Stories of Tie Up Games

Alicia 02-A famous painter
Chapter 01-A new report
Alicia arrived at the writing of her newspaper with her characteristic good morning mood, her colleagues greeted her as she entered effusively, having become the best journalist in the newspaper with her previous article on tobacco smuggling. He had repeatedly rejected the offers of newspapers much more important than La Gaceta de Madrid, in which he currently worked for private reasons, although the salary offered by the other newspapers was high than the one offered in his current job, he opted to stay in the same since that article could have been a stroke of luck that could not be repeated and in case of failure in any important newspaper would immediately mean the end of his career as a journalist. And it was something that with eighteen years could not afford, so I accept without hesitation the salary improvement and the office that was offered in La Gaceta de Madrid.

It had been some time since his last important article so lately he kept trying to find some similar news in the media that could lead to a similar case, unfortunately without luck something that frustrated her. Since then she dedicated herself to writing articles hopeful that someone would lead her to something fatter, her boss had proposed yesterday to deal with several articles that were normal but was unable to decide for any of them, not expecting that any could conceal any important plot I could investigate. The phone rang at that precise moment and picked it up quickly.

-Alicia, can you come to my office? .- asked the editor.

-I'm going right.- she answered.

He left his office addressing the chief editor who made her go after knocking on his door.

- Sit Alicia, have you already decided what article you're going to occupy ?. I need to assign others to your colleagues as soon as possible.

- It's hard for me to decide, none of them I think can lead me to something fat.
Alejandro looked up from his papers to stare at her.

-What you are looking for is impossible to find it so, our oldest reporter ran into the case that has given you fame by pure chance.

-I understand that, but I can not help but worry about it.

-In part I can understand your enthusiasm for finding some good report because I also started just like you, in my case I never managed to sign any article very similar to yours. Over time I understood that these articles were only obtained by a journalist among a thousand, so stop trying to find the impossible. With this I just try to tell you that it is pure luck to find similar news.

Alicia looked at him sympathetically, knew he was right. With the salary improvement they had included a clause that allowed them to be the first to choose the news to cover so little could be complained if they had no luck.

-It's all right, it's just that it's disheartening after having covered that news. I'll take the one from the art gallery, like there I'm lucky.- She said.

-Okay, then assign the others to your colleagues. I await your article for this evening at eight o'clock at night.

-I'll have it before, I'm going right now there.

-Very good, I like it that way. You can go.

He left the office to go cover the news, but before picking up the jacket and his bag. Although he could have bought a moped with the salary increase he preferred not to drive through Madrid whenever he could avoid it, so he continued to take public transport to reach his destinations. The bus left her in front of the Tripta art gallery that was in charge of exhibiting the works of the new painter who was beginning to become famous lately, got off the vehicle and entered the premises receiving a woman.

-Hello, what can I help you ?.

-I am Alicia, the journalist of La Gaceta de Madrid. My newspaper called several days ago to be able to interview the painter Benito.

-One moment please, I'll check it. Wait here

He entered the premises returning to the short time with the painter who had to do the reportage.

-I can take care of myself, you can go back to your work.- Benito told the woman.

-Good morning, I'm Benito the painter with whom I had the interview.

-Hello, I'm Alicia the journalist from La Gaceta de Madrid.

-I know, they've already told me. I guess you want to see my work and take some pictures for your newspaper.

-I would love to.

-Well, follow me.

They went into the room together and after climbing the stairs that led to the top floor he could see the paintings of the painter hanging on the wall.

-There he has them, they are my last creations.

She took several photos asking him to pose in several of his photos with his paintings.

-I suppose painting each of them will take a long time.

-Depends on my inspiration at that time, sometimes I finished in one morning and sometimes it took me several days if I get stuck in some detail that I find hard to capture. What do you think of them?

-I like some, but others would not know what to say.- She said.

-Let me guess, he likes the normals that include landscapes although the abstract ones leave him indifferent. I'm wrong?.

-It could be said that this is the case, abstract art is something I do not understand. I hope you can forgive this criticism.

-There is no problem, it is something that is appreciated or not. I have clients who buy me from both styles, just as I have others who do not want to know anything about the works of the style they do not like. Normally a painter paints only in one way, I can capture different styles in my paintings. That's why I have so many admirers and I've managed to succeed so quickly. "Explained Benito.

-And do you have any style that can resist ?.

-I have not had any problems with any of them, and I've tried almost all of them as well. It's just a matter of practice at the beginning.

-I suppose that would lead him to bear the envy of other painters ?.

-I will not deny that there is one as you know from your comments, but in general, each one of us deals with our own works.

