Hot Revenge Box Set 4

Antonio's concern for me is touching but it’s cost me long seconds. As I emerge, blinking against the sunlight, Wonder Boy has vanished.

Fuck!

Have I lost him?

I spin, scanning all around, seeking my quarry, ignoring the curious stares of passers-by…

… The line of parked cars…

Doorways…

… along the block…

… the other side of the street…

Zip. Nada…

Then, sprinting across the street, dodging the traffic, I make it to the corner: the clothes store I used as my lurking spot when I first came here.

How long did he hold me up?

Twenty seconds?

Thirty?

How far can the bastard have gone?

Then, I see him again, tall against the crowd.

He emerges from the next door along from Antonio’s, a small hair-salon-cum-barber-shop. Shoving something into his pocket, he turns my way…

The clothing store?

It appears Santa Claus is doing his rounds, collecting his gifts from all the little boys and girls on his list, regardless of whether they’re naughty or nice.

with the hubbub of people, then double-back on myself to wait, watching the store entrance as he enters, strolling in

people… Own

I see him inside, looming

enclosed between his chest and arms, and the wall. Even from here, I can see the way her face is screwing

stand over Jenny with that same gesture; using his height, looking down on her, moving in on her space as he cages her with his body. But it’s different between them; easily seen for the game it really is. And where

…and accept…

… the rules.

is the real

If that were Jenny…

My gut tightens…

Then, inwardly, I chuckle.

a knife/broken-bottle/metal-comb at his throat. The only time anyone ever took my daughter

I watch, the girl ducks, then slides away from Wonder Boy, making for the counter, Stabbing at the till, she snatches cash from the drawer and, face contorted, thrusts it

to

to intimidate someone who

smirk

…

It’s not the time…

it away for future reference, adding it to my list of To-Dos: Teach

he re-emerges, again stuffing his

Always the pocket…

the

next stop: a

to the first brand I recognise… “Vinte, por favor. E um isqueiro…” … push the coins at her, then, pocketing a packet of twenty

clear view, making a show of opening the packet, unravelling the plastic wrap, taking one out then, as I’m about to light up, Wonder Boy reappears.

get a little distance as I slip the cigarette back into the pack, when I realise there’s a beggar, rheumy-eyed, standing beside me, holding

The beggar inhales deeply, smoke drifting from his nostrils, then gives me

my forehead… “My pleasure...” …

Shit!

Where is he?

Boy’s nowhere in sight, lost in the

Have I lost him?