Chapter 22 Chapter Twenty Two

Boni lay flat on the grass, sucked in the air, and tried not to vomit. When the feeling of dizziness gradually subsided, he raised his head and saw people lying freely around him.Some were prone, others were sitting with their heads buried in their knees.Their figures, at this age, can be regarded as very fit.When he saw them on the way out of Sog Island, he decided to follow them and gave up his training plan alone.He thinks he should show them that the French are not the only people who can ride bicycles at high speed.But he couldn't even keep up with the last of them, and just trying to keep up with them was enough to make his lungs explode.These guys must have been on steroids for breakfast.He decided that if he was going to get serious about learning to bike, he'd better quit beer.He threw his head back, staring at the sky, waiting for the black shadow in front of him to disappear.

The general, panting and rushing across the bike lane, looked at the group of exhausted runners.As they slackened, a wad of bills fell out of their pockets, and they made a mess on the ground around them.He counted again, eight.God! Joe Tsai! The diminutive figure looked up and grinned.We did it!We did it! Who is this person?The general nodded to Boni who stretched out his limbs, his chest was still heaving. Slowly, the seven people with loose mouths and panting turned to look at the young man who had sat up and raised his hand to salute them.Good morning everyone! They watched him in silent amazement.Boni looked at the suspicious faces, the banknotes scattered on the ground and the unusual swelling of their coats.God!This is no ordinary group of cyclists riding on a Sunday.He said: I think, I should flash!He looked at his watch and gave them a nonchalant smile.I have something else to do, okay?Thank you for walking with me!

He stood up.The others stood in unison, awaiting the general's order. Damn it!The general pulled his beard fiercely, almost crying in pain.Everything was going well, exactly according to plan, and now, the whole thing was at risk because of this idiot in front of him.What does he do?British?American?What are they going to do with him?He had seen their faces, and he had seen their bills.News of the robbery will be in the papers tomorrow morning.They couldn't just let him go and expect him to keep a secret.Damn it! Take him to the barn.The general began to follow them, then stopped to pick up the notes, which had been blown about by the breeze.It made him feel better to hold rolls or stacks of bills in his hands.He'll figure it out.This is a hindrance, not a disaster.That's the way to look at things.Don't panic.He straightened his shoulders and entered the barn.

Bernie stood on the other side of the others, his eyes wandering from one face to the other.The general dropped the money on the table, next to the bottle and glass he intended to celebrate.He lit a cigarette and noticed that his hands were shaking.He came over and came to Boni. British? Bernie shook his head.American.He tried to force a smile, Texas, you know what?That's the big state.Very big.You should go see it someday.He watched them hopefully, looking for signs of understanding, but otherwise, his smile faded away. American.The general began to grow his beard again, full of rage.Joey, we better have a drink.The little plasterer uncorked the anisette and poured it.

Shang asked: So what should we do now? The general said: All of you, get outside.I don't know how much he really knows. With wine glasses in their hands, they all stood at the door of the barn, talking and looking in Boni's direction.He looked at their burly silhouettes, and he still wished that he could go to the culinary school in Paris. While the others cursed and shook their heads at their bad luck, the General remained silent.He was thinking about everything in his mind.He has always believed that profiting from a crisis is the mark of a great criminal.What is facing us is indeed a crisis.

Fernand shrugged, we can lock him here and walk away.Naturally someone would find him in a few days. Shang Qing cleared his throat and spit out phlegm.Then a few days later, the police found us.idiot! All right, Einstein.What are you going to do with him?Take him to PTT and send him back to Texas? The general raised his hand, listen, he's seen us already.We can't let him go, at least not yet. So what to do?Take him away? Damn it!Can you just shut up for five minutes and let me think about it.The two possibilities give the general's idea a new direction, which is risky, but there may be room for profit.Everyone knows that Americans are rich.Everyone has probably seen it on TV reports.Even children have carts, and they live in large mansions, often with many reckless servants.Everyone knows that among Americans, those who wear high-heeled leather shoes, wear big hats and own large oil fields are the richest.Where do they come from?The general thought it was probably in the suburbs of Dallas, but it must be near Texas.The young man who greatly inconvenienced them said he was a Texan.As long as they understand each other better, he can definitely find a solution.All he needs now is a little time and a dictionary.

The general feels better.The most important thing is to use your brain.He said: Well, boys, it's not serious.Believe me.Now he has to be left here, under strict watch. Joey breathed a sigh of relief.Although the general won't tell you the answer right away, you can always draw some conclusions from him.He looks at the others.The boy is here to stay, agree?His thighs began to itch, and he scratched, feeling the foreign bills bulge in his shorts. The Monday morning Le Provence was full of a terrible and suspicious robbery on the Ile Sogue.Where are the police?How did the robbers escape without a trace?Could this be the beginning of the crime that is about to besiege Vaucluse, with honest residents and tourists sleeping with their wallets between their teeth?The front page is full of speculative comments, comparing the local Reuters Prize winner, the football game and Pernes-les-Fontaines (Note: Pernes｜les｜Fontaines, a town in the Vaucluse department of France.) A young unmarried woman News of the twins was all squeezed out.

Franseva quietly drank a cup of coffee at the reception counter, reading the news with higher interest than usual.If the hotel hadn't been so busy, she herself might have been in Sog Island at the time of the robbery.Her father agreed to lend her a car, and she planned to wear her new dress and take Boni to the market.She is wearing that new dress today, and Boni will come over in the evening as usual.At that time, he will be able to see the dress.She smoothed the skirt down to her thighs, wondering if he liked the color.But he didn't come, so when Ennis complimented how beautiful she looked today, she just shrugged in disappointment.

The next day, the director of the school in Lakos called Simon, and everyone became anxious about Bernie's whereabouts.Bernie didn't go to class at all.After checking his dormitory, it was found that he hadn't lived in it yet.The director is very worried.This is not like Boni's style, he looks like a calm young man.Although the director doesn't want to mention it, Boni's father is likely to change his mind about donating to the school because the child disappeared for no reason.All in all, things are pretty concerning.One more thing added to Simon's worries.Where would he know where Boni went?Maybe it was making out with some girl in the grass!

Simon put down the phone and flipped through his messages.There were two calls from Caroline in Antioch.The first call was from Anliego.Another reporter wished to conduct an interview over lunch in the hotel restaurant.A handsome bar bill, unpaid for days, was signed by Uncle William.Simon put the messages aside and went to Ennis and Franseva.If anyone does, they should be the only ones who know. It is difficult for the general to decide on an exact number.He had originally thought only of the lower figure of a million francs, but then reconsidered that kidnapping (even in the present unavoidable circumstances) was a felony punishable by extremely heavy penalties.Since they took such a big risk, of course they had to get a very generous reward, at least enough for them to eat and drink for a lifetime.He opened the French-English dictionary he bought before coming to the barn, looked over the table, and saw Bonny's unshaven, tired face.

