I SHALL FIND YOU by Ony Bond Page A

today. Everyone must know you’re now taken.”
    “Moto’s wife came to see me today.”
    “The spouse of that torturer?”
    “Yes.”
    “What did she want?”
    “He has been missing since yesterday. Hasn’t been home from work. She is worried.”
    “It’s possible he ran out on the wife. Or he’s hiding from some guys seeking revenge.”
    “The wife was worried.”
    “That man hurt people. He isn’t your problem, Free.”
    “He might be having an affair and run from the wife. Or somebody who was looking finally up with him. A man like that had enemies.”
    “Are you afraid you’ll be a suspect if he’s found with a slit throat? You aren’t a murderer, or you’d have killed him that night he visited. Who’s calling?” She checked her phone, frowned. “James? Did you give him my number?”
    “No. He hasn’t called me. What does he want?”
    “Don’t know. Strange. Let me find out.” She pressed reply and increased the volume. “Hello, James. Didn’t know you had my number.”
    “I do. Enjoying the day?”
    “Yeah. You?”
    “Took a drive. The weather’s great. Rose, are you free for a film tonight? How about the cinema?”
    “I’m not much into films.”
    “How about a meal then? I know some good restaurants. It’s a date.”
    “A date? You serious, James?”
    “I like you a lot, thought you knew. Why don’t we take our friendship to the next level?”
    “Like boyfriend and girlfriend?”
    “Exactly. I’m sure you know I like you.”
    “It wouldn’t work, James.”
    “Let’s give it a try. We’ll be friends for now. I’m not in a hurry.”
    “I’m not looking for a boyfriend. You know that. Got to go now.”
    James’ tone was cheerful. “Give me a chance, Rose. I understand what you went through with the last guy. We’ll take this slow. Don’t be in haste. I won’t hurt you like he did.”
    “It won’t happen, James. Got to go now.” She ended the call, glanced at Godfree. “Did you hear that? What made him think I’d be interested? And bubbling with confidence too. I talk to him at work only because he works with my dad and isn’t the only person I talk to. Looks like he mistook it for interest. How do I make a person know I’m not interested? Scratch his face or stamp on his foot?”
    He looked perplexed. “What he up to? He has a strong dislike of blondes, even warned me to stay away from you yesterday.”
    “Had you indicated you liked me?”
    “No.” Godfree went through his conversation with James. “I felt a blonde girl hurt him in the past. He doesn’t trust you but yet he’s asking for a date. What he up to?”
    “Outside the fact I don’t love him, I’m puzzled too. If he feels that way about me why doesn’t he pick a brunette? Can’t put my finger on it. He’s your friend, so why didn’t you take his advice about me? He won’t like you when he knows about us.”
    “Your dad doesn’t like me. You didn’t listen to him either. Someone gave James your number and told him to call to stop us being friends.”
    “Who?”
    “Your dad.”
    “It makes sense now. He thinks his girl might start liking the guy he doesn’t, so calls his friend James to move on me and make sure he takes me to make sure I don’t get close to you.”
    “Right. You acted protective over me, got him worried.”
    She nodded. “It’s understandable as we used to be both against you. Now you’ve suddenly become a hero. We have a battle on our hands.”
    “What happens when he knows you’re my girlfriend?”
    “That’s his problem because I’m not walking away. And we’re still going to the sea tomorrow.”
    “And if he asks where you’re going?”
    “Then I’ll tell him I’m having a day out with my boyfriend.”
    “It’ll be too early, Rose.”
    “Agree, but one of these days he’ll have to be told.”
    “Never thought I’ll have to fight over a girl with James.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

CHAPTER 13
 
    The