Waiting for the ransom to be paid

 

Shirtless.

They put their arms behind their backs and crossed their wrists.

They were roped, tight, their pulse pounding in their bonds.

Their tee-shirts were torn, making them into a blindfold and a gag.

Rope was weaved between their upper arms, around their biceps and triceps, and pulled taut.

Sweat began to trickle down their chests.

They were marched up the stairs to the old attic.

The three rafters would be used to hoist their victims.  A strong rope was dropped from the middle of each rafter, and attached with a hook to the ropes between their upper arms.  They were hoisted up:  their arms pulled back from their torsos, their shoulders dislocated, their wrists sliced, their heads and torso bent downward.

Sweat puddled on the floor from below them.

They bent their legs and tied each one, ankle to thigh.

They were left.

The door was closed.

Waiting for the ransom to be paid.