From "The Gamblers" by Martin Stanley

Dave woke with a groan. He tried to touch his face, which was in excruciating pain, but realised that he couldn’t. His hands were bound to a radiator in the corner of the room with handcuffs. He attempted to stand up, but his legs had been bound with rope. Despite several attempts at wriggling his legs, the ropes that bound him were too tight and movement was impossible. He looked around.

Dark curtains had been drawn, reducing the room to shadows. As his eyes adjusted to the lack of light he realised he was in the living room. The place smelled of old takeaways and strong booze. Dave tried to wriggle his legs again, realised he couldn’t and then opened his mouth to scream.

“I wouldn’t do that if I was you.”