The interview continued for about another half hour until he was claimed by one of his clients.

-Well, I hope I have satisfied all your doubts. Now my clients will start coming and I have to attend them, if you want, we can continue this afternoon.

-It will not be necessary, I have enough material for my article. Thanks for your time.

"They do not deserve, now if you excuse me, I'll take care of my clients." He said goodbye to her.

He left the premises in the direction of the bus stop satisfied by the interview he had made, as it was almost lunchtime he would return home before returning to the newspaper.
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Chapter 02-A murky affair
After eating he returned to take the bus again to go to the newspaper to work on the article that he had to deliver to his boss, and sitting in his office began to investigate the painter to accompany with more data the morning interview. It did not take him long to meet the criticisms made by some painters and critics. When he read them carefully, he found that there was a common denominator in all of them that immediately seemed odd to him.

He got up from his chair to go see his boss, this time he had the door open to see her as soon as he arrived.

-Alicia! Do you want something?

-Yes, could I talk to you?

-Of course, pass and close the door.

Once inside, I invite her to sit on the chair in front of her table.

-What do you want? .- asked the

-I've been researching the painter Benito to have more information for my article and I have found some surprising statements.

-I understand, he is a somewhat controversial painter. I'm surprised you did not know when you accepted the job, there are people who claim that he is an impostor and that his works are not his.

-I am not too interested in art except to put some decorative painting in my house, in fact I had not heard of that painter until this work.

-I can only tell you that there are claims of several critics and painters who accuse him of being a fraud, but they have not been able to prove anything and all the clues led to dead ends when the police intervened.

-If the matter was forgotten and buried, right?

-Of all, but as a painter is taking relevance lately the authorities should investigate it carefully. If you are thinking of investigating on your own, remember that the best police inspectors did not find anything that could incriminate you.

-I feel there is some truth in this whole matter, I would like to investigate it for the newspaper if it does not matter.- I request her.

- You still have not forgotten to what situations they took you the last time? - He said with the intention of dissuading her.

-Of course I remember them, but it's my job as a journalist to take risks.

His boss leaned back in his seat staring at her.

-The last time you managed to get away with yours despite my objections so on this occasion I do not think it's different, plus you could always be successful losing that article that would win another newspaper. So I authorize you to investigate for a week about it from tomorrow, now I want that article on my table before eight o'clock at night if you do not mind.

-I promise you will not regret your decision, if there is any indication of a crime we will uncover it in the newspaper with another exclusive.

- I am already regretting, but I do not want to lose my best journalist before hours, now to work young.

Return to his office to finish the article as soon as possible by handing it in shortly before seven o'clock to his boss.

-Very good article, surely the painter will be pleased to read it.

-That is my intention, if you do not suspect my intentions it will be easier for me to unmask you if you hide something.

-I recognize that it's not a bad plan on your part, so if you need to consult something during the investigations, I will not suspect you. Even so, be careful, I would prefer if you were not involved in similar situations again.

-Didget, I'll be more careful than last time. I do not want to end up being a captive of criminals again if I can avoid it.

-I hope, now let me finish my work.

He left his office and while talking to his he was thinking about the steps that he would follow for his research, once sitting in his office, he drew up a list based on the data he had obtained before. In the first place, he should try to get as far away as possible from the painter's area of ​​influence, he did not even know that he had failed in the previous inquiries but he was not willing to show his intentions until he had proof that the police could not deny in any way . As it was time to leave he picked up his table and said goodbye to his companions when leaving.

When arriving at his house Barbara was already preparing dinner and immediately after leaving the coat and the bag in his room he washed his hands to help his roommate laying the table.

-How was your work day? - Barbara asked

- Unbeatable, tomorrow I start an investigation on the painter Benito for a maximum of a week with permission from my boss. - Exclaimed Alicia happy.

However, when her friend heard that, she stopped what she was doing to stare at her.

- Have you forgotten what happened last time? .- Replico alarmed

-Alone I remember it calm, for that reason this time I will be more careful. You have my word.

Barbara continued to make the dinner yet not fully satisfied despite the promise of her friend, Alicia continued setting the table afterwards until her friend brought dinner. After half an hour the meal was ready, Barbara serving it without wasting time, both ate quietly.

- It would not be better that you let them run this time ?, already investigated some of your companion.- Barbara suggested.

- Are you kidding ?, I want to do it myself. After all I was the one who solved the previous case.- I protest Alicia.

-It may be like that, but I would feel calmer. The last time you almost end up being sold in you to know that country for that delinquent.

