I look over at what constitutes my lunch. A bowl of mush and a green apple for dessert.
“Lentil stew,” explains the kidnapper.
Of course. No meat here.
The woman saunters over to where the man sits, standing behind him and resting a hand on his shoulder. A proprietary gesture. They’re obviously in some sort of relationship, and I can’t help feeling I should be careful around her.
Too hungry to wait for them to leave, I settle the tray on my lap and stick a forkful of stew into my mouth. Although lukewarm, it tastes surprisingly good.
“Have you sorted things out with her yet?” the woman asks.
Things? What things?
He shakes his head. “I thought I’d let you handle it.”
“Let’s get started then.”
She reaches for my handbag on the man’s lap and pulls out my cell phone and appointment book. “Okay, Highness Hutchinson, time to barter.”
What on earth do I possess that they can possibly want? Thanks to them, all I have on me right now are the clothes on my back.
“Information for certain privileges,” the woman elaborates, looking at me with a malicious sheen to her eyes.
My appetite abruptly desserts me. So much for brown eyes being warm and friendly. I return the tray with its half-finished meal to the bedside table, placing the apple in the drawer, intending to save it for later.
“What do you want to know?” I ask.
“Your cleaner came today. Obviously, you aren’t home. Is that a problem for her?”
“If I answer your questions, what sort of privileges do I get?”
“Material ones.”
“Like?” I prompt.
“Things you need—clothes, toothpaste.” She doesn’t sound happy. She motions to the man in the chair. “You can thank him, it’s his idea. Me? I’m all for roughing you up a bit if you don’t cooperate.”
I gape at her, shocked at the violence in her tone.
The man says sharply, “That’s enough.” He fixes his gaze on me. “Tell us about the cleaner.”
“I want a change of clothes,” I say.
He gives a brief nod. “Done.”
“That includes new underwear,” I dare, holding my breath.
“Fine,” he agrees impatiently. “The cleaner?”
“Mavis comes in every day. She has her own key.”
“Will she worry if you’re not there?”
“No. I’m often not at home.”
“Is her number in your cell phone?”
“Yes.”
