The Mistake

Chapter 2 Part4

Walter sat with his head in his hands listening to Bondra's account of the attack in the condo. She marched back and forth in front of his sofa with her arms flying out in emphasis over the different events. He knew who the man in the tub was and his stomach rumbled nervously as he remembered his own terrifying visit. Walter peeked up at her, his mind wandering to her appearance and what was different about it.

"What? What, Walter?" She stopped with her hands on her hips.

"Nothing, I- you just look... different somehow."

"That's what happens when you're terrified, Walter."

"No, I mean... your clothes."

Bondra glanced down and swore, grabbing her purse and leaving the room. "I need to use your bathroom."

He got up from the sofa and went to the bar beside his patio doors, pouring himself a generous shot of whiskey.

      Bondra's news was definitely not good, not good at all. Obviously Bernie was through with waiting. He paused mid swallow wondering how Bernie knew where to find the girl. Bondra returned from the washroom, bra and panties back on and her image once again familiar to Walter.

"Better," she said, indicating a drink for herself.

"Hmmm, Bondra... how did this man find you at that condominium?"

She used her drink to mask devising an answer. "Ah, I needed that. What was your question, Walter?"

"The man from Bernie, how did he find you at that condo?"

"Bonducci has plenty of contacts, his investigative powers are surely the equal of Muck and Mire." Walter must not find out about her visit.

      He studied her thoughtfully and conceded her point. "At least our team, whom you so passionately dislike, did find her." He tipped his glass toward her expectantly.

"Point taken. But now what? We don't have the girl, the money or even our crack detective team and Bonducci is on the warpath." She shuddered inside thinking about the possibility of Bernie catching up with her—money or no money. The time had come for Bondra to begin an expedient exit. As she stood facing Walter, considering her options, her cell phone jangled in her purse.

"Who would that be?" Walter started.

"I don't know." She retrieved the phone and checked the display. "It's not a number I know."

"Don't answer it!" Walter had visions of Bernie tracking her to his home.

"Don't be silly, it's a cell. I could be anywhere." She pushed the button and answered.

"Miss Croft? It's Bernard Wiggens, are you alright, Miss Croft?"

"Wiggens? Where the hell are you?" She let Walter share the receiver.

"Daryl and I are at a clinic downtown. We got out of the condo just before the cops arrived. Are you alright, Miss Croft?"

"Never mind me. What clinic?"

"A medical clinic. We're both being checked for concussion. What actually happened?"

"Jesus, I could tell them they're both brain damaged without the help of a doctor," she stormed in Walter's ear while covering the mouthpiece. "Do you know where the girl is, Wiggens?"

"Uhmm, not at the moment. But Daryl and I are right on it, Miss Croft," he hurried on.

"Find her, Wiggens. Find her fast." Bondra snapped her phone shut, clipping Walter's ear.