He pointed to the word in the dictionary, okay, young man, where is your family? America, New York City, but my father travels a lot.Boni took one hand off the table.He has many planes. The general nodded, licked his index finger, and flipped through the dictionary until he found the word he was looking for.He was delighted to find that it was pretty much what he thought it would be. Your father is rich? Under the watchful eyes of the big man Claude and the little man who has been playing with the knife, Boni spent an uncomfortable and scary night.The guy in front of him seemed more reasonable, less threatening, and even a little friendly.Now it seemed that they shouldn't be able to kill him, and he finally breathed a sigh of relief. Of course he is rich.Xiang Ni nodded bravely, there is a lot of money! The general frowned and turned around. Bo Ni changed his sitting posture on the hard chair.Sleeping on the dusty floor made him miserable.What would they do with him?It sounds like a kidnapping. When people think of the kidnapping news they read in the newspapers, the kidnappers usually send the fingers or ears of the meat ticket to the family members so that they can pay the ransom as soon as possible.Thinking of this, his sense of comfort disappeared immediately.God!He had to figure out a way to make these guys be kinder to him.Maybe they'd be willing to let him call Simon.He can help, and he's closer to himself. gentlemen?I have a friend who is British and runs an anise hotel in Bassie, can I call him?Bernie raised his hand to his ear.He is also rich.no problem.He could barely keep smiling. The general spent another hour flipping through the dictionary, looking up the word he wanted to know.It seemed promising, but complicated.They had to get out of France as soon as possible, and they needed fake passports.This meant finding a way to escape to Marseilles, and they needed a lot of money.The general then increased the ransom by another one million. He doubted whether Boni's British friends could raise so much money in such a short period of time. good!The general closed his dictionary and lit a cigarette.This young man brought them bad luck, but it could also turn them into good luck.What the TV says is true.Texans do have money.He turned to Brother Borrell and Joe Tsai, who were on the day shift.I have to make a few calls.In an hour, I'll come back with some food.He nodded towards Boni, I don't think he would act rashly. Qiao Zai came over to the general so that he could whisper to him, what shall we do with him? Sell ​​him, my friend.The general patted his beard with the back of his hand.Sell ​​him back to his rich old man. Qiao Zai shook his head in admiration, this idea is not bad. The general always keeps his phone number.This is the habit of a man with a method and a vision.You never know, people you've connected with in the past will come in handy one day.He made a call to a bar in Marseille's Vieux Port, and a voice he last heard in prison answered. The general said: I need your help.It's a delicate situation, you know?I was wondering if your friend could do me a favor. That voice sounded a little defensive.Which friend? That boss, Andrego. Which service do you need? migrant.I need a passport urgently. I need to talk to him.How can I contact you? The general gave him a phone number, then added: Listen, I can call him myself. Better let me talk to him first. The general thought to himself, who is best for him?Greedy bastard.These days, everyone wants a piece of the pie.Thank you very much. The voice said with a smile: Otherwise, what do friends do? Simon swallowed his dinner whole and drank a glass of cider before he could make it to the office to answer the unpleasant phone call.Caroline has already left three calls, implying that there is an urgent problem, and left a phone number that can be reached in Antioch. The person who answered the phone was a woman, and she said it was The Bacon, the best and most expensive restaurant on the coast.As he waited for Caroline to answer the phone, Simon thought that Caroline's urgent problem was definitely not about eating.He heard people drinking and having fun on the other end of the line, and he remembered the time he had taken Caroline to Beacon all those years ago.He ate a large bowl of Bouillabaisse.She just ate some salad, and when they went to bed, she complained that his mouth smelled of garlic.Maybe he still smells like garlic, maybe she can smell it on the phone. Simon made the mistake of asking her if she was having a good time.It turned out otherwise.The boat was small and uncomfortable, she got seasick twice, and Jonathan's captain friend acted like Captain Bligh.Jonathan himself was bored with such a cramped environment, and the terrifying situation was beyond description.No, she