I had been ambushed on my picnic, at least that’s what I deduced. The last thing I remember is leaning over to take something out of the cooler. My head throbbed, looks like I got hit in the back of my head. It was utterly dark, so I tried moving. They bound my ankles and wrists, and gagged me. Charming people, obviously. I sighed. Looks like I’ll have to call for back up. Again.

Ahh well. Remembering that my ring had a small blade in it; utilitarian for opening beer and wine bottles, packages or letters and conveniently kidnap situations. I wiggled enough so the rope loosened ever so slightly. I brought my arms underneath my bottom to the front of my body. Stupid criminals.

They clearly didn’t think this through. I heard a clinking noise on the door and stopped my motions, pressing the button on my ring that activated my tracker.

“Look at that she’s awake,” said a man.

I smirked. We couldn’t see each other through the darkness of the room, but clearly he could hear me very well. I pretended to thrash and mumble against the gag.

“Hold on sweetie, lemme get the light for you,” I heard a click and the room was flooded light. Blinking to adjust my eyes, I observed my capturer. He looked no more than forty, with light brown hair and eyes that matched; he was about six feet give or take. I noted there was a scar spanning from his neck upward towards his ear. Five more minutes.

“Like what you see?” He grinned, thinking himself victorious. I rolled my neck and jaw finally shifting the tied rag around my mouth down to my neck. I spat at his feet.

“What makes you say that you swine?” I answered, if he was shocked, he didn’t show it. I recognized him now. He was wanted in several counties around the area for embezzlement, kidnapping, stealing and several murders. He picked a poor hostage.

He knelt down in front of me, “I like feisty girls.”

I chuckled, “As well as a poor choice for hostages. Tell me what made you choose me.” Three minutes.

“You’re a pretty woman, who wouldn’t miss you. You’re awfully calm for victim. Most of them scream pitifully.”

“You want a ransom. It’s how you like, correct? Issuing counterfeit money, stealing company funds and stocks, pickpocketing-“

“Cheeky girl,” he pinched my cheek, “Perhaps I’ll keep you after I get that money, hm?”

“I’ll make your life a living hell, if you do that Branson.” One.

“And clever too-“ He leaned in.

Pervert. The idiot too caught up in his fantasies. He didn’t even notice that I had finally freed my hands. I slapped him hard across the face.

“Don’t you touch me,” I smirked and cackled, “You truly picked the wrong woman Branson. You have no idea who I am, do you?”

“Insolent devil,” pulling a dagger from his boot, “Forget about the ransom, I think I’ll carve a line in your neck to match mine.”

I flung off the ropes restraining my feet, “Boy, you fools never think things through.” Branson raced at me, I tripped him. The entire room appeared to be made of metal. Slamming his head to the wall a few times seemed to daze him, but not knock him out completely.

The door banged open, and a familiar blonde head peeked in.

“Lance! I got him!” I smiled at the man.

The twins came in and hoisted the now bound man to his feet.

“Ah, how the tides have turned,” I saluted at my ex-kidnapper, “Agent Taylor of the Sanction at your service.” The twins pulled the criminal out of the room. He was hissing like a trapped goose.

“He didn’t hurt you did he?” Lance gave me a once over. I shook my head.

“Come on, let’s get back to headquarters and finish this damn case,” I pecked him on the cheek and allowed him to lead me out.

I stretched my limbs. Case closed.