I stood up as he entered the cell.
"Michael, before you say anything, please allow me to apologize for my absence and the lack of information about what's going on. I assure you, my men were only following my orders. I asked them to treat you well - and I hope they have - but not to tell you anything about what's going on. I wanted to reserve that privilege for myself. I have come here at this time to answer any questions you may have. I will be honest to the extent of my ability and provided it does not endanger my men or our work."
I was stunned. After what I supposed was about a week, here he was, promising to answer all my questions. I didn't know where to begin...
It wasn't until much later that I realized that he knew my name. I'd never told him.
"Where are we?" I began.
"You are in southern Utah. We are in a fairly remote location on a lease procured from the BLM. They don't do this typically, but we were able to pull some strings. I don't know if you remember several years back a mining company asked the government for a lease to mine coal in the area, but they were denied..." Rick said.
"Yes, I do remember that. I was happy, at the time, because I agreed with the decision. The toll on the environment would have been too great," I said.
"You were right. But the reason given by President Clinton's administration for denying the proposal was only just a small portion of the actual reason. The actual reason was known only to a very few senior officials. And you and I are now sitting in it."
"I don't understand," I said. "How is it that they were denied a lease but you were granted one? Is this another mining operation?"
"No, we are not mining anything. We are storing things," Rick explained. His tone was patient, calm, and assured. He was very confident and peaceful. But underlying it all was a strong sense of power and forcefulness. He, also, was a man not to be trifled with.
"OK, then. Let me ask you something a little different. Who was that woman with you in the vehicle?" I asked.
For the first time, he showed emotion, even for just a fleeting moment.
"She was my wife. Her death represents a loss not only to me and my family, but to the whole world. She was a gentle, loving, kind and wise person. I wish you could have known her. You would have liked her - everybody did. I am grateful for your concern and your assistance when we crashed."
I felt embarrassed. I had not expected this kind of intimacy from someone I deemed to be my captor. Yet he was opening himself in a way that created a bond between us. I realized much later that - just with everything with this man - he was using this emotion, real though it may be, as a tool to manipulate me and my devotions. He was an expert. He knew exactly how to place each phrase, each facial expression, each breath.
"I am so sorry," I said. "I wish there were something I could have done to help."
"No, the fault is mine," Rick said. "I am not used to driving - I have a driver that usually drives me around - and the roads of this desert landscape are much more difficult to navigate than I imagined."
"Yes, the loose, sandy nature of the roadbeds make them difficult to navigate, even under the best of circumstances. But you were travelling so quickly - where were you headed in such a hurry?"
"I had an appointment to keep. I deal in weapons trading, and I simply cannot keep these men waiting. My wife usually does not come along on these trips, but she hadn't been out of the facility in months and was itching to go somewhere. I offered to drive and what began as a beautiful, scenic trip ended in disaster. I had obligations to fulfill, so my wife's internment has not taken place. I hope that you would honor us and her with your presence - both you and your children."
"Of course," I responded. I was becoming more puzzled by this man who was at once very kind and also an arms dealer, equal parts cultured gentleman and sinister villain...
"Ceremonies will begin at 10 AM. That's about an hour from now. My men will bring you some clothes - for you and the children. I will then come and escort you to the location of the ceremony."
Without waiting for a response, he stood and walked to the door. He paused at the door and looked at my daughter. There was a look on his face that was at once tender and adoring, as well as hungry and evil. It was from that moment that I really began to wonder what was REALLY going on. Rick shook his head, wistfully, and left the room.
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