The Perfect Happiness(106)

A moment later the man appeared with a cash box and spoke to Bulging Eyes, who grew red with fury. “Is that all you have?” he spat. “A few thousand dollars?”

“The rest is in a bank. We don’t keep much cash in the house. There’s silver in the pantry.”

Another man rushed in with Anna’s jewelry box.

“There must be more than this!”

“My wife doesn’t wear jewelry.”

Bulging Eyes turned his attention to Angelica and her bound hands hidden from view. He grabbed her arm, yanking it out from behind her back with such force she thought it would dislocate. “All women like jewelry.” He clearly thought she was Jack’s wife. He grabbed her fingers and noticed they were bare. She silently thanked Anita for making her hide her diamond rings in her wash bag, although, in the circumstances, she would happily give them up in exchange for their lives.

“I’m going to ask your wife where the safe is. If she doesn’t tell me, I’m going to enjoy her.” He ran the barrel of his gun up her naked leg, hovering on her thigh. His grin was so lascivious she knew he meant it.

Her heart stalled, but she felt Jack’s hot back against hers and was encouraged. “There is no safe,” she repeated bravely.

Overcome with impatience, Bulging Eyes called out, “Somebody!” Somebody appeared at once—a tall, lanky African with cheekbones as sharp as polished granite. Bulging Eyes ordered him to watch the prisoners while he disappeared into the hall. Somebody jiggled from one foot to another, pointing the gun at Jack.

“He’s not going to find a safe that isn’t there,” said Jack impatiently. “Help will arrive at any minute. Why don’t you take what you have and go before it’s too late?”

“Sorry about the dogs,” Somebody replied. “I like dogs.”

“Listen, Somebody. I don’t care about money or possessions. They are replaceable. I only care about my family. If I had a safe, I’d open it for you and give you everything inside. You have to believe me.”

“The boss heard that you have a safe.”

“Then it’s misinformation.”

Somebody shrugged. “He’ll kill you. He’s killed before, many times. He enjoys it.”

Angelica closed her eyes, drowning in a sense of helplessness.

Bulging Eyes returned looking more livid than ever. In his hand he held a kettle. Kneeling down, he hissed into Jack’s ear. “If you don’t tell me where you hide your money, I’m going to boil your penis.” He plugged the kettle into the wall and turned his bloodshot eyes to Angelica. “Then I’m going to kill your wife like a pig.”

Angelica’s head swam as she gazed into the abyss. “Oh God!”

“Be calm!” Jack hissed. “You are a sensible man. Why would I risk my life and that of my wife and servant for something as unimportant as money and jewelry? I’ve told you, there is no safe.”

He then began to talk in their language once again. A heated discussion followed as the kettle began to steam. Suddenly another man appeared in the door. A shout resounded from the front of the house like a bullet. Bulging Eyes stood up in alarm. He hurried into the hall a moment, then returned, his face taut with panic.

“Where are the keys to your car?”

“On the table in the hall. By the front door.” There was hope in Jack’s voice. Angelica clung to it like a rock climber to a rope.

“I know you’re a liar!” he accused. His face looked like a swollen bladder about to burst. Pointing the gun at Jack, he fired.

Angelica wasn’t aware of the gang leaving the house, piling into Jack’s car, and speeding down the drive. She heard Jack cry out, then saw the stream of blood making a pool around them. She froze in terror, her mind flooding with fear.

“Jack!” she cried, desperately trying to wriggle her hands out of the tie. “Jack! Speak to me.” Jack began to laugh. “Oh, Jack! Please don’t die!” She shuffled around so that she could see him, all the while working on her hands.

“They shot me in the shoulder.”

“Are you in pain?”

“Not really.” He looked at the puddle. “I’m ruining the rug.”

“You’re going to be okay.”

Anxious whimpered in the corner.

“They cut the phone lines. No one will find us now,” she wailed.

Finally, Angelica’s hands slipped through the tie. She didn’t feel the pain as they were forced through the material. She released her legs and set about doing the same for Jack.

“Hold on, Jack. You’re going to be fine. I’m right here.” From somewhere she found a strength she didn’t know she had. “We’re going to get out of this, my darling. You’re going to be fine.” She pulled off her shirt and wrapped it around the wound, pulling it tightly to stave the blood flow. “I’m not going to let those bastards take you from me. I’ve just found you, and I intend to keep you.”