“Sorry about my attitude. You know Godfree?”
“We’re neighbours. I saw you that night you ran from his house. Had to ask him what that was all about. He’s a fine guy. I’d never seen him so angry like that night. Let’s sit in the car and talk. No one else must hear us.”
The killer’s car was in a council park a hundred yards away. They sat inside. The killer drove to a spot, pulled off the road and parked on a football ground.
“You don’t realize how much of a danger you and your wife are in. Godfree knows people hired to kidnap and kill both you and your wife.”
Moto’s listened as the other explained. There was something about Godfree. Despite what Moto had done he still wanted to help. People Moto had tortured had found out where he lived, paid some nasty guys to do the job two days from now. Godfree had somehow heard from one of the tortured parties that Moto’s days were numbered. Moto deserved it anyway. But then he thought of his pregnant wife. Her mistake was marrying someone like him to begin with. It puzzles him why Godfree wanted to help. Moto deserved to have his throat slashed. One cut and he was history.
“I must go home see my wife now,” Moto spoke fast. “Make sure she’s safe.”
The killer grabbed his sleeve. Moto’s breathing had increased.
“Wait. Didn’t you hear what I said? No need for that. She’s safe. The people are not planning their move today. You must see Godfree now and be advised on the next step to protect yourself and your wife. He’s the only one who can help you.”
Moto was sweating. “Alright. I need to see him, really appreciate what he’s doing to help.”
“I’ll take you to him now. He’s waiting at my place.” He started the car, headed for his house. “Did you really think you’d stay hidden in Stones all your life and the people you tortured not find you? Changing your name won’t even save you. Those men you hurt are mad with you. As they say what goes around comes around. You should be thanking Godfree. Can’t understand why he should even bother to help. If it was me I’d just let those guys kill you and rape your wife before they do the same. I’d stab you and rip your heart out. Wonder how your heart would taste like, huh? We’ll see him in minutes. After his help it’ll be good to give him something to thank you. You got cash on you?”
Moto nodded. “Yes. He’s really helping me after my mistreatment.”
“How much? He’s going out of his way for you.”
“I got five hundred on me.”
“You telling the truth?”
“Yes.”
“Give him that. It’s not even enough for saving your life. You tortured him, left him for dead.”
He could see Moto was scared for himself and his family and trusted Godfree had indeed sent him.
The killer was excited, did not make it show on his face. Each time before a kill the feeling was like this. A warmth of anticipation. This man must die for his sins.
The killer had driven past his house today, seen him walk to town and followed. After parking he had stalked him to the High Street. Moto had stopped at an ATM machine and withdrew cash. He was vulnerable right now. Mentioning Godfree had been a master stroke. Those atrocities Moto had committed in his past made him believe people who sought revenge knew where he was. The man who should hate him wanted to help. He needed Godfree.
They parked the car in the garage. The killer unlocked the door, waved him inside. Moto glanced around him.
“Godfree’s in the downstairs lounge. Come in.”
He opened the cellar door, clicked the light as Moto stepped on the first stair. Before he could utter a word something hard crashed on his head. He groaned, rolled and landed on the floor. The killer closed the door, hoisted the bewildered man to the bed and chained his hands and legs. Moto grimaced with pain.
“I broke my arm,” he whimpered. “Who’re you? What do you want with me?”
The killer held a knife and smiled. “I’m your