Truth Room

Chapter 4: Truth Room

“You’re hurting me, Caesar!” Julian gasped, his wrist screaming in pain.

Caesar’s grip was like iron, his strong fingers digging in so hard Julian was sure the bone would snap.

He didn’t say a word, just dragged Julian through a hidden door and down a long, cold metal staircase that led deep underground.

The air grew colder, smelling of damp and something metallic Julian didn’t want to name.

Finally, Caesar stopped in front of a heavy steel door. A creepy, almost excited smile played on his lips.

“I’ve got something for you,” he said, his voice low. He shoved the door open. “Welcome to the Truth Room. You’re gonna love it.”

Julian’s blood ran cold. The room was a nightmare. The walls were stained with dark, old blood. You could just feel that terrible things had happened here.

His eyes darted around, taking in a wall of surveillance screens…showing every room in the penthouse, including his own…and a huge one-way mirror.

“I do watch you sometimes from here, sweetheart,” Caesar murmured, his breath hot against Julian’s ear. “I see everything you do.”

Julian felt sick. Would he ever see the sun again? Would he ever be free?

“Here,” Caesar said, shoving a black folder into Julian’s trembling hands. “Look into it.”

Inside were three profiles, each with a photo and details.

“Each one of them was tied to your brother’s death,” Caesar explained, watching his reaction closely.

Julian’s heart hammered against his ribs. He was confused, scared, and completely out of his depth.

“These were the men in your brother’s orbit. One of them must be his murderer. You choose the one we go for first, and I’ll have him here before tomorrow morning.”

Julian looked down at the files.

The first profile was Luca Navarro. A slick club promoter. Disappeared days after Patrick’s death.

“This is my ex-boyfriend,” Julian said, his voice shaky. “There’s no way he would hurt my brother.”

Caesar let out a cold laugh. “You are so naive.” He pulled out a phone and read from a text. “His last text to Patrick was: ‘Don’t drag me into this, you hear me?’”

The Second profile was Detective Ryan Graves. A family friend, the officer who ruled Patrick’s death a suicide.

“You recognize him, don’t you?” Caesar purred. “A close friend of Patrick. I hated him. He’s so corrupt, takes bribes to cover up cases.”

Third profile, a man named Mikhail Reznik. An Eastern European, a rumored human trafficker working for the mafia’s underbelly.

“This one worked for my father,” Caesar said simply. “I’d get him for you if you want.”

Julian’s mind was spinning. Who could he trust? Who was lying? His eyes landed on Luca’s photo. He had to know. He pointed a trembling finger. “Him. Luca.”

Caesar’s smirk was dark and possessive. “Good choice. He’ll be here by tomorrow. God knows, he might be innocent… but I’ll still punch his face in for being with you before me.”

He leaned in, his voice a whisper. “Makes me feel like I’ve shared my pet.”

He then gave Julian’s butt a sharp, stinging slap. “Oww!” Julian yelped.

“Goodnight. Run to your room as fast as you can before I decide to lock you down here instead.”

Julian didn’t need to be told twice. He ran, holding his stinging cheek, not stopping until he was back in his room, the door locked behind him. He slid to the floor, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

“He’s going to torture my ex,” he mumbled into the silence, horrified. “I have to find a way to get out of here. Tonight.”

*****

He managed a fitful nap, waking up to the clock glowing 11:20 PM. Almost midnight. This was his only chance.

Sneaking out of his room, he crept through the dark, silent hallway, trying to remember the way out from the banquet. His heart was in his throat. He heard heavy footsteps. Guards.

Panicking, he ducked into the nearest open room, pressing his back against the door as the footsteps passed.

“That was close,” he whispered, trying to steady his racing heart.

Click.

The light flicked on.

Caesar was sitting in a large leather chair, legs crossed, as if he’d been waiting for hours. A predator in his den.

“I was waiting for you,” he said, his voice dangerously calm. “Thinking about sneaking out?”

Julian’s blood turned to ice. “I… wa… was… ju… just trying to get water,” he stammered, his back still pressed against the door. “I’ll be going. Guess I can’t find the kitchen.”

“Don’t you dare move,” Caesar commanded, standing up slowly. “Unless you want to find out what I’ll do to you.”

He started walking towards him, each step slow and deliberate. Julian began to shake, his hands fumbling behind his back for the doorknob.

He was too slow.

Caesar was on him in an instant, his hand shooting out and wrapping around Julian’s throat, cutting off his air. Julian choked, his vision spotting.

“If you run away tonight,” Caesar hissed, his face inches away, “you’ll miss the show in the morning.”

Julian’s lungs burned, clawing for air he couldn’t get. Just as blackness edged his vision, Caesar let go.

Julian dropped to the floor, coughing and gasping, tears of pain and fear streaming down his face.

Without another word, Caesar walked out. The door locked with a final, heavy thud.

Julian was trapped. His punishment was a night in this cold, dark room.

*****

The door opened again, and harsh light stabbed at Julian’s eyes. He ached all over, his throat was sore, and he’d barely slept.

Two large bodyguards dragged him to his feet and back down to that horrible underground room.

Caesar was there, leaning against a table and smoking a cigarette like he didn’t have a care in the world. He looked Julian up and down.

“You look awful,” he commented, almost bored. He gestured to a guard. “Call my personal doctor to check him.”

Then Julian saw it. Through the one-way mirror, he saw Luca. Tied to a chair. Beaten, bruised, and bleeding, but alive.

Julian gasped, his hand flying to his mouth. He’d actually done it. He’d found him and brought him here.

“Please, just let me go!” Luca’s muffled plea came from the other side.

“Come with me, pet,” Caesar said, grabbing Julian’s arm and pulling him into the room.

Luca’s eyes widened in shock when he saw Julian. “Julian? What are you doing here? Baby, tell them to let me go! I didn’t mean to leave you!”

CRACK.

Caesar’s fist connected with Luca’s face. “You don’t get to speak to him.” He turned to Julian, his eyes glinting.

“Julian, ask your questions.” He picked up a wicked-looking knife from the table. “Boys, put him on the lie detector. He lies, and a finger comes off. Every single one of them.”

Julian felt the room spin. He was going to be sick. “Caesar, I can’t do this. Please,” he begged, his voice breaking.

In a flash, Caesar had him by the chin, his grip tight and painful, forcing Julian to look him in the eyes.

“You don’t do what I say,” he snarled, his voice low and deadly, “and this boy leaves here in a body bag. Now, get to it.”

He let go of Julian’s chin with a shove, leaving him standing there, trembling and utterly trapped.