was not pleasant at all.Giving up on Jonathan as a husband to Caroline, Simon took a swig of cider and waited for the clock to strike two. It was all Jonathan's fault, Caroline said with infallible female firmness.This is his recommended investment opportunity.He said, there was no mistake, until yesterday, when he received a call, saying that the company had emptied the money and taken away Caroline's hard-earned alimony.Now, she has nothing. Simon rested his feet on the table, studying the big toes of his sandals, thinking of poor Caroline, and nothing but a log cabin in Belgrayia, half the boutiques in London, and a new BMW, nothing.The second mistake he made was asking her if she wanted a job.When Caroline was too shocked to speak at the thought of the pain of going to work, Simon took the microphone away in anticipation of an impassioned tirade.He endured it until she mentioned the lawyer for emphasis, and then gently put down the microphone. The phone rang immediately.Simon had finished his cider, but the phone was still ringing.Shit! Caroline, we'll talk when you calm down. Mr. Xiao?A man's voice, it was French. Yes. Mr. Xiao, a friend of yours wants to talk to you. There was a pause on the other end of the phone, and then a nervous voice, Simon, this is Boni. Bernie, where are you?We are all worried about you. I have no idea.Probably a public telephone booth somewhere in the Central District.simon some guys How are you? So far so good.listen The phone was snatched from Boni, and Simon heard other people whispering, and then the Frenchman came to speak. Attention, Mr. Xiao.The young man was unharmed.Soon he will be released.You just have to work on it. A coin is dropped into a public phone.Mr. Xiao? I am listening. very good.You must prepare ten million francs in cash.Understand? Ten million? cash.At the same time tomorrow night, I will call you and tell you how to make the payment.Mr. Xiao? How about it? Don't call the police, that would be a huge mistake. The phone hangs up.Simon sat for a while, recalling Boni's voice, nervous and terrified.He looks at his watch.Evening in New York, if Boni's father is in New York.And if he remembered the phone.He started looking up international calls, then had a change of heart.Jigler will have a phone.Bob?Xiao Simon. Is it important?I'm about to burn my ass here. It's Pike's son who has been kidnapped. Crap!Ji Gele cut off the speakerphone device and picked up the microphone.you sure? He has been missing from school for several days.I just got a call from the kidnapper who kidnapped him.I also called Boni.yes, I'm sure. God, did you call the police? Can't call the police.Listen, I have to talk to Parker.They demanded ten million francs in ransom to let him go, and they wanted it within twenty-four hours. How much is that? About two million dollars.Give me Parker's number in New York. Forget it, he's already on his way to Tokyo.Just left this morning. Damn it! You're right, damn it! Simon heard a few guests from the bar laughing and saying good night to each other.Bob, I don't have ten million francs.Can an advertising agency provide the money? Ji Gele's voice sounded reluctant.That's a lot of money. Simon is determined to tap Jigler's humanitarian instincts.Bob, Parker is your big customer. At that time, Ji Gele was thinking about Hampton.Pike paused for a moment as he wondered what good it would be to provide such emergency personal service.If that doesn't hold customers for ten years, probably nothing else will. Ji Gele finally made up his mind.It's the kid that matters, isn't it?This is a matter of life and death.We must not let people say that our advertising company has no heart.Ji Gele wrote down notes while talking.This would be an excellent subject for a press release.Well, we'll wire the money into your bank account, and I'll try to get in touch with Mr. Parker and let him know about it.Don't go away, he might want to talk to you. Simon told Jigler about his bank account number in Cavillon and other relevant information.By this time tomorrow, Bob, the money must arrive.May I? of course.Ji Gele's tone of voice changed suddenly.One more little thing. What's up? Do not keep this money a secret.I am the president of the company and must be responsible to stock investors.I'd be out of luck if anyone knew I'd spent two million dollars. Simon could hardly believe what he was hearing.For God's sake, Bob.When you're clamoring to arrange the goddamn loan, the kid is probably getting ripped off. Ji Gele continued, as if he didn't hear what Simon said.I tell you what I will do.His voice became lively and excited.I'll start with the nonsense.I'll ask the legal department to send you a one-page agreement.Fax it back after you sign it.This will get me out safely and we'll send the money. What