The Buried

CHAPTER 17

The playroom was part of a private, unregistered club with a very discreet membership. Whips and racks and ropes were all in their places awaiting the next party. For the moment, though, the club was closed, the entire building bought out by The Wolf for entertaining her special guest.

She had Helen Cho tied to a suspended X, arms and legs stretched in different directions. She was still using electricity — small zaps never in the same place twice — to break her prisoner.

A knock on the door.

“Oui?” she called out.

Braun stuck his head in. “I have the hunter on the line.”

The Wolf patted Helen on the thigh. “Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right back.”

As soon as she entered the hallway, Braun handed her a phone.

“Hello, Bianca,” The Wolf said.

“My apologies, Madame Deschamps, for not answering when you called. I was…occupied.”

“Understandable. And?”

“Three players out of the game now.”

“Already? I’m impressed.”

Bianca gave her a quick report.

“Where are you now?” The Wolf asked.

“I’m heading east, tracking two other hunters. I believe they may be following the target.”

“Even better news. Well, I don’t want to slow you down. Keep me posted.”

“Of course.”

Perhaps The Wolf wasn’t going to need Helen after all. Still, no reason to stop the interrogation until she knew for sure.

She gave the phone back to Braun and returned to the playroom.