âCanât you keep it in your pants, man? We gave you a wad of cash last time. Couldnât you have found some girl downtown to take care of your needs? Here we are, in the middle of some serious business, and you keep yapping about getting laid. You got a screw loose or something? If you really canât control yourself, maybe I should take care of it for you, huh?â
The skinny guy managed a weak, nervous grin and fell silent, even taking a few steps back.
When the boss talked about âtaking careâ of things, his eyes were glued to the guyâs waist, and he was well aware of the sharp little switchblade in his hand. If he said another word, he might spend the rest of his life singing soprano.
âJust messing with you, boss. Youâre busy. Iâll go stand guard outside with the boys.â
Once the sound of their hurried footsteps faded away, Victoria finally let out a sigh of relief.
She couldnât find the words to speak, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. She kept shaking and sobbing uncontrollably.
âCome on, spill it. How did you fall for this chick? Wait a minute, youâre not pulling one over on me, are you? Tell me, how did you two hit it off in the first place?â
Balfour couldnât understand why, but this guy seemed to be infatuated with the idea of love.
Just the mention of having a crush got him more excited than anyone else.
âI donât know what sheâs thinking, but Iâll tell you one thing: we both need to get out of here in one piece, and whatever you want, Iâll make sure you get it.â
Balfour stared at the boss quietly, who suddenly felt a chill.
This young boy in front of him, barely old enough to be called a man, already had such resolve. Facing a vicious thug like himself, he showed no fear, and there was even a sense of dread in the air.
âYou rich folks sure know how to talk sweet. Why should I believe you? First, tell me where the cards are. Once we get our hands on the money, weâll figure out what to do next.â
âWhen you guys snatched me, I had a backpack with at least three cards in it, each with a balance ranging from three hundred thousand to half a million dollars.â
The boss gasped. He hadnât expected that while they were shaking down Dean for cash, they had a living ATM right beside them. Do rich kids really walk around with this much money on them?
âYouâre not messing with me, are you?â
The boss waved the knife in front of Balfour, looking for any sign of deceit, but Balfour just gave a faint smile and said, âI made that money from investments. If you donât believe me, go check. I canât charm you or run away, so what are you afraid of?â
âWho says Iâm afraid? Donât get cocky, kid. Iâve got my limits! Push me too far and see what happens!â
The boss, frustrated and embarrassed, slammed the flat of the blade against Balfourâs cheek, then backhanded him across the face until Balfour grunted and fell to the ground. Only then did he let out the breath heâd been holding in.
âKid, no funny business! Your life is in our hands, and Iâm warning you, stop the chatter. Iâm not scared of you!â
Balfour remained silent, not uttering a sound.