do you say I have to sign and fax it back? Brother, just treat it as insurance.You pledge your stock to the company and get your money. Simon was speechless. I'll deal with it right away.Within an hour, you can get the fax, okay?I'll call you back later. Simon went to the bar and poured another glass of cider.Nicole and Ennis were there to settle the bill for tonight, and they watched him walk towards them with a bottle of wine and glasses.He told them the news in a steady, truthful tone.Then they sat there, asking some other questions about the kidnappers and Bernie, and waiting. Here comes the fax.Simon didn't even read it, so he faxed it.He seems to be guarding there, and the fax does not have legal force, but Ji Gele is likely to ask the entire legal department to deal with this matter at this time.Little bastard! Simon told Nicole and Ennis to go to bed, and he sat alone in his office, making a pot of coffee and waiting for the phone to ring. At four o'clock in the morning, the phone finally came.Hampton's voice sounded weak and worried.Simon heard him puffing on his cigarette.Others were at the Tokyo airport, waiting for the plane to be refueled and to be approved for a flight to Paris.He had to get permission to fly to Yaviyi.He will bring two people with him.They need a place to live.From the beginning to the end, he spoke in a suppressed and mechanical voice. They shouldn't hurt him, you think? Simon said firmly: No.Bernie said he was fine.He just sounded a little frightened. You know, he's my only son.All others are girls.He has always been a good boy. We all like him very much. Those bastards! Don't worry, we do exactly what they say. Thank you very much, I will call you when I get to Paris. Now it's time to go to bed and wait until tomorrow, but Simon is very lucid at the moment, partly from nervousness and partly from drinking too much coffee.He went back to the house, went upstairs and into the bedroom.Nicole breathed softly, one bronzed arm across Simon's pillow.He bent down and kissed her shoulder, and she smiled in her sleep. Even with the windows open, the bedroom felt stuffy.It was still early July, and the temperature had already risen to one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Even the thick stone walls of the house were warm.Simon undressed, took a five-minute cold shower, wrapped a towel around him, and went downstairs.He opened the door, went to the balcony, and moved a chair so he could sit for the dawn, thinking evilly of the possibility of Caroline being kidnapped.She'd probably yell at the kidnappers a lot and give them her lawyer's number, and they'd probably have to pay her to get rid of her.Maybe they are willing to accept Ji Gele in exchange.Simon yawned, rubbing the soreness in his eyes, and blinked as the first silver rays of sunlight flashed over the blue hills.Today would be a hot and beautiful day again, and it would be fine weather for the ten million franc ransom to be paid.He stretched, felt the wicker chair dig into his back, and heard the prolonged, raspy coughs of the village to greet the morning. When he arrived at the hotel after nine o'clock, two detectives were already waiting for him.Although the school director knew nothing about the kidnapping, he had already called the police because he was worried about the missing students.Once the nationality and wealth of the child's father are exposed, the local police have the responsibility to investigate.At this moment, Yavii's best, strongest, and long-awaited coffee was finally delivered, accompanying them to deal with the case of the missing boy. Simon led them into the reception office, smelling cologne and garlic.They embraced the coffee served, and when Franseva stooped to put the plate on the table, they all noticed her good figure.They lit cigarettes and took out their notebooks. Simon said: "Before you ask any questions, I thought I had to tell you what happened. At the beginning, these detectives were in a very happy mood.From a professional point of view, of course, but the importance of this case has increased now.The disappearance of a person, even a member of a wealthy American family, is already a big deal, not to mention kidnapping, which is even more thrilling.They were no longer investigating a possible accident, but a crime.Glory and promotion, the gratitude of a billionaire father, and even a brief appearance on national television, these thoughts floated through their minds as they listened to the events and took notes, all asking for more coffee and one more look Only when she saw Franswa's beautiful buttocks and beautiful legs, did she stop writing in her hand.What luck, they thought!It's a good thing they weren't assigned to be on duty at the Sog Island bank. They were displeased to hear Simon say that the