-I assure you that this time will not happen to me, I will take all possible precautions.

Her friend knew that she would not be able to convince her in any way, so she let the issue run for the moment, perhaps on another occasion she had more weighty reasons to dissuade her from her company. At the end of eating Alicia picked up and cleaned the table while her friend was scrubbing, the first to finish was Alicia so she went to watch TV for a while in the living room joining her friend after just ten minutes. As both had to get up early the next day did not stay too long to see it and about half past ten were turned off to go to sleep, Alicia fell asleep thinking about the luck she had again to run into another juicy exclusive that could increase your resume.
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Chapter 03-New data
The next day she got up animated and dressed in a yellow tank top with a black ruffled skirt that reached almost to her knees, as shoes I selected yellow sandals with prints of small circles in black. When leaving his room he found that his roommate was already awake and preparing breakfast, seeing her was petrified.

-Good morning Alicia, I see that you are ready for your company.

-Of course, I hope to get good information from the people you interview.

-I'm not too excited, after all, you may not find anything at the end.- she suggested.

- Do you think ?, my intuition tells me otherwise. Although you may be right and assume that I can possibly be wrong.

His friend in the background had to admit that he was right, maybe his previous success prevented him from recognizing that his intuition could fail and not lead him to any interesting news.

Breakfast calmly with Barbara who had to go to work so she had to leave in just half an hour leaving her alone on the floor, while she was still eating breakfast she reviewed the list that she did yesterday in her office to begin her investigations. His first step was to contact a critic who from the beginning was not favorable to the painter when he became famous, he supposed that it was the most prudent step to start his investigations avoiding the closest circle of the painter. He was critical of one of the newspapers that had shown interest in her after publishing the tobacco smuggling exclusive, so he had no problem getting permission to talk to him after contacting the newspaper.

I arrive at the building about eleven o'clock in the morning, being received by the chief editor as soon as I enter the office.

-Welcome Alicia to our newspaper, I'm Cristobal the editor-in-chief. I see that he is already after another great news in power, although I have to confess that we already tried to do something about a year without any success.

-Yes, I'm already aware. But I prefer to check it for myself, could you drive me to your artistic critic?

-Of course, follow me. Have you changed your mind about our job offer? .- I asked as I led her to the critic's table.

-I would prefer to stay in the same newspaper for the moment, after all I am still a young journalist. If destiny wants me to be successful, I will consider more seriously a change of work. - I answer her.

-I understand your point of view, but let me tell you that from my experience what you call fate is often ninety percent of intuition and another ten of luck. That combination is seen in very few journalists and you seem to have it.

-I am flattered by that observation, but I confirm in my previous argument. I do not want to throw myself in the pool before time.

-I understand your point of view and I respect it, but I have been entrusted with communicating that the offer still stands if you changed your mind. This is Federico, our art critic. - He said when he arrived at a table where there was a middle-aged man occupied in an article.
When he saw his boss in front of his desk, he looked up from his computer.

-Federico, this is Alicia a colleague of La Gaceta de Madrid. He wants to ask you some questions, give him all the information he asks for. Now I leave you. "He said walking away.

-Take feel if you want Alicia.- Federico said offering one of the two chairs that was in front of his table.

She sat down in a thank you.

-Well, how can I help you ?.

-I read that you wrote some somewhat conflictive criticism about the painter Benito about a year ago, in it you insinuated that he might not be the great painter he claims to be. Could you explain to me what led you to make such statements?

-In the first place, do you understand some art?

-The truth is that no, to be honest I would not put practically any of his paintings in my house despite the good they say they are.

He reclined in his seat before continuing.

-I confess that I do not either, they are paintings too absurd for my personal taste. But there are people who are enthusiastic about their works paying real fortunes for them, so for a couple of years began to become famous. The ones he did during his first year could not but qualify them as authentic works of art, but last year, when incorporating his last works, there was something that made me suspect that he might not be the great artist he presumed to be.

-And what was that? .- She asked intrigued.

-To explain it in a simple way I will compare it with a signature, as you will know we each sign differently and despite the variations we can make when writing it in a hurry, it still has the same basic patterns that make it difficult to falsify it. In the case of works of art there are several similar concepts that denote the style of a painter, according to my analysis which made the first year followed the same style but nevertheless these last that has been taking this year despite appearing identical style I seemed to find some differences that I found suspicious. With the permission of my superiors we started the investigation after checking other external critics data, unfortunately these investigations did not lead anywhere to us or the police so we were forced to ask for forgiveness for such accusations in the last article we wrote about six months ago.- I explain.

- Still thinking the same ?.

