Outward Bound

‘Let’s start by getting comfortable’, the man said. He turned to his colleagues and nodded. They reached down and tore Simon’s clothes off leaving him naked. One of the men disappeared and returned carrying Simon’s Scout uniform.

‘You were wearing this when we last met so it seems appropriate to wear it again’, the man said without any more explanation. Simon shrugged and got dressed in the immaculately pressed uniform shirt, cargo pants and of course the necker. He had to be careful doing the zip up on the pants as no boxers had been provided.

Once he was dressed the man led him into the kitchen; ‘it seems we disturbed you making your dinner!’ he said noting the food bubbling on the burner.

Simon stood not knowing what to say. The man moved the pan off the gas ring and walked over to Simon’s wine rack. He selected a bottle and opened the screw top. He seemed to know where the glasses were and soon the counter top contained 5 full glasses and the bottle was empty.

The man picked up one glass; ‘cheers’ he said downing half the contents.  The men followed his example. Noting Simon hadn’t touched his, the man snarled; ‘drink!’ and Simon took a sip; ‘all of it!’ the man commanded and Simon drained the glass.

Another bottle was opened but this time only Simon’s glass was filled. Simon shook his head and the man grabbed Simon’s wrist and despite Simon struggling moved it over the the gas flame. As he felt the heat Simon screamed; ‘alright!’

The man let go of his wrist, turned the gas off, and simply smiled; ‘do what you are told!’ Quickly Simon drained the glass and the next and the next until the bottle was empty. His head was spinning by that point.

‘So, down to business’, the man said and Simon struggled to follow what he was saying; ‘as I said we know you have thought about reporting what you saw to the Police but you haven’t done so yet. Hopefully our little visit tonight will convince you of two things; one we know exactly what you are doing and two what will happen if you disobey us again!’

Simon shook his head to clear his thoughts; ‘I am sorry I won’t do anything in the future’ he said, his voice slightly slurred.

‘We thought you would say that but we decided we needed a little more leverage over you’, the man said taking out his phone. He made a call which only lasted a few seconds and then the doorbell rang.