police's involvement would endanger the safety of the meat ticket.The senior detective (his official rank is higher, as can be seen from his habit of picking up his companion's cigarette and waiting for the other to light it) shook his head. Unfortunately, Mr. Xiao, we have been informed, we have been involved, you understand?This is already a fact.As a police officer, how can he ignore such a major criminal case?He glanced at his notebook and stroked his chin thoughtfully.But I can assure you.He took another cigarette from the pack on the table and, with a wink, asked for it to be lit.He said again, I can assure you that we will handle this case with the utmost care.Absolutely prudent.We have too much experience dealing with similar incidents.Why?I remember three years ago, a Swiss tourist was kidnapped during the Avií festival Fransova probed in.Mr. Xiao?Here are two gentlemen looking for you. Simon walked to the reception counter and stopped in surprise when he saw a man with two cameras hanging around his neck.His companion is less ostentatiously equipped, with a tape recorder slung over his shoulder. Good morning, Mr. Xiao, we are Le Provence.We just came from school in Lacos, can you give us two minutes?we know you know that young boy Simon held up a hand.don't go away!He returned to the office and shook his head at the two criminal policemen, extremely cautious, is that what you just said? They nodded. So tell me, why is there a reporter and photographer outside? Two detectives walked across Simon and glanced at the reporter. The senior criminal policeman thumbed to the door and said: Get out, there is no report you want here, this is a case classified by the police as highly confidential. The two reporters started talking at the same time, their brows, shoulders, and hands bouncing up and down in exaggerated expressions of their anger.The media has a responsibility to report events, and what's more, this is a constitutional right. The senior detective said: All of this is damn!You have to listen to me. Simon closed the office door and buried his head in his hands.After a few minutes of clamor, the door opened. no problem.The detective said this to Simon as if he were doing him a great favor. What do you mean no problem?You can't stop them from reporting. The policeman tapped the side of his nose, sir, this is France, and the reporter knows where their limits are. Simon sighed and said: Well, what now? Kidnappers still call, right?We'll track down the call, for now, we'll just have to wait. Do you have to wait here?Our hotel is still open! Reluctantly, the two detectives left the office, took the wireless phone, and went to the terrace. Simon said: There is one thing you can do while you wait. He pointed to the balcony. If you see someone peeking behind the wall, please arrest him. Simon called the bank and told them to be aware of the money and have it ready when he left work to pick it up.Franswa had just learned of Boni's disappearance, and Simon tried to comfort her as much as possible.Simon was grateful to the two lucky stars, Nicole and Ennis, who greeted the guests as usual, as if nothing had happened.He called Jigler at 5 a.m. New York time to make sure the money had arrived as soon as the bank opened.He was dizzy from being overtired, but he couldn't sleep, and he knew his temper was getting worse.The sight of two detectives poring over the lunch menu on the terrace didn't cheer him up either. He went back to his office and sat there, staring at the phone.There was nothing the police could do, and no one could help, until the kidnappers called.Then he thought of Anrego.What had he said?If there are any official problems in the hotel that are inconvenient to deal with and so on.Simon pulled the phone towards him.While this is likely just talk, it's worth a try.Whatever you do is better than sitting here feeling worthless. Anliego's phone rang, Simon identified himself, and while waiting for the call to be connected, he lit a cigar. Andrego sounded happy to have his call.He said there were many unanswered questions before his men began working for the restaurant.Maybe maybe arrange another nice lunch?Simon interrupted him, Anrego, listen, I don't know if you can help, but a friend of mine is in trouble.A young American, he was kidnapped. That's bad.In the tourist season, it's really not good.It must have been done by an outsider.You must tell me everything you know. After the short conversation ended, Anlego left his office and walked around the old port.He stopped twice, once into a bar and once through the back door of a seafood restaurant.The person he was talking to called immediately after he left.If it was done by a local, someone must know about it.If anyone would know, it must be Anrego.He waved to the Mercedes that