-Of course yes, but without proofs I can not do anything to portray it before the public opinion again. We would risk a new demand on your part.

-And those other external critics think the same ?.

- Exactly like me, for us Benito clearly is appropriating other people's works presenting them as his own. But without much evidence we can do, if it helps, I can give you a more detailed report of our analysis of the works.

-I'd like to have that report.

The man went to the computer to look for the document and print it, went to look for it to one of the printers that they had in the back of the room, passing it while he sat down. She looked at him slightly, not understanding almost anything.

-Don't let yourself be overwhelmed by what you read, compare it with a signature if it's easier for you.- He said when he saw her confused.

-I have a doubt, if this is correct. How is it that nobody else noticed?

-Various critics of other newspapers called me personally to my own house after publishing the first article, they knew the same thing but they were not allowed to express it in their critics their own bosses.

-What were those critics? .- She asked interested.

-Prometi keep their names secret I'm sorry,

-I understand and respect that decision, I see that this was not just my imagination.

-Of course not, but without reliable evidence no newspaper can publish anything without risk to face a demand on your part from our article. I am forced to praise his art in my criticism even knowing what I know, it is truly frustrating.

-Well, with what you have told me more about this report I have somewhere to start investigating. Thanks for your help, I will not steal more time .- Said getting up from the chair.

-Be careful with what you do, maybe the worst danger of your article is not a demand.- He warned her when she got up.

- What do you mean? .- Asked intrigued.

-In my report is all, it was a very good research but lacking reliable evidence I end up in nothing.

"Okay, I'll take a good look at you, goodbye.

-Goodbye.

He left the building with the report that had been given to him by the scrolled critic, he was worried about what he had told him at the end about how dangerous his investigation could be. He did not want to be involved in situations like his previous article or worry his friends or relatives about such matters again, so he would try to be even more cautious than he had initially decided to be.
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Chapter 04-One false step
I am looking for a nearby bar where I can sit quietly to read the report that had been provided, after round the corner found one and entered sitting at one of the tables approaching a short time a waiter to take note.

-Good morning, what can I do?

"Bring me a small bottle of water and a mortadella sandwich as soon as I can.

-Very well, I'll bring it right away.

The waiter left leaving her alone, which she took advantage of to start reading the report of the art critic. She not only found the information she had told her that did not fit between her works, but also a summary of her research plus the data that obtained from different anonymous sources. He had to admit that he had been very kind to provide such information, apparently he resented the painter and even if he was not he wanted someone to unmask him.

The waiter approached again with his order leaving it on the table.

-Aqui has what he asked for, enjoy it.

-Thank you.

He turned away again, beginning to read the report in detail while having his breakfast, apparently when he began to carry out his activities, he used an out-of-town warehouse located in an industrial area. It seemed like a good starting point to start researching without taking excessive risks so after finishing your breakfast I checked on the mobile through the public transport website the best combination to get there as quickly as possible. He got up from the table and paid his consumption after which he left the premises to go to the bus next stop that he had to take first to reach his destination, after getting on the second bus he sat leafing through the pages while he reached his destination.

At the time of having left the bar, I arrived at the industrial area where the old warehouse was located, I walked quickly to the street, guided by the plane of his cell phone, finally arriving at it. To his surprise he found a couple of vans parked in front of the ship, intrigued approached trusting that the security cameras were deactivated which was confirmed when no one left the ship after a long time inspecting the vehicles. I write down the license plates and armed with courage entered with caution through the main door, the interior was poorly lit except for the back that is where I heard the voices, little by little was approaching its position trying not to throw anything or make any noise that I could give it away After about two minutes I manage to get close enough to them to see a couple of men with their faces covered with a balaclava, judging from their voices.

Next to them was a girl of about fifteen years of age trembling with her hands tied behind her back and gagged with a handkerchief between her teeth, she was dressed in a pink shirt, blue shorts and white sandals.

- Are you sure that she is as good an artist as you say? .- asked the taller man.

-Of course, it's the best in the class, I've made sure of that. Here you have your proof, this picture has been made today, I guess it's the style Benito is looking for.- I answer the lowest man.

-I suppose you're right, you have not failed me the last few times. The price is the usual, right?

-Yes of course.

The tall man paid with an envelope to the other that he gave the girl who protested to be held by her buyer energetically.

-Quiet, if you behave well you can go back to your family. Otherwise no one will see you again in a long time.- He said smiling.

She immediately stopped struggling and moaning because of his threat. Alicia could not allow that captive girl to be taken away so you know that, so she quietly left the building and once away from the warehouse she prepared to call the police when someone called her from behind.

