Time for Replies

The knock on the head he had received from his wife with a rock not only injured him but disoriented him.

He didn't recall that it was his wife who assaulted him.

He wasn't even aware of his whereabouts and what was going on. He knew there were two women, and he knew he was outdoors.

He knew that he was tied up and he knew that he was in trouble.

But that was the extent of his knowledge at that time.

He waited. Waited to see what was going to happen. One of the women had told them they wanted "answers, Dave" so interrogation was soon to come.

He hoped it wouldn't hurt. He was cramping up now, shoulders screaming from the unnatural position he found himself and whatever was binding him cut into his wrists.

"Should we sit him up?"

Once eyes had adjusted, Dave was gazing up at the sky like Bethan did when she regained consciousness after someone tried to strangle her.

"I don't think so. I don't want him to move."

He lay there, helpless and bound. But already his mind was operating. If they come closer, I'll kick them.

He lifted his chin to his chest and got his first full view of his restrainers. They stood beyond kicking distance, looking at him.

Serious and grim-faced. One moved warily and came closer to his head. The other stayed where she was, staring at him angrily.

"Right, Dave. You need to listen because neither of us is in the mood for lies."

He turned his head to Woman 1. Her voice was rough, scratched, like she had a sore throat. Her complexion was flush, blotchy. There was no mistaking the fire in her eyes.

"We haven't decided what to do with you yet. But you need to know we're not messing around."

"Who are you?"

Woman 1 looked at him searchingly while Woman 2 barked a laugh.

"You know who I am, Dave. Quit the act."

"But I don't.honestly."

And as he said it, he didn't.

Those were the last true words he spoke that day.

His amnesia didn't last.

But the women didn't know that.

"Who are you?"

Woman 1 stared at him intently while Woman 2 laughed harshly.

"You know who I am, Dave. Stop the charade."

"But I don't.seriously."

And as he was saying it, he wasn't.

Those were the last honest words he was saying that day.

He forgot nothing.

But not the women.