followed him around the harbor.He wanted to have a quiet brunch, some prawns in Pahida, and think about the business opportunities that such interesting news might bring. In the evening, the bank called to say that the money was ready.On the way to the car, Simon realized that it might have been a mistake to walk in Cavillon alone with ten million francs in cash.He went to the terrace, where the detective was watching the sunbathers. The money has already been remitted, it should be better if you go with me. The two detectives adjusted their sunglasses and followed Simon to the parking lot.They boarded an unmarked police car, which was sweltering in the heat and smelling of yesterday's smoke.The detectives exchanged brief, phrase-based conversations with headquarters on the phone in their car. They park side by side outside the bank.The criminal police looked around the street. The slow-moving tourists and the housewives shopping for dinner didn't look suspicious.They urged Simon across the sidewalk, then pressed the bell next to the glass door and waited.An elderly clerk came forward, shook his head, said that he was closed, and pointed to the business hours printed on the glass.The more senior detectives taped their badges on the door, and the clerk glanced at them, shrugged, and let them in. The bank manager came out of the office, greeted them, invited them in, and closed the door.He breathed out deeply. It was a nightmarish afternoon. A large sum of money was shipped from the larger branch in Avière and Marseille. The thought that someone might intercept it or rob it at gunpoint was frightening.Thank God it's all over.Well, sir! He pointed to the table, if you want to count. Simon looked at the stacks of five-hundred-franc bills, bundled in stacks of ten thousand francs.However, he had expected 10 million francs to look more spectacular and huge.He sat down while the others smoked, looked at each other, and then stacked each hundred thousand francs into a pile, counted them, stuffed them into a thick plastic bag, and held them up with his hands.This weight is no heavier than the official documents he brought home in his suitcase on weekends when he was in the advertising agency. Ok?The manager puts a form in front of Simon, and now asks you to sign it.He watched with relief as Simon signed the receipt.Now, the money is someone else's responsibility. They shook hands and went to the gate.Simon walked between the two detectives, and the purse bumped against his leg as he walked. Damn it!One of the detectives saw a traffic policeman clip a ticket to the windshield wipers.They ran in three steps at a time, and the policeman just watched them and tapped his teeth with a pen.He loved watching the rueful look of the owner returning only a few seconds late.In this way, the boredom at work can be resolved. The senior detective points to the ticket, you take that off.He opened the door and got in the car.We are from Yavii headquarters. The traffic policeman smiled, I don't care if you are from the presidential palace or not, you parked side by side. The criminal policeman got out of the car and glared at the traffic policeman.The two stood in the middle of the road, their sunglasses almost collided, and they blocked the entire road.The driver of a truck, hissing and spitting, was still leaning out the window, arms raised in frustration.The customers in the opposite cafe turned around one after another to see clearly the debate.The cars behind the truck, their horns blared like an impatient ensemble.Bank managers and clerks also stood in the bank to watch the excitement. Simon threw the purse into the back of the car and got in.It takes extreme caution.God!If found out, the six o'clock hourly news would definitely be on the air. With shrugs and various hand gestures intertwined, the ending is that the criminal police took the ticket from the windshield and tore it to pieces.The two boys in the cafe clapped their hands and applauded.The criminal policeman got into the car, and the traffic policeman yelled obscenities over the sound of the horn. fuck you!The criminal police yelled at the window, fuck your dog!He prides himself on his best swear words.OK, let's go! When they got back to the hotel, someone left a message that Pike would be in Basil the next morning.Like the bank manager, Simon was relieved that the money and responsibility were about to change hands.He called Ji Gele and waited, with the purse between his feet. Any news on the kid? They will call tonight.Parker will be here tomorrow morning.I have already prepared the money for him. Ji Gele didn't say a word for several minutes.When he spoke, it was with a firm tone of helping the client make a decision, and Parker could not be involved in this case.Absolutely not. God, but he's already