-Please, could you tell me where Ganimedes street is? I've been spinning for several minutes and I can not find it.

-I'm sorry, but I do not know where you are either. I do not work here. "She answered without turning.

- I imagine it, but if that comes to put the noses where they do not call it. I would hang if I were you. "The man answered menacingly.

Alicia picked it up as she turned slowly, found herself face to face with the tall man who had his hand in his jacket. Because of the shape of the object it seemed like a weapon that pointed to it, so I choose not to do anything silly.

-Now we will return to the warehouse, there and find out what to do with you.- He said encouraging her to walk.

Upon entering the warehouse again and hearing the door closed, a tremor entered his body when he learned that he was in serious trouble, so he was glad to have taken certain precautions before embarking on such an adventure. Already in the back he saw that the girl had been put in a box where her legs were tied by the ankles and knees, next to her there was a similar box and she immediately imagined who she was for.

- Put your hands behind your back and open your mouth.- Your captor ordered him.

The girl looked at her imploring help with the look but she could do little now that they had captured her, when she finished tying her and gagging her she opened the purse that she had previously left on a box to find out who was her prisoner. When I opened her wallet I look at the DNI, I look up at her.

-As you're Claudia, you've gotten yourself into a good mess. I'll have to call my boss to ask what to do with you.

At that time he was happy to have changed the identity document for a false one, if he had called Benito saying who he really did not know what had happened to him. While he was walking away to call his boss the other man put it in the other box where he tied his legs like the girl and then cover them with the lid he took from a pile, the boards that closed the boxes had a small holes that facilitated breathing even if the circulation of air was scarce.

I listen to the footsteps of the one who had captured her, who went around to talk to the man under her who had locked her in the box.

-If you can still hear me Claudia you know you're lucky, my boss told me that since you have not seen anything that we can not solve and do not want more problems at the moment he told me to free you on the mountain when leaving the city .

Alicia breathed a sigh of relief, even though that meant destroying a clue in which she could have found some evidence, she noticed how it was elevated and then deposited in a base. He supposed that they were transporting them to one of the vans at the entrance, after a while he noticed how the vehicle started up. I ignore the time he was there or the route his captor took, but he was relieved to notice that the vehicle stopped. He could hear the back door open and they immediately removed the lid of his box.

-I would not worry about your boss's business anymore, next time I may not be so generous with you.- He said taking it out of the box.

He saw that it was on a kind of rural road that was very busy for vehicles, so when people finished eating, someone would pass by. The man left her leaning on a tree that had a rock next to it that could be used as a seat. He saw him go away and get into the van, he spent what he thought was about four hours until finally another vehicle with a woman happened to see her stop immediately to help her. I managed to convince her to take her back to the city without calling the police because she did not want to ruin even more the destruction of a possible source of information as the store could have been, plus thanks to her powers of observation she had another clue that I wanted to continue immediately because I did not know what I could do with the girl who still had those unfortunate captives.
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Chapter 06-A new track
As he had not had the opportunity to eat when he arrived in the city, he told the woman who had rescued her to leave her near a hamburguerium where he entered, after taking his drink at the bar he sat down at a table, taking out the report of the critic for Looking for references to the track he had noticed on his captor, it was a faint smell of fish that he had noticed when he took it out of the box to leave it on that mountain road. It might not be anything but it was worth checking, I look for the fish farms closest to the city contrasting it with the information I get from the report where all the properties that the painter had were in the hope that some of them would fit with what I was looking for Unfortunately, no home of his was located in the vicinity of any fish farm.

Discouraged began eating her food while looking for news related to Benito in the last year, hoping that in some of them they would mention a house that was not in the report they had provided, after reading several articles quickly looking for keywords They were not interested in anything, when he set out to check the last three articles he had already lost all hope of finding anything so he ate while searching for the keywords. He left his drink at once to find a relationship in the last article, there was mentioned a house that was near one of the fish farms.

Excited finished eating immediately after leaving the premises, although it was already late decided to go today to check the track.If by chance that little girl was there, she did not want to leave it in the hands of her captors for longer than necessary, so I checked which mode of transport was the most appropriate to get there.

After making three bus changes, I managed to arrive at six o'clock in the afternoon to its destination, it was an urbanization of newly built luxury villas. The fish farm was located about three kilometers from it and the houses that were closest to it were the last ones that were built apart from being the most economical because of its location, as it was already late, he hastened to approach the farm. As it was logical the detailed address was not included in the article but a nice photo that together with the proximity to the fish farm would make it much easier to locate it.

