Page 5

FOUR

Victoria has been left alone for so long she wonders if they’ve abandoned her, and the thought of being left to die frightens her more than being kidnapped. She hears a noise and a door opens. Footsteps approach. A foot nudges her in the side causing her to jerk in pain.

A woman says, “Wake up, bitch,” and kicks her in the hip; the only place on her body that doesn’t hurt. “I know you can hear me. Nod your head or you’ll get it again.”

Victoria lifts her head from the floor and sobs. Bloody snot runs down her gag and drips from her chin.

“You’ve had it easy all of your life. Now it’s time to see what the other side is like.”

Victoria braces for another blow but the woman just laughs.

“How much are you worth to him? Huh? A million? Two? Five? Don’t worry. I’m not going to hurt you. Yet. But if your husband wants you back, he’d better come up with the money.”

Victoria hears a derisive snort. “Five is pocket change for the King of Cougar Point. Am I right?”

Victoria hurriedly nods.

“Damn right. Maybe we’ll ask for ten. If he balks, we’ll send him pieces of you to bring him in line. How’s that, Miss High and Mighty?”

Victoria wonders if they’ve already contacted Jack. Do they intend to let her go? But she’s afraid to mumble or do anything to set this animal off again. And so she doesn’t reply and a shoe pushes her head down into the concrete hard enough to bring tears to her eyes.

“You don’t have to answer. What happens to you is up to him. He’ll either get you back or find your body. His choice.”

Victoria hears the woman step away and a door open. Her heart is beating in her throat and tears stream down her face, puddling on the floor. She thinks of Jack and the way they left things. She doesn’t know if he’ll pay the ransom. She doesn’t think it matters. After the beating she’s just taken they would never let her live. They’re going to kill her.