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.

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

people… Own the

a bit, looking through the plate glass windows, I see him inside, looming over a

intimidating. An arm to either side of her, smirking, he has her trapped, enclosed between his chest and arms, and the wall.

her space as he cages her with his

…and accept…

… the rules.

is the real

If that were Jenny…

My gut tightens…

Then, inwardly, I chuckle.

anyone ever took my daughter down,

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 at him, yelling

to

to intimidate someone who knows how

smirk from your

…

It’s not the time…

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

later, he re-emerges, again

Always the pocket…

the

before sauntering to his next stop: a tobacconist a

He’s already at the counter, exerting his charm, but both he and the girl serving fall silent as I point to the first brand I recognise… “Vinte, por favor. E um isqueiro…” … push the coins at her, then, pocketing a packet

show of opening the packet, unravelling the plastic wrap, taking one out then, as I’m about to light up, Wonder Boy reappears. He doesn’t even look my way as, taking

few seconds, letting him get a little distance as I slip the cigarette back into the pack, when I realise there’s

breeze. The beggar inhales deeply, smoke drifting from his nostrils, then gives me a small bow and a crack-lipped smile.

my forehead… “My pleasure...” … then turn

Shit!

Where is he?

in sight, lost

Have I lost him?