking of the porch as they climbed up, especially when the other man joined them, presumably carrying Cal. The sound of night insects pushed in around them creating a crescendo. They were still at the office around eight, but she had no idea how much time had elapsed since then.

Two locks were released and she was shepherded inside. Dust and mildew hung heavily in the stale air as she was guided a little further in. Fourteen steps brought her to the padded armchair where she was pushed down. Gillian bit back a whimper at the pain in her wrists. There was more movement around her at the same time she heard the squeak of springs as a body was unceremoniously dumped on a couch or bed just to her right. There still wasn't a sound out of him and she could feel her insides clenching painfully.

"What…what did you give him?"

Once again she didn't receive an answer and Gillian could feel her temper rising. "I don't know what the hell you want but I'd like to see if my friend is at least okay!" She swallowed and softened her voice. "Please."

One hand caught her chin, pressing in firmly, voice rasping in her ear. "You're not in any position to make demands. You be good and this will all be over in a couple of days." The grip on her face loosened.

A couple of days…just long enough for Cal to miss the trial.

Just long enough for Bainbridge to most likely walk free because of it.

Interested? Or is this action/danger/adventure stuff getting old?