Page 131 of The Widower
“I saw an opportunity in all this. I watched your movements for a while and learned the routines of the people who come here. The hard part was getting in, but since your guards were posted day and night in front of Isabelle’s house, I just needed to bring them back here.”
“Who are you?”
“My name’s Marcos, and the one who’s going to pay your boyfriend’s debt is you.”
“Take whatever you want and leave.”
Marcos seemed completely in control—he showed no sign of nervousness.
“Oh, that’s not going to happen.”
While one of the henchmen watched us, Marcos tried to make small talk with Colin.
“I looked you up, Colin. Your wife and daughter died in an accident. How awful, huh?” he sneered, and I could see anger flare in his eyes.
“They don’t have to be here,” Colin said through his teeth.
“Oh, but they do. From what I’ve seen, you care about them.Bring the little girl here, Isabelle!”
“No! She’s not coming!” Colin positioned himself in front of us.
“I’m not asking again.”
“She’s not coming!” he shouted, his voice rising.
“Then bring the boy!”
Colin pushed Joshua behind him but still kept covering his ears.
“Hm.”
“How about you?” he pointed at me.
“Isabelle, get behind me! Now!”
I did as he said.
“Mom, what’s going on? I can hear people shouting,” Hanna said.
“It’s part of the game, sweetheart.Stay quiet, please,” I whispered close to her ear.
“Okay.”
Joshua seemed calmer—just shaking his head from side to side, oblivious to what was unfolding right in front of him.
“I’ll count to three. If any of them don’t come, you’ll be the one to pay the price, Colin!”
Colin said nothing at first.
“One!”
“That’s not necessary.”
“Two!”
The man ignored his comment.
“Colin, I’m gonna—”