It was done later than he had originally planned, arriving at the possible houses of the painter near eight o'clock at night, although he could take advantage of the darkness to sneak into the ground, positioned himself near the farm in a place from which I could watch her without being seen by her. Luckily that night was not too cold and despite not wearing a jacket did not need it, was watching for a couple of hours until she was sure there was no movement on the outside of the house.

He left his hiding place and slowly approached the house, he had changed the false card for his in the wallet in case the painter discovered it, so he could always say that he was looking for a story. As it had been set before the farm had no surveillance so that it was the most convenient to enter the garden secretly, crawling through the bushes of the entrance approached the nearest wall approaching it as much as possible. There was no light in the house now, but even so she was afraid to get in so early, so I circled her until I was sure there was no danger.

Already with more confidence returned to the back door to try to see if it was open and indeed it was, he entered without making noise and after closing the door quietly began to explore the interior stealthily. He did not bother to go upstairs because of having someone in that house captive the last place where he would be there, so he started on the ground floor but after inspecting all the rooms he found nothing, just when he was ready to Going down to the cellar I hear the back door open again and quickly get inside.

I heard a few steps down the corridor that passed by the cellar breathing in relief, quietly down the stairs reaching a renovated basement in which there were several rooms, was reviewing one by one until in the penultimate was faced with the girl who She was tied hand and foot on a bunk. She turned to see Alicia at the door, brightening her face instantly.

-How did you find me? - she asked screaming a little for joy.

-Shhhhhh, do not scream so much. I do not want to be found.

-Nothing Claudia, the whole basement is soundproof. Even the front door, although I was sick of screaming, no one from the floor above would hear me. That's why they do not muzzle me.- I explain.

Alicia approached her sitting on the bed next to her.

-My name is not Claudia, I'm Alicia and I'm researching for an article, do you think we can leave here together?

-I do not know how you could enter the house, normally everything is very guarded.- The girl told him.

-Well, at night it does not seem like that, maybe we could go out if we're careful. By the way, what's your name and how did this happen?

-Maria, I'm a student at the Aguila art academy. I kidnapped that guy when I went to my house through an alley that nobody usually goes through.

Alicia began untying it quickly.

-And you know what they want from you ?.

-They want me to paint pictures for their boss, Mr. Benito. He thought he was a famous painter, but in reality only his first works were his apparently and were the ones that had less success.

"I suspected something like that, but nobody has been able to prove it so far. If I call the police now they will come immediately, I know an inspector.- He said when he finished untying her.

-It will not work, they have signal inhibitors for mobile phones activated at night.- Maria said standing up.

-Well, let's try to get out of here as soon as possible, we'll call from the outside.

They left the room and went quietly up the basement steps, closer to the door to see if they were still walking down the hall and not listening to anything opened it carefully, indeed the hall was empty so both left the basement moving on Silence to the back door through which he had entered a while ago but when he tried to open it he realized that it was closed.

-Maldicion !, they have closed the door through which enter.- He told Maria whispering.

- Maybe we can go out through a window of the room that is at low altitude. - Maria answered in whispers.

-Vale, guide me to her.

They went to the living room, but when they tried to open the door they realized that it was locked with a padlock.

-Look in the hall to see if by chance they leave the keys there .- suggested the girl.

-Okay, although we must walk quietly and not make noise. - She insisted whispering.

-Of course.- Maria answered.

When examining the furniture of the hall they did not find any keys and desperate they risked to go upstairs where the rooms would surely be, they were divided to cover more land and finish their inspectorate before. When Maria entered a room, she found herself face to face with the bed where a man slept soundly, on the nightstand she saw some keys. At that moment Alicia entered that upon seeing the man I soon recognize that it was Benito the painter, the girl pointed to him what was on the bedside table and she told him to take them. He approached the table quietly until he could reach them, extending his arm, and with them he left the room quietly with Alicia.

Once out of the room they went back down to the lower floor, arranging to open the back door to which they came walking with the greatest secrecy of which they were capable, Maria put the key and excitedly prepared to go outside when they heard a voice from within.

-I have to admit that you are persistent, I do not know who you are but if I know where you are going to go right now.- They heard both behind their backs.

They turned instantly seeing the tall man with the balaclava in the store standing in front of them.

-Now if you do me the favor of going back in again you would give me great joy.- He said pointing them with a gun.

