The Balcony

Cleovim stood at the balcony. The view was breathtaking. She had never seen anything like it before. She looked down at the people going about their lives below. She wondered if they would hear her if she screamed.

“What are you doing?” A voice made her jump.

“Just admiring the view.” She turned to face the tall man. “And planning my escape.” She thought as she meet his disapproving look with an unhappy glare. “Is that a problem?”

“Not for the moment.” He answered.

There was a long silence as they stared each other down. This man had kidnapped her hours before. The other men who were with them before had split ways, talking about meeting up at the ‘fort’ later. He had brought her to this hotel, bond and gagged in a large suitcase. She hated him. There was only one problem that stood out in her mind.

“Why?” She asked through gritted teeth. He arched an eyebrow at her, but stated silent. “Why did you kidnap me?” Cleovim crossed her arms.

He smirked. “You’re worth a lot.” He walked up to her and grabbed her under her chin and forced her to look up at him. “Imagine how much money and land your family will give us to just have you.”

Cleovim gritted her teeth and squirmed out of his grasp. She knew of cases like these and she didn’t want to be another body in the river. “And what will become of me once you guys have what you want?”

The man shrugged. “That’s boss’ call. Not mine. I’m just supposed to keep you till we get to the fort. So be a good little birdie and I won’t have to put you in the suitcase again.” He patted her on the head before she turned on his heel to leave. “I have some errands to run, so don’t try anything.”

Cleovim glared at the closed door for a minute or two. Then she began to look about. She needed a way out of this hotel without anyone noticing her. She didn’t want to risk bumping into him or anyone he worked with.