Flash Fiction- May 15th, 2018

Ransom 

Mallory awoke in a state of misery. She followed the dull ache with her fingertips up to her temple. Flakes of dried blood fell as she traced the hardened gash on her face. Where am I? Her eyes flashed as she took in her surroundings. The room was the size of a small broom closet with a singular staircase leading up to a solid metal door. The scrape of wood against concrete filled her ears. She slowly turned her head, revealing a man sitting next to her. He was gagged and blindfolded. His hands tied in front of him, with a surplus of rope pinning him to the wooden chair.  

"Sir! Are you alright?" Mallory asked. She hoisted herself up, knees buckling as she stood. Long, deep breaths kept her steady as her head began to spin. She quickly stabilized herself and began to unbind the strange man.  

Blinking, the man stared at Mallory with fear and anticipation. "Wha... What are you doing?" he asked. 

"What do you mean what am I doing? I'm helping you." 

"Why are you helping me now?" 

"Why wouldn't I help you? You're bound and gagged for Christ's sake!" 

"Are you insane? You did this to me!" He noted her state of confusion and began to calm himself. He didn't want to make this worse. 

Mallory staggered back, caressing the cold stone wall. What was he even saying? Why would she do something so cruel? Glancing behind him, she finds a large stack of papers strewn about.  

"What are those?" she asked. 

"Take a look for yourself, I'm sure you will find them quite intriguing." 

She picked up the top letter. I won't release him to you until you meet my demands. The familiar curves and sweeping of letters struck a chord of recognition in her mind. That was her handwriting. What was she demanding? "You won't find us, but we will resurface once you change the records." she read aloud. "What does that mean? Change what records?" 

"Mallory, you aren't well. I know you don't understand. It's a difficult situation and a lot to take in right now. I can help you remember." 

"Help me remember what? What are you talking about?" Tears began to pool as exhaustion seeped into her mind. "Wait, how do you know my name?" 

"My name is Dr. Spencer. Mallory, you were diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder approximately three days ago. It's hard to tell how many days have passed down here, but that is my professional opinion due to the state we are in." 

Dropping, Mallory's knees crunched as she hit the floor. He was wrong. She doesn't have Dissociative Identity Disorder. She would know if she had another identity possessing her own body. No, she knew herself. He's wrong. She would know, wouldn't she? Or would she?  

"Your other identity, she calls herself Mara. It's important you understand that you did not do this to me. I apologize for my outburst earlier, but I needed your full attention. Mara is a complete identity all on her own. You were in that state when you were diagnosed. She snapped, taking me with her. She couldn't handle the truth, so she demanded we change the records that show your diagnosis." 

Mallory couldn't believe the words he was saying. If it were true, she wouldn't remember any of it anyway. The words twisted in her mind repeatedly. She couldn't shake the thought that he may be right. Regardless, she must do something. They need to eat, and they need to get out of this room. The decision was made. She would get them out of this.  

Her bag lay in the corner of the room half open. Her cellphone fell out as she picked the bag up off the floor. Hopefully she turned it off to save some battery. She held the side button with her thumb until the familiar Verizon symbol flashed across the bright white screen. Once it turned on completely, she unlocked it and dialed three numbers. 

"911, what's your emergency?" the operator asked. 

"My... my name is Mallory Reid, I... I think I've abducted somebody. Dr. Spencer is his name. I don't know what to do." 

"Ma'am, we need to know your location. Help will be on its way shortly." 

So, she talked with the operator until local law enforcement arrived. Hand in hand, she walked Dr. Spencer up the stairs, leading them both back to safety.