Without another option, they entered the house reluctantly while he smiled at them, looking at him fearfully.
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Chapter 07-Prisoners.
The man towards an hour that had left them alone in the room where she had found Maria the first time, not spared in ropes to tie them again, first took care of Alicia to which together the arms on the back to tie them and from there pass the rope by the neck tensionadola to return to carry it on the back, then proceeded to pass it over and under her breasts at the same time that surrounded his arms with it to firmly attach his arms to the back. At the end of the rope with the last knot could not help complaining of pain to be very tight strings, finally sat on the bed to tie his legs by the knees and ankles tightly.

When I finished with her it was the turn of Maria who hoped not to receive the same treatment when she was a child, but he did not hesitate to tie her in the same way despite the many protests she made while doing it.

Now they were both sitting in bed in silence, nothing prevented them from communicating since the basement was soundproof and had not bothered to muzzle them. Alicia watched her captive companion writhe uselessly against her bonds in a vain attempt to loosen them, she began a half hour and although she was already sweating from the effort she refused to surrender.

-It was better that you save Maria, it is useless to try to let go by yourself if you have been tied in this way.- She told the girl.

Maria stopped to rest for a while putting herself at her side, I look at her annoyed at her complacency.

- At least I do not resign !, you instead seem indifferent to the situation .- I reply annoying.

-A thief tied me in the same way when I was fourteen years a long weekend with bridge that my parents went on vacation leaving me alone at home, so believe me if I know what I'm talking about. The only option would be to try to untie us, but we would take too long and tomorrow when they came to find us we would not have achieved it yet.- Alicia explained.

- But there must be something we can do between the two! .- Exclamo disconsolate.

-For the moment the best we can do is rest as we are presented with some opportunity that we can take advantage of tomorrow

The girl supported the head on the man of Alicia, he would have liked to be able to comfort her caressing her but unfortunately he could not do it so he moved his shoulder slightly to make her understand that she was not alone in that situation. After a while she fell asleep, Alicia carefully managed to leave her head on the bed as gently as she could without waking her. I walked a little through the room observing her, I had to devise some escape plan for both but could not think of anything and in their situation could not call by phone even if they had one. Little by little he began to sleep and lay down beside Maria, he fell asleep thinking about an effective flight plan.

The next day she was awakened by the rays of sunlight that entered through the small window that they had in the room. When she got desperate, she saw that Maria had already woken up finding her walking through the room.

-Good morning Alicia, I think I have already devised a flight plan but I may need your help to carry it out.- Animated said.

She looked indifferent, doubting what had happened to her.

-I see that you do not trust me, it may not work but at least we can try it- insisted her.

-Okay, tell me what has happened to you.- He said at last.

Maria approached her to tell her the plan in detail, in the end she had to admit that it was not so bad. Although it seemed like it was going to be a half success. They heard the door open and footsteps on the stairs, so they both fell silent at once, after a while their captain appeared in the doorway with his face covered with the balaclava as always.

-Good morning ladies, have you slept well? .- He asked with his usual smile.

- What do you think? .- Responded Alicia defiant.

-I see that you are brave even in this situation, both of you are invited to come up for breakfast with my boss. Especially your Alicia, maybe I'll give you the last interview of your life.

-Pagareis for this, I can guarantee that. -Alicia answered.

-That I doubt it very much.

I untie them quickly so they could go to the basement washroom, when they returned they saw that she had several clothes and shoes on the bed. The man picked up the blue dress and blue dancers giving them to Alicia.

-This is for you, my boss wants you to be nice for breakfast.

-I do not intend to dress for you, what have you believed? .- Replico Alicia.

-Well, in that case, he told me to leave you here all day without eating, so you decide.

Alicia picked up the clothes and shoes in the direction of the bathroom to change, Maria gave her a denim mini skirt and some green fabric sneakers that she put on after Alicia left the bathroom.

-Perfect, now that you're already changed, put your hands on your back.- I order them.

They both obeyed to let themselves be tied docilely, they did not want to spoil the escape plan they had drawn minutes before. Once they had their hands tied they went upstairs where the painter Benito was waiting for them sitting at the table.

-Good morning ladies, I was beginning to think they would not accept my invitation. Unleash them and serve them breakfast.- I order the man.

Once they were free of the ropes, they sat down at the table and began to eat what they had for breakfast.

- I have to admit that Alicia surprised me, she is a more daring journalist than I could have imagined.

"Looks deceive, as you do with your paintings." She replied.

-I suppose you were lucky when it came to solving the mystery, before you there were others but they did not get that far. Although nothing has helped since it has been captured by me at the end.

-I would not sing victory so soon, it may surprise you after all.

- I doubt it Alicia, will be my guest while I need Maria for my paintings. Then I will have to move you to a place not as comfortable as my house.

- So you get rid of the painters when they no longer serve you? .- Maria asked shakily.

