A Kick to the Ribs

         “Hey Kid. Wake up.”
         My head spins and I can barely see straight. Blurry vision reveals a pair of black boots walking toward me. I try to lift my head up to look around and get a sense of what is going on. No luck. What the hell is happening.
         “I said WAKE UP!”
         Yep, nothing like a swift kick to the ribs to get you up. I cough violently as I stagger to my knees. The metallic taste of blood fills my mouth. Something’s gone terribly wrong. The thick musty air makes it almost impossible to breath, even without broken ribs and a bloody nose. Did I just cough up some blood? Am I drunk? Did my date drug me? Who is this guy? Is he alone?
         “Well, good morning sunshine,” a man bends over to look me in the eyes, but I can’t seem to make out any features to identify him. “How was your trip?”
         I groan. It’s the only sound I can make.
         “Aww that’s ok you don’t have to speak. I know your throat must be absolutely killing you. Besides, it’s hard to speak without a tongue.” My heart races as I shove my hands in my mouth, frantically feeling around. Tongue, teeth - everything’s still there. I slump back down, slightly relieved, but that quickly fades at the realization I am at this man’s mercy.
         “Heh… you idiot.” the man sneered.
         Finally being able to speak, I choose my words wisely. “Where am I? What happened to Chloe?”
         “Well… I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is: Chloe is fine at home with her mother. Or, as I like to call her, my wife. The bad news: you’ve been kidnapped.” Warmth washes over me as my body gives out. My vision tunnels. My heartbeat pounds in my ears. Everything fades to black.