involved.He is the father of the child! I don't want him near those dangerous villains. So how are they going to get the money?FedEx it to them? gosh.Simon, we can't let Parker take such a big risk.What if they decide to kidnap him too?What if they freeze him to vent their hatred?No, it's still up to you to pay the ransom. Simon felt his stomach churning.Thank you very much!What about them freezing me? Jigler's voice became warmer, and he assured Simon again and again.He started to adopt his briefing tone.Don't worry, you're not a billionaire, you're just going to pay the ransom.Wear old clothes and look poor and shabby, understand?Nothing special.You may not see them at all.And think about how it affects our relationship. our relationship? Parker will be like something out of pocket for us.This day damn customers will be rock solid.Brother, this is a moral debt of favor.We will keep this customer forever. 賽蒙什麼也沒說，他知道反正季格樂也聽不進去。總之，一切已經決定，賽蒙必須承認，這或許是正確的決定。如果綁匪認為，他們可以掌控美國的有錢人，誰知道他們還會做出什麼事？ 季格樂顯得相當不耐煩，所以，由你主控全局，別搞砸了！ 你真是個菩薩心腸的混賬，對嗎？ 我就是這樣的人，是廣告界最善良的人。我很快就會跟你通電話。 妮珂看到賽蒙在辦公室裡抽著雪茄，凝視著窗外，根本無視於那兩位刑警的存在。他看起來形容憔悴，眼底還有黑眼圈。她站在他後面，輕柔地按摩著他的脖子根部。 她說：等這件事告一段落，我會帶你遠離這一切。 賽蒙閉上眼睛，將頭靠在她的身體上。 你保證？ I promise. 那兩位刑警坐在那邊，面無表情地看著他們，心裡想著，晚餐不知道吃什麼。 安烈戈看著桌上那疊護照，笑了笑。人脈、貪婪與恐懼，在你追索資訊的時候，這些一定派得上用場。在放話出去幾個小時內，他在亞維依的手下就已經聽說，警方欲對這件綁架案密而不宣。安烈戈心想，如果這護照與這件事情牽扯不上關係，那麼他就太不靈光了。他決定親自了解一下這件事。人絕不能錯失與可能派得上用場的人會面的機會。他將這些護照放在鱷魚皮製的手提箱裡，下了樓，上了車，坐在舒服的後座，並給予司機指示。 當賓士車離開馬賽，前往機場時，將軍也正從卡維隆急馳在高速公路上。他們告訴他，八點鐘到達瑪里迪納的地下停車場，然後找一部隆河河口車牌的黑色賓士。 他在遠離出口的地方找到停車位，熄了火，點了菸，緊抓著裝著現金的超市塑膠袋。裡面有五十萬法郎。當他們告訴他這個價錢時，他差點昏倒，但是他又能怎麼辦呢？無論如何，他們還剩下許多錢哩！當他看著手錶，便瞧見那部賓士車在車陣中緩緩前進。他做了個深呼吸，拿起袋子，走了出去。 賓士車昏暗的車窗放了下來，司機與將軍默默相視。將軍記起，他必須先表明自己的身分。 我是迪迪的朋友，他向你問好。 後門打開。安烈戈說：進來吧，我的朋友！裡頭有空調，涼快些。 將軍鑽進了車，坐在皮椅的邊緣上。安烈戈從他的煙霧中研究著他。他說：我確信，你是個大忙人，所以我不會浪費你的時間。他捺熄了香菸，彈了彈絲質西裝袖子上的菸灰。告訴我，你們什麼時候取贖款？ 將軍感覺很不好，彷彿被人從肚子上狠狠地踢了一腳。他為什麼會知道？他不可能知道的。他只是揣度。 安烈戈靠了過來，拍拍將軍的膝蓋。來吧，我的朋友。把我當做你的同夥，我們已經是夥伴了。我有你要的護照，而我必須說明，在時間這樣倉促的情況下，能弄到這些護照算是相當不錯的了。簡直是傑作。你不會碰上任何麻煩的。他笑著點點頭，來根菸？ 將軍的手科得厲害，差點燒到他的鬍子。 放輕鬆，我的朋友。請容許我向你恭喜。現在，美國人是十分稀少的了，他嘆了口氣繼續說：經濟不景氣，美元疲弱不振。他們已經不像過去那般經常旅遊了。他的眼睛從未曾離開過將軍的臉上，好了，你打算什麼時候放他回去？ 眼前這個坐得直挺挺、眼睛眨也不眨一下的男人，是怎麼發現的？車上唯一的聲音便是空調，將軍感覺到他的肩膀陡然鬆落。除非他回答這個問題，否則他休想拿到護照。他看著司機寬厚的背與結實的頸子。 安烈戈笑著說：別擔心阿爾豐斯，他謹慎得很，我們全都小心翼翼。 將軍終於吐出氣息。我們今晚要交易。 Then what? 潛逃出境。 哦，是的，當然。安烈戈彎下身子，打開手提箱。將軍看到疊得整整齊齊的鈔票，大約有幾十萬法郎，不禁睜大了眼睛。手提箱裡幾乎沒有多餘的空間可以擺得下安烈戈取出來交給他的護照。Can I?他從將軍的膝上取過塑膠袋，開始數錢，每數完一萬法郎，便將它丟入手提箱。 very good.安烈戈費了點工夫，才將手提箱闔上，當將軍摸索著車門把手準備下車時，安烈戈身體往後靠。他說：那麼，談談你的旅遊計劃吧，我想我應該幫得上忙。 將軍停住不動，手還停留在把手上。 我在經營小小的船運生意，主要是運送貨品，不過我們有時候也會運送有特殊需要的人。do you understand?不等將軍回答，安烈戈又說：湊巧得很，我的一艘船，雖然不算豪華，但還算舒適，將於後天由熱那亞（註：Genoa，義大利北部的港口城市。）啟程，前往阿爾及爾。地中海每年的這個時候，是相當宜人的。 將軍的手離開了車門。 你和你的朋友將會絕對安全，安烈戈看看手錶，現在，我要前往義大利。阿爾豐斯比較喜歡夜晚，尤其是七月的夜晚。白天道路簡直走不得。他遞給將軍另一根菸。我們會在熱那亞碰面，只管到碼頭找我的同事，亞魯拉號船長。他知道哪裡可以找到我。 將軍盡量讓自己看起來很失望的樣子。Damn it!如果早點知道就好了，他說，不過，我早已擬妥其他的計劃。他再度伸手向車門。 我的朋友！安烈戈看起來就像死人一般友善，我堅持你必須接受這個意外的祝福。如果警方要追緝這些新護照上的名字，一定很遺憾。真是浪費。而我痛恨浪費。 jerk!將軍點點頭，安烈戈回報以微笑。你不會後悔的，海上的空氣健康極了！ 但是不便宜。 攸關生命的事情，是不會便宜的。安烈戈帶著道歉的口吻聳聳肩，由於你們是一群人，所以我會給你們特別優待。就五十萬法郎好了。你們會吃得很好，船上有很棒的廚子。 這回輪到將軍聳肩了，我身上沒有五十萬法郎。 well!安烈戈把細節擱在一旁，你我都是生意人，必須互相信賴與了解。你可以在熱那亞付我錢，然後我們一起用午餐。安烈戈靠了過來，打開車門，午餐我請客，那是我的榮幸。 將軍站在那裡，看著大車駛離。當安烈戈的威嚇消失，他的恐懼與驚嚇轉變為憤怒。一百萬法郎買八本爛護照還有一趟蹲在生鏽鐵桶到阿爾及爾的旅行，說不定裡頭還有喧鬧的義大利人呢！將軍是個溫和的人，但這簡直是占盡便宜，無異白天行搶。他轉身走向自己的車，停下腳步，強迫自己去思考。 他有護照。他並不需要去熱那亞。他可以按照自己原定的計劃進行。他心想，去他的流氓安烈戈，心裡覺得舒坦許多。像這樣沒有職業道德的人，根本不值得一顧。他記起安烈戈買護照的錢丟進早已堆滿一疊疊鈔票的手提箱。而他還想要更多，簡直是個吸血鬼。這一次，他可不是跟一個順從、愚蠢的凶手打交道，而是跟一個用腦筋的人打交道。 將軍上了樓到了盡頭，擠過了在酒吧的一群阿拉伯人，點了杯蘋果酒。當他感受到酒精的刺痛與暖和，終於重新提起了勇氣。他走到香菸店旁的電話亭，打了電話。當他放下電話，全身還冒著汗。卑鄙的傢伙！等著瞧，看他被如何處理。 在回到盧貝隆的路上，將軍停在蘭孔車站喝了杯咖啡，並且思索著他的電話所可能造成的影響。安烈戈不可能會知道的。他可能會懷疑，但是根本不會多說話不是因為小偷之間的榮譽感，而是他會讓自己陷入根本未曾涉入的犯罪中。將軍一面把塑膠咖啡杯丟入垃圾桶，一面想著整件事情的諷刺意義。得好好整他一頓。無論如何。等他把麻煩解決，我老早已經遠離馬賽，而他也不可能知道我的行蹤。 他小心翼翼地開回卡維隆，注意著速限，沿著Ｎ一〇〇公路往勒．鮑梅特走。他在電話亭附近停下來，看著路邊小餐館裡的人們吃著東西，不禁感覺飢腸轆轆。他心想，如果一切順利，明天他就可以大肆慶祝一番了。他在走進電話亭之前，先將車子鎖了起來。雖然距離只有幾米，但因近日宵小猖獗，還是小心點好。 電話鈴聲一響，對方就接起來了。 Mr. Xiao? Yes. 你拿到錢了？ 已經準備好了。 很好，這是你一定要做的。 賽蒙放下話筒，看著自己記下的筆記。那位資深刑警，取下牙籤，換上香菸，將自己的身體撐在桌角。他很高興終於可以採取一些行動了。How about it? 賽蒙唸著他記下的東西。我隻身開車前往雪松森林邊緣的停車場，然後將車子放在那裡，接著徒步進入森林小徑。四公里後，我就會在右邊看到多明尼亞梅奈爾柏森林的指示牌。我將錢放在指示牌下。如果一切順利，那男孩明天早上就會獲釋。 資深刑警說：我們需要一張地圖還有一位當地人，一個認得那座森林的人。他將頭轉向他的同伴，打電話給亞維依，告訴他們案子的進度。告訴他們包圍兩座機場不過不要穿制服，知道嗎？ 他們讓法蘭絲娃去請她的父親。賽蒙找到一張地圖，穿著汗衫、短褲、拖鞋一臉嚴肅的波捏托進來時，正好將地圖展鋪在桌子上。這群人在香菸煙霧彌漫中，在地圖上指指點點。 波捏托說，是的，他認得路，因為他在那裡打過獵。那條路沿著盧貝隆山脊，從勃尼爾通往卡維隆，兩端各為森林所阻，以至於車子無法通行。 刑警問他如何脫逃。波捏托搔搔他的頭，彎身看著地圖，一邊說話、一邊用手指點著。他說：如果徒步的話，可以從南面朝盧馬翰走，往北走，則通往梅奈爾柏，向西到卡維隆，向東到勃尼爾上方的克拉帕希得，或者通往山谷。他聳聳肩，其實還有十多條騾子行走的棧道，反抗軍在戰爭中便利用這些道路。一個人可以在裡頭躲上幾個月。 但他們不會想躲藏的。資深刑警盯著地圖上宛如迷宮的線條與路徑。他們會想要出來，他們的車子一定擺在某處，他們總會回到大路上。 damn it!波捏托搖搖頭，但是剛開始，他們一定會徒步。如果徒步的話，他們可能往任何一個方向走。 喜歡高科技與懸疑刺激的萊烏刑警，則提議由ＣＲＳ（註：共和國安全部隊。）派遣直升機搜索，他個人自願跟他們同行。 賽蒙舉起兩隻手說：聽著，不要直升機、不要路障，什麼都不要。在男孩回來之前，什麼都不要。之後，隨便你們要派遣血腥的外國軍團還是密特朗的貼身保鏢，悉聽尊便。但是在男孩獲釋之前，絕對不能輕舉妄動。他們早就計劃好了，不會把他帶在身邊。他們一定把他藏在某個地方，如果讓他們知道有任何埋伏他的聲音變得嘶啞。他的嘴巴有種奇怪的滋味，乾澀而不舒服。他不知究竟是抽了過多的雪茄，還是因為恐懼。 海關官員打著哈欠，希望已經到時間離開他窄小的工作崗位回家去。