-Don't worry young lady, I would not kill you since after all you can be useful again in the future. Although I can not say the same about your friend. - He said looking at Alicia.

The man approached the table putting himself next to Benito.

- Sir, it's going to be late. Remember that you have a presentation within an hour and a half.

-It's true, time flies by in your ladies company but I have to leave you. We'll see each other again in the afternoon. "He said getting up.

He went out the front door leaving them alone with the man who looked at them severely.

-Okay, I'll explain how things will be when you finish having breakfast. Your Maria will put you to paint and as for you Alice I will have to return to tie you again.

They did not bother to answer either of them, with the solo they could execute their plan even more easily and the last thing they wanted was to piss him off.
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Chapter 08-New article.
Maria was painting in the living room with the white coat that the man had given her, as far as she left her on the sofa after tying her back from the waist up like yesterday evening in addition to gagging her by inserting a handkerchief between her teeth. They had to execute the plan before three o'clock in the afternoon, which was the time when Benito would return and it would be more difficult for him at home, I look at the relog checking that it was not even eleven o'clock.

Maria looked at her for a second reminding her that she could not fail in her part of the plan if they wanted it to go well, when they were close to the one Maria left the brushes to go towards the man.

When he saw her leave the job, he stopped cleaning his gun immediately.

-Go back to your work immediately, you need to make at least four pictures today.

-I need to take something, can I go and get something from the fridge? .- She asked.

-Okay, but wait until I'm with you. He got up from the table where he was cleaning the gun to go with her to the kitchen.

When I hear the can of coca cola open Alicia executed her part of the plan, she got up from the sofa making a run for the door which attracted the immediate attention of the man who pursued her.

He did not take long to catch her, so she began to writhe like crazy to give her partner more time to prepare everything. I take her back to the sofa where he put her back down again.

- Another silly thing like that and you can say goodbye to this world! .- Shouted threatening her.

Maria approached with a couple of glasses of Coca Cola from the kitchen giving one to the man.

-He has, now I'll go back to my work.- He said taking the brushes.

-It would be better for me to go for a while before my boss returns, so that you will continue in the afternoon. Come here I'll have to tie you. "He said while drinking the glass in one gulp.

Maria, alarmed at not figuring that out in her plan, realized that she had to improvise something urgently.

-But he did not say that it was very urgent to make at least four today ?.

-Yes, but you'll do them when I wake up from the siesta. From three o'clock to dinner time you will have time.

The girls looked at each other, their plan depended on at least one remaining untied. If the two were tied of anything it would be useful to have executed him, the impatient man approached her with the roll of string beginning to tie her like Alicia. While still tied the girl did not stop wondering when they would make the sleeping pills that had added to his drink effect, when I tie the last knot I take out a handkerchief that I bend like a cylinder to gag her.

-Ahoraaaa abrrreee bocaaaa.- He said starting to yawn.

Maria closed it tight trying to win the time until the pills took effect.

-Did you put something in my drink? .- I ask the man discovering it too late.

Despite the fact that the forces were beginning to fail she managed to open her mouth by inserting the handkerchief between her teeth, Maria fought with nails and teeth to prevent him from tying it behind his head, in the end the forces failed him when he was about to knot it with a second knot, the man I fell exhausted to the ground falling asleep instantly. The girl managed to remove the handkerchief from her mouth with the help of a hanger in the living room.

- This wretch has annoyed us the plan, now what are we going to do if he has tied me? - She asked Alice.

-We will have to sssallir aaassii ddeee caassaaa.- I manage to say Alicia.

-It's an option, he has tied our legs to neither of us.

They left by the main door in the direction of the nearest house, there they pressed the doorbell opening the door a few minutes later.

-If hello, who is it? .- Said a woman without expecting what she saw.

-We need help, you have to call the police.- I request Maria.

-But what happened to you? .- asked the alarmed woman.

-We were prisoners in the house opposite, now you can call the police if it is not too much trouble.

-Of course, come on.

I call the police immediately and then I untie the two of their ties, being free of the ropes Alicia raised the question of whether it had been worth getting into that mess for an article but to notice Maria understood that in this case there was something more than his personal interest. I had done it to help that girl and the other painters that Benito used to make his paintings.

The police arrived at ten minutes and after taking their statements they took them to the city where Maria's mother waited, who effusively thanked her for having rescued her daughter, she did not expect her and preferred it, she had already had strong emotions for a day like for his roommate to come to release the reprimand for getting into trouble again. So he went directly to the editor to write the article for tomorrow's edition, at least his boss did not think he was going to release a sermon.

FINISH.