ALICE

The darkness surrounds her. Downstairs she hears a small tapping sound that reminds her, she needs to bring in Putte. Throwing the sheets off she climbs from her bed. Once downstairs something small rubs against her leg. Shrieking, she looks down to see Putte. The tap resounds again this time seeming more like a knock. Alice walks to the front trying to quiet her pup who seems to be agitated: growling and barking. The midnight darkness hides the figure, and before Alice can scream she is asleep dreaming about her bed.

ARCHY

"Four months and still no sign of Alice Wondre. It seems that her trail has gone cold. In other news..." The news anchor trails off. 

Archy cuddles Putte while staring absentmindedly out the window. Where could she be? Standing off the messy bed, he walks to the kitchen in search of a drink. He needs to find her. He has to find her.

ALICE

The sunlight glistens though the dirt covered window. What happened? Where is she? Something is tightly pulling her wrists behind her back. She shifts her weight and a sharp pain pulses through her head. A small moan escapes her mouth. Suddenly, a hand grips her arm.

ARCHY

He walks the busy streets holding a picture of Alice; showing and asking pedestrians if they have seen her. No one stops, and those who do shake their heads sadly. Everyone who says -- "no" -- takes a piece of his heart with them. 

Back at the motel, Putte whines wanting to be let out. Finding his leash, Archy takes Putte around the block. The little dog seems distracted. Casually sniffing, then suddenly, Putte picks up his head and looks towards the trees. Archy pats Putte kneeling and looking towards the forest as well.

ALICE

Bruises fill her arms and face. Her left eye is so swollen  she can only see bits of cloudy red. A door behind her slams causing her whole body to jump. She was never a big crier, but the tears begin to slip down her face. Is she going to die? What does he want? The man walks over, grabs her jaw and forces her mouth open. A whimper escapes. She closes her eyes tightly trying to not see what is going to happen. She feels a small pinch from a needle. Then, she tastes blood. She tries to move her tongue around to pinpoint where the blood is coming from. Her eyes shoot open realizing, her tongue is gone. The man has his back turned. He is threading a needle. As he turns around, the tears pour from down her face. She coughs up blood as he slowly stitches her stub of a tongue.

ARCHY

Putte looks back up at Archy before whining towards the trees again.  Standing, Archy walks to the tree line. Maybe she is in there. If she is, he doubts that she is far, but he never expected her to be this close. Praying, he walks into the shaded darkness. His heart starts to pound. Maybe he will find her, and she will be safe. Putte and Archy take off in a jog. He watches and if Putte starts off in another direction Archy follows. Ten minutes pass and Archy has to stop to catch his breath. Putte pulls his head up quickly and pulls out of his leash. Archy yells after him, but the pup is gone. 

ALICE

Alice wakes up, and sees a small furry creature. It whines and slowly walks toward her. Putte? She goes to cry his name, but her lame tongue makes no effort to form the word. Putte crawls into her lap when the door swings open. Alice's heart beats.

ARCHY

"Putte!" Archy yells, "Where did you go pup?"

Archy walks farther into the cozy shack.

"Alice! Alice, are you in here?"

A chair gets moved in the kitchen, and Archy walks toward it.

"Sweetie, I know you are here." Archy begs.

A small whine comes from the closet, and Archy opens the door. Inside sits a pretty brunette dressed in warm clothes. Her big brown eyes seem to beg for her life.

"I found you," Archy smiles, "How's the tongue?"

Alice jumps to her feet knocking Archy down. She pushes furniture and household objects in her wake. Archy jumps at her feet toppling her to the ground. With her arms pinned beneath her she begins to cry.

"Sh, sh, my pet. Do not cry." Archy gives a reassuring smile helping her to walk.

Archy pulls out a small hand gun a shoots Putte, "Don't worry, my sweet. You won't get away again."

Alice yelps as the tears flow.

3 MONTHS EARLIER

ALICE

"Who is this, my pet?" The man leans down and grabs Putte, "Hi, little pup. I'm Archy."

"Pease o hur him!" Alice begs.

"Sh, sh, don't worry. I'll keep him safe for you." The man gives a dazzling smile before leading the pup away.

Alice begins to scream pulling her arms trying to loosen her restraints. Minutes pass before she feels less resistance. One of her hands comes out, and she jumps up and runs. She is free!

3 MONTHS LATER

ARCHY

She is finally back with me. Safe where she belongs. This time gagged and tied up in the basement. There will not be a repeat of last time. She will stay mine forever.