今晚的交通流量不大，就像往常一樣，卡車來來去去。如果掛著隆河河口車牌的黑色賓士車通過，他們一定可以毫無困難地辨識出來。如果它來的話。他又打了個哈欠，轉身看著身邊一小時前到此的男士。 你不認為這是個沒事幹的無聊人士吧？ 另一個聳聳肩，眼睛還是注視著道路，看著照明燈聚集而成的車流，這兒正是法國與義大利的交界處。他說：天知道！我只知道，亞維依方面十分重視這件事。他們把這件事向尼斯方面報告，尼斯方面也相當重視。這很可能是件大案子。據警方的密報，這是有關逃稅與走私現金的案子。這是從馬賽來的大沙丁魚，很顯然的，他們已經追捕他多年。 海關官員伸了伸懶腰，現在檢查車子重量的方式已有所轉變，他說：我們一般都讓車子直接通過，要不然，車流會一直堵到芒通（註：Menton，法國濱海阿爾卑斯省的一個市鎮，位於地中海岸、摩納哥與義大利之間。）。 這或許就是他所仗勢的。或者他可能不夠小心吧！有香菸嗎？ 戒掉了！ Me too. 那兩個人盯著高速公路上的車流，減速後通過收通行費的關卡。一部從托里諾（註：Torino，義大利杜林省的一個市鎮。）來的卡車，準備踏上歸途。一部載著露營旅人的福斯汽車，車頂上綁著衝浪板。還有兩位摩托車騎士，相偕旅行。 當那部有著暗色玻璃、隆河河口車牌的黑色賓士車平穩駛入車流，兩人都同時注意到了。 海關官員起身，那就是我們要找的人，你去告訴其他人。我來進行例行的檢查。 他走出收費亭，走到等在德國帶篷馬車後的賓士旁邊。他輕敲駕駛人的窗戶，然後車窗便搖了下來。穿過司機的肩膀，可以看見後座有個人睡著了，他的手停放在他身旁的手提箱上。 Good night, sir.你是法國人嗎？ 司機點點頭。 有什麼事要先聲明嗎？ 司機搖搖頭。 麻煩你將車開到那裡，好嗎？ 那位司機在望著路邊時，白眼球映著黑色的肌膚，顯得異常顯眼。四位穿西裝的男士在一旁等待著。其中一人引導著賓士車，安烈戈則繼續輕聲打著呼。 賽蒙看看手錶，站起身，把袋子拉到桌底下。I have to go.我得在午夜一點之前到達那裡。他拿起一支手電筒與車鑰匙，轉身向著刑警。別再玩把戲了，好嗎？ 蕭先生，如果你有機會看到他們的臉 Simon nodded.他心想，當然，我一定可以做得比那更好。在我把錢交出去之後，我會邀請他們喝飲料，還來個派對。他在驚慌之中，感到異常平靜，甚至有些宿命。他在做什麼呢？拿著裝著一百萬英鎊的塑膠袋到森林中與一群危險的瘋子碰面？這簡直是瘋狂極了。他拿起袋子，走出辦公室，看到妮珂與恩尼斯正靜靜地與哭成淚人兒的法蘭絲娃說話。他們陪著他一直走到車子邊，當他駛離，他從後視鏡中看到他們三個孤單的身影，站立在陰暗的街道上。 他在梅奈爾柏下了交流道，Ｄ三公路從這裡通向勃尼爾。除了空轉的引擎聲，還有種半嘆息半呻吟的聲音讓他覺得頸子上的汗毛都要豎了起來。他坐得挺直，駕駛盤上的手突然發汗。一定是他們之中的一個人，要過來突襲他，搶走他的錢。他的眼睛盯著鏡子。沒有人，什麼也沒有。但是他可以感覺到他的後面有人，他聽到有人呼吸的聲音。 他終於打破僵局，開口說話：是誰啊？ 一聲宏亮拉長的哈欠。賽蒙緩慢地轉頭，看見後座有個蹲伏的身影，四腳朝天，尾巴還慵懶地搖擺著，原來是吉奔太太醒來了。 賽蒙感覺到全身舒緩。天殺的狗。他現在才記起來，牠通常會在車子後座午睡，直到時間到了，和恩尼斯一起回家。 吉奔太太的頭挺在前座中間，聞了聞那袋裝著錢的袋子。賽蒙把牠放在車裡的地板上，牠卻在前座棲身，重重的頭靠在賽蒙的大腿上，感覺上是個舒適而溫暖的重量。他摸摸牠的耳朵，繼續開車。 他恣意地在道路上行駛著，兩旁的農田昏暗一片，而車子的頭燈在前面形成一條空洞的長長隧道。在拉科斯轉彎後，鏡子裡的一道光吸引住他的目光，這道光一直保持一定的距離，隨著道路彎曲行經枝葉百無聊賴垂墜著的櫻桃田。他在勃尼爾山腳下停了下來。跟在後面的車子也停了下來。他低頭看著吉奔太太，他說：那個混球在跟蹤我們。狗兒坐起身，頭豎了起來，尾巴重重地敲擊著椅墊。 他們行經勃尼爾，穿過沉睡的房子與驚嚇的貓，按照路標的指示，來到雪松森林。兩旁皆是漆黑一片，後面也是伸手不見五指。那個人要不是把車燈熄滅，就是已經離開，他現在已經可以確定，賽蒙是隻身一人。 車燈照著阻擋森林小徑的路障，那是筆直而有權威的形狀，矗立在橡木叢與岩石之中。賽蒙把車燈熄滅，引擎熄火，感覺到自己急劇的心跳。吉奔太太因為有可能下車走路而顯得興奮異常。他摸摸牠的頭，你留在這裡，看守著車子。牠再度哼了哼，抓著門。Simon sighed, all right!看在上帝的份上，你可別咬人。他放牠出來，拿起錢袋與手電筒，在車旁站了一會兒。 無垠的靜默包圍著他，中間只穿插著引擎冷卻後滴下的水聲與吉奔太太尿尿的噓聲。月光將灌木叢幻化成一個個蹲伏的人影。賽蒙打開手電筒，將身軀潛躲在路障旁，舔舔他的唇，想吹口哨把狗叫喚過來，卻辦不到。他的嘴巴顯得乾燥異常。 他的繩底帆布鞋發出的聲音，比狗兒的蹄子踩在地上的腳步聲輕。路在眼前開展，從西延展到東。兩邊聳立著蔥鬱的西洋杉，阻擋了月光，賽蒙看見手電筒的燈光閃爍著。該死，這一定是那些凶狠的瘋子，方圓幾里，除了那些綁票凶嫌，什麼人也沒有。他們也許在他的前面，也許在他的後面，或者從陰鬱的森林裡窺視著他。他們很可能把他就地正法，然後埋在此地，或許連墓穴都已經挖好了。他在溫暖的夜空中打了個哆嗦。然後快步前進。 大約走了半個小時，他才在手電筒的燈光下看見了路邊木製的招牌，上面標示著。梅奈爾柏森林。吉奔太太突然停住，鼻子開始抽搐，尾巴僵直地豎立起來，牠從喉嚨深處發出咕嚕咕嚕的怒吼。賽蒙心想，天啊，這正是我所需要的，這隻凶狠的狗能夠咬住綁票者的腿。他把錢袋丟在一旁，彎下身子，用手抓住狗兒的項圈。他的另一隻手則抓著晃動的手電筒。他需要第三隻手去拿錢袋。Damn it!他可以把錢袋就這樣扔在路中央嗎？他們一定就在附近觀察著他，也許帶著刀子、霰彈槍，還有多疑的性格。天殺的狗！ 森林還是一片寂靜，除了微風偶爾吹過樹梢，還有吉奔太太間歇性的吠叫。賽蒙將手電筒咬在嘴上，拿著錢袋，並且抓緊狗兒的項圈，慢吞吞地橫行前進。我是個有錢有勢的人，我究竟在這裡做什麼？他的手臂一拋，便將錢袋扔在路標下的草地上。吉奔太太緊拉著牠的項圈，賽蒙邊咬著手電筒，邊咒罵著牠。他使出渾身力量，開始拎著狗兒往來時路走。 喬仔與巴希爾看著手電筒的燈光變得微弱，終至消失。他們便從樹叢中現身。 巴希爾說：我討厭那隻狗，在工地時牠就一直盯著我。我想牠可能不喜歡阿拉伯人。我告訴你，我真怕牠不走。 喬仔拍拍他的背。別想了，他打開手電筒開關，打開了錢袋，瞧瞧這，有一千萬法郎呢！咱們走吧，咱們是有錢人了！他拿起錢袋，心想，馬提涅克，我來了。那兩個人開始循著通往靠近梅奈爾柏與將軍會合的採石場的道路走。 賽蒙脈膊逐漸平穩下來，成為平常的兩倍快。他把狗放下，伸展伸展自己酸痛的手臂。雖然他不願承認，但是季格樂說得對，所有綁匪都只對錢感興趣。感謝上帝，現在一切終於結束。他加快步伐，開始覺得樂觀起來。柏尼明天就回來了，那兩位刑警明天就會離開了，而他和妮珂。 吉奔太太又再怒吠，賽蒙死死地定住腳步。他聽見樹叢裡快速而笨拙的移動聲。他將手電筒照向聲響來處，當光線照出一個頭一張滿臉鬍渣的黑臉，他簡直就要心臟病暴發了。 吉奔太太吠叫著。那隻野豬，低著頭，看著他們幾分鐘，然後搖搖晃晃地走過夜色當中，牠的尾巴憤怒地搖晃著。賽蒙覺得四肢無力，彷彿骨頭已經崩散。當他伸手向車子時，手還顫抖著。他得用兩隻手，才能把鑰匙插上，發動車子。 在櫃檯裡等著他的，增加了三個人。滿臉滄桑與憂鬱的漢普頓．派克站在門口，旁邊有兩位彪形大漢護衛者。妮珂、法蘭絲娃與恩尼斯在接待櫃檯。兩位刑警已經離開了辦公室，在大廳走來走去當賽蒙的車駛入，他們全都圍著車子，發出連串的問號。他因為過度緊張與事情終於了結而頭暈眼花，渴望喝點什麼。吉奔太太爬到後座，準備進入夢鄉。 將軍聽到他們行走在石間路上的腳步聲。他捺斷了香菸，看著他的錶。整件事情進行得有如鐘錶一般規律。那男孩把所有東西都吃光，他們放在香辣肉醬三明治裡的雙份安眠藥，讓他在二十分鐘就昏睡過去。等他醒來，他們老早揚長而去，到了巴塞隆納，成為有錢人。他不知道安烈戈如何處理他的大把鈔票，不過，今晚他是別想睡個好覺了。 喬仔與巴希爾從黑暗中現身，將軍感覺他們咧嘴笑著。 喬仔說：全在這裡，拿去。 一千萬法郎擊中他的胸膛，他把錢當嬰孩般地擁抱著。他們上了廂型車，再到穀倉載其他人。 飯店大廳看起來開始像是亞維依車站的候車室，人們一個一個癱在椅子上，到處是空的咖啡杯與堆滿菸蒂的菸灰缸。等待與疲憊讓男士的臉顯得晦暗。沒有什麼事情發生，但是沒有人想錯過任何事情。 當電話鈴聲響起，每個人都彷彿受到電擊般的跳起來。賽蒙跑過去接起電話。 有什麼最新發展嗎？ 賽蒙對著注視著他的臉搖搖頭，這是季格樂打來的。 我已經把錢送去了，除了等待，我們根本束手無策。 派克在嗎？ 是的，他在。你要跟他通話嗎？ 季格樂從容謹慎的說：也許這不是好時機。 you mean? 兄弟，兩百萬美元就是兩百萬美元，我這裡還是得營運。 賽蒙的聲音拉了下來，鮑伯，你可以幫個忙嗎？ 看情形。 操你的！ 賽蒙放下話筒，穿過大廳，走到派克坐著的地方。他的頭埋在雙手裡。是鮑伯．季格樂。他很想知道，柏尼回來沒。派克點點頭，看起來麻木不仁。你要不要睡一會？ 這位德州佬鬆脫了領帶，解開了襯衫的衣領，賽蒙注意到他頸子上洩露出的緊張。他說：我想我會撐著看到最後。如果你有波本酒的話，那倒是可以幫得上忙。 他們下樓到了酒吧，賽蒙拿了一瓶酒與兩個酒杯，來到外面的露臺，他們靜靜地坐著，一邊喝著酒，一邊看著盧貝隆逐漸從陰暗的夜蛻變為光爛的黎明。賽蒙想到他想對季格樂做的好幾件事。兩百萬美元就是兩百萬美元。真是個不折不扣的混賬！ 長長的橘棕色公車的柴油引擎所噴出的廢氣，滲入清晨的空氣中，它就停在愛普鎮的鮑開利廣場旁。愛普鎮通往巴塞隆納專車，設備一應俱全，備有浴廁的宣傳，正準備攻占乘客的心。他們與一群人站立在陽光下，談天說地，歡笑著，一想到可以在西班牙度個假，還有便宜的西班牙銀幣，就變得開懷不已。 將軍告訴他們，千萬不要同時在一堆人群中等候，也不要搭同一部公車。他和喬仔站在一邊，其他人則上了車，他們每個人的肩上都背了個包包，混在其他穿著藍色丁尼布衣裳的人群之中，看起來跟其他人並沒有什麼兩樣。只有喬仔戴上了草帽，穿著前面印了盡情享受假期字樣的新Ｔ恤。他一直很喜歡那種感覺，將軍也會相當激賞的。 他感覺到包包的肩帶在肩上顯得沉重，但他還是滿心歡喜。這都是白花花的鈔票。他們現在已經是擁有百萬法郎的百萬富翁了。他環顧四周，確定沒有人偷聽他說話。 你為什麼選擇公車？ 將軍笑了笑，摸了摸他的鬍子。如果你是條子，你會往哪個方向搜索？一部飛車，也許是賊車，或者是一群人在最後一秒鐘於機場購票，諸如此類，對吧？他們會去注意載滿觀光客的大巴士嗎？更何況巴士又不檢查行李。在邊界很可能也不會檢查護照。將軍拍拍喬仔的胸膛，有時候緩慢的逃脫方式，卻也是最佳方式。 喬仔調整了他的草帽，點點頭。so smart! 他們一起登上公車，沿著通道走，沒有注意周遭任何人，找個破舊的塑膠座位就坐了下來。今天下午，他們就到了巴塞隆納，然後搭火車到馬德里。到了馬德里機場，要去哪兒都成。將軍顯得相當疲倦，他閉目養神，想到了妻子馬蒂爾德。他會從馬德里打電話給她。她是個好女人。如果有點錢就更好了。 車門發出氣壓式的聲音後關上了，公車緩緩駛離站牌。司機向為他指揮交通好讓車子通過的警察揮手致謝。 柏尼醒過來的時候，卻希望自己永遠不要醒來。他滿嘴都是難聞的皮草味，頭輕柔得像個生蛋黃，這種感覺就像他某個春假到佛羅里達度假，喝了一些讓他頭重腳輕的瑪格麗特一般。他不記