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

the people… Own the

glass windows, I see him inside, looming over a shop-assistant, not much more

her, smirking, he has her trapped, enclosed between his chest

that same gesture; using his height, looking down on her, moving in on her space as he cages her with

…and accept…

… the rules.

is the real

If that were Jenny…

My gut tightens…

Then, inwardly, I chuckle.

at his throat. The only time anyone ever took my

ducks, then slides away from Wonder Boy, making for the counter, Stabbing at the till, she

love to take him

try to intimidate someone who

smirk from your

…

It’s not the time…

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

minute later, he re-emerges, again stuffing his

Always the pocket…

the attache

next stop: a tobacconist a couple

time, I follow him inside. 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 of twenty and the lighter, exit

one out then, as I’m about to light up, Wonder Boy reappears. He doesn’t even look my way as, taking a sharp left, he strolls

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

lighter, the yellow-tipped flame flickering in the breeze. The beggar inhales deeply, smoke drifting from his nostrils, then gives me a small bow and

“My pleasure...” … then turn to

Shit!

Where is he?

Boy’s nowhere in sight, lost

Have I lost him?