Broken Vows

1

"Godammit Mitch" she screamed. The cup hurled through the air just missing it's intended target, shattering against the wall.

"I'm sorry" Mitch replied sheepishly, "fucking tip turned out to be shit".

"How much?" she demanded, tears welling up.

"8 grand. Lisa, I'm going to make this right, you don't need to worry."

Walking back down the hall to their bedroom, Lisa's words were barely audible through her sobbing, "I'm leaving you."

2

"Letter arrived this morning, on your desk." yelled the office secretary.

"Thanks" Lisa answered as she weaved her way through a maze of cubicles to her desk. She was so tired of this place. On her own for the last three months, she was exhausted working so much overtime trying to keep ahead of her bills. After settling in at her desk, she saw the envelope. Lisa felt as though she'd been punched in the gut.

3

She had heard the stories from Mitch and his acquaintances. Mr. Hansen's reputation was well known. Head of the neighborhood criminal syndicate, if Pat Hansen asked to meet, you met. Waiting on the park bench, Lisa spun some scenarios and hopeful answers for the questions Mr. Hansen would surely ask.

"Hello Lisa, thank you for meeting me today". Lisa smiled nervously, and extended her moist hand to meet his. "I'll be blunt. I need your help to find your husband. You will be well compensated for your trouble." Lisa listened carefully, not looking at him directly She could only stare ahead, she felt if she spoke, she would break into tears.

4

How did I get here? What am I doing? I shouldn't be here! Lisa's mind raced. She took the postal key Mr. Hansen had given her two days ago, opened the box, and retrieved the envelope addressed with her name. In the envelope was a little black book. She opened it to find a meeting address, and an account number with a large balance. She stared at the number for long moment. A sense of calmness blanketed her. Mitch must really be in trouble this time. She pocketed the black book and ran out.

5

Lisa was the first to arrive at the abandoned warehouse. She had gone over the plan a dozen times, each scenario ending the same. She went through the metal door and positioned herself against a wall, staying close to the door. One last time, she played out the plan. Encourage Mitch to go see Mr