Savages

114

Do not send to ask for whom the bell tolls.

The little bong on the computer announces e-mail.

Ben opens it and clicks on the provided link.

Streaming video. Podcast.

O, alive, cuffed to the same wooden chair.

Her head slumped as she sobs.

A big man, hooded sweatshirt and shades, stands behind her with the chain saw, one hand on the starter cord.

“We did what you said!” Ben yells.

“Shut up,” Chon says quietly.

“We did what you said, let her go!”

“Now that we have learned a lesson, we’re ready to move ahead in our relationship. Our demands are nonnegotiable. You will continue to grow your product and sell it to us at a price that we will set for a period of three years, commencing immediately. You will also provide certain services for us as we might require them. At the end of that contractual period, your obligations will be considered discharged.”

“Three years,” Ben says before he thinks to stop himself.

“It’s been done.”