Hiatus

Capel waited impatiently. Soon the woman appeared. Damn, she had someone with her. No choice. Capel signalled Mori. He waved back. Soon they had both the women in the van, a sack over their respective heads.

'Listen carefully. No time. Your woman with us. Hear her', Mori pushed the phone near Hema.

'Please dear, I'm scared , help, they caught us'. Mori grabbed the phone.

'Tomorrow get ready 1 million. I call. No police, or your woman dead'.

Deepan was dazed for a while. It was working but, could he have heard it right? Did she say 'us'?

He was thoughtful for a while. Then he called Veera. 'Listen, Veera, there is an emergency. I need some cash, fast'.

'What's up? How much?'

'They got Hema. They want a million. I just got the call.'

'What! Hema? Who is behind it? Did she speak to you? When did this happen?'

'Veera, look here. There is no time. These guys are desperados. I need the cash today. He will call tomorrow.'

'A million... thats a lot of money... And Hema .. she could be in danger. Lets call Supt. Abraham. But I'll get the money,'

'He said no cops; just get me the money.'

'Deepan, make sure nothing happens to my sister,'

'Then you stop talking about the cops. Just get the money.'

Capel looked in the bag, and did a quick count. He called Mori.

'This guy's playing games. I want you to take care of the two and dispose the bodies. Now. And disappear. Don't call me.'

Veera was furious. He stormed in shouting. 'I gave you the money. You promised Hema'll be ok',

Deepan had bloodshot eyes, 'I don't know. These guys are desperados. I told you. They took the money and still hurt her.' he sobbed.

Mori was not pleased. A nasty job. He had to do the dirty work for nothing. Not only get the women but knock them off and dispose them too. All for nothing.

Capel smiled to himself. A million bucks, and the clown Mori got the job done for free.

Deepan chuckled. That was a master move - getting Veera to pay for his own sister's hit job. He had his freedom at last. And it had come free!

Viswa couldn't get over it. Why ? Rajes had just been with this Hema woman when she was abducted, and had died for no other reason. He sobbed as he watched his year old son sleeping peacefully.