As the years went by, I met other guys and had a few relationships, but none as intense as the one I had with Sam. I started fantasizing about being his captive, even dreaming of being tied up by him. I was tempted to leave law school and switch to engineering just to see him again, but engineering wasn’t for me, and it would have meant wasting time with no real purpose.
In 1985, near the summer break, I made up my mind and wrote a letter to Sam. I asked his parents for his campus address and hoped that when he received the letter, he would be alone, as what I wrote was quite sensitive.
“Dear Sam,
It’s been three years since that summer when we played what you called ‘the game.’ I have to tell you that I’ve become obsessed with the thought of those moments when I was your captive, and I’ve been fantasizing about it ever since. As summer break approaches, I would really like to meet you again. Are you planning to come home for a couple of weeks? I would really love to relive an experience like the one we had that summer. I’ve been dreaming of a kidnapping role-play, and I think we could arrange something similar. Forgive me for being so upfront with you, but I know you don’t like mushiness, and you don’t like me talking too much (and that I know for sure!).
Please answer me as soon as possible.
Your captive,
Lukeâ€
The reply came a week later, and it was brief:
“Hi Luke,
I’ll be home for summer break this year. Looking forward to a couple of months with you. I’ll be there Monday next week. Get ready!â€
My heart raced when I read it, and I began planning all the details. But little did I know what would happen in the days ahead. Be careful what you wish for, they say.
Monday morning, July 1, 1985
“Luke, it’s good to see you.â€
“You too, Sam.â€
Sam had finally knocked at my door. At the time, I was living in a single-family home, enjoying the privacy it offered. Money wasn’t an issue since I was the beneficiary of a trust arranged by my grandfather, who, as his only grandson, wanted to ensure I could live a life free from financial concerns.
“So, what’s up, man? It seems like things are going well for you. I heard you’re getting good grades at law school. How long until you become some rich lawyer at a big firm?â€
“Hopefully, not too long, Sam. Being a lawyer is my dream, you know… What about you? Are you going to be a famous civil engineer any time soon?â€
“You know, Luke, I’m not really sure what the future holds for me. Right now, it’s just studying and having a good time on campus.â€
“You’re in great shape, Sam. Your body looks amazing.â€
“Well, I’m on the swimming team at school, so I work out a lot these days.â€
“Good for you, Sam.â€
“You’re looking good too, Luke. Have you been hitting the gym or something?â€
“Actually, I’ve been seeing Marco, a guy who’s a fitness coach. He’s helped me a lot with my diet.â€
“You naughty boy, tell me more about the two of you.â€
“There’s not much to say. He’s Spanish, he’s a bit vanilla, you know.â€
“Nothing kinky, I take it.â€
“So, tell me about those dreams of yours. What’s stopping me from tearing your clothes off and having my way with you right now?â€
“Well, where do I begin? I’ve been fantasizing a lot about a role-playing game where I’ve been kidnapped, kept captive, and sexually harassed by a mysterious masked man—who, of course, is you…â€
“Stop it now, Luke. You want this fantasy fulfilled, don’t you?â€
“Yes, Sam.â€
“And you want me to make it real?â€
“As a matter of fact, yes, I do want it. I’ve planned all the details…â€
“Hush, Luke, say no more. Something like this, to feel real, can’t be planned by you. It must be unexpected, surprising…â€
“What do you mean, Sam?â€
“If you want me to role-play in a staged kidnapping, you must leave the planning to me. You know I’d like to be the one running the game.â€
“But Sam, it’s my fantasy.â€
“Luke, I know how to handle this fantasy of yours. As a matter of fact, I’ve done this before.â€
“What? When, how…â€
“You know, I’ve organized more than one prank on freshmen at campus, and quite a few involved a staged kidnapping. The guys of Gamma Lambda paid good money for a well-staged kidnapping, and they didn’t care what we did with the captives as long as they didn’t suffer any physical harm. They left it to us to handle the captives, as long as they were returned safe and sound at the end of the agreed time of captivity.â€
“Looks like I’ve been at the wrong school; things like this don’t happen here… I couldn’t help but notice that you said ‘we.’ Were other people involved in the staged kidnappings, besides the captives?â€
“Of course, Luke. A staged kidnapping is a delicate thing to handle. You need a secure place, a van, and at least two or three people to manage the captive. The safety of the captive is a top priority—you never know how he might react. So, we added a paramedic to our so-called staff, along with some emergency medicines.â€
“Has anything gone wrong? How many times have you done this, Sam?â€
“Well, once there was this muscular guy, and things got a little rough. We had to use a bit more force, and he ended up with a dislocated shoulder. Nothing serious, but we had to call it off, and the fraternity covered our asses.â€
“Shit, Sam, nothing like that is going to happen with me. I won’t offer any resistance, just enough to make it believable…â€
“Of course, Luke, but you never know. We also added chloroform to our set, to be used in cases like that for the captive’s sake.â€
“Looks like you’re more experienced than I thought.â€
“Well, if you want the full service, and I intend to offer it to you, it will cost you money, Luke.â€
“I’m quite intrigued, Sam. I didn’t mean for such a sophisticated predicament, but I trust you.â€
“Thanks, mate. Let’s say it will cost you about a grand if you want a well-staged kidnapping.â€
“That’s a lot of money, Sam.â€
“Of course, you’re not paying for my contribution.â€
“How generous of you. And when is it going to happen?â€
“Let’s say that the full service requires a bit of organization. I’d say in a week, but you won’t know the exact date. It will all be part of the surprise, so don’t make any appointments for the next fortnight, Luke.â€
“How long are you going to keep me captive, Sam?â€
“As long as I please, Luke. Just kidding—it may be at least two days, but it could last longer, depending on how you handle it physically and mentally. I will be the judge of that; you won’t have any say. But the paramedic will always be there to ensure your well-being.â€
“All those people—are they going to keep their mouths shut?â€
“We’ll submit a legal agreement to you, signed by all of us, and by you, of course. It will guarantee the highest confidentiality and state that you requested to be the victim in a staged kidnapping for the sake of a psychological experiment involving Stockholm Syndrome.â€
“Sounds professional. I didn’t know you were so skilled, Sam.â€
“By the way, I won’t be asking for money in advance. You’ll pay later when everything’s done.â€
“That’s fine with me. You know money isn’t a problem.â€
“Oh, I almost forgot—the full service includes a video recording. We have these two new camcorders, so you’ll have a memento of the event.â€
“Sam, your fixation with pictures is going too far. Will you use the recording to blackmail me?â€
“No, Luke, not this time. It would be dangerous for all of us, and the legal implications would be unpredictable.â€
“Okay, Sam, send me this agreement of yours. I’ll sign it as soon as I get it.â€
“Oh, it happens I have it right here. I was pretty sure you’d accept. Things have already been set in motion; my team is ready.â€
“Is there anything I should know before it happens?â€
“Luke let’s just say you will be our unwilling guest. We’ll keep you tied up and gagged most of the time, sometimes blindfolded, in your underwear, or naked. The positions will include being chair-tied, hogtied, strapped to a bed, ball-gagged, and sock-gagged. We may use rope, chains, handcuffs, ankle cuffs, duct tape, belts, or anything useful to keep you restrained and silent. Nothing you haven’t experienced before.â€
It took me no more the five minutes to realize thet the document had been created with attention to detail and expertise by someone skilled in the field of law.
“Here’s the signed document, Sam. I read it; it looks fine to me.â€
“Thanks for trusting me. You’ll never forget the experience.â€
“Oh, I’m sure I won’t. Just don’t be too rough with me.â€
“No more than what’s required to make it believable, Luke.â€