By R8080
The farmhouse was nestled at the end of a very long road. A collection of outbuildings surrounded the main building, a large two storey stone building. Perimeter lights kicked on as they approached, the heavy duty flood lights illuminating everything around the inner courtyard.
They pulled up alongside a tractor, the yellow and green shining brightly in the artificial sunlight, and Alex lost sight of the driver as he got out of the car. A few minutes later he returned, opening the passenger door and looking at Alex’s motionless form. Finally he ungagged Alex, letting the rubber wedge escape Alex’s lips with a wet plop.
“Have you learnt your lesson boy?”
“Yes sir,” Alex said.
“And if I let you out, will you do what I say?”
“Yes sir.”
The driver released the strap from around Alex’s chest and the seat, but left his hands secured in the two loops. As he helped Alex out of the car, Alex had his first proper look at the farmyard. The gate to the road looked sturdy and even from here Alex could make out the heavy padlock. But the fence to the side was low, Alex reckoned he could vault it and escape through the fields. How far was it back to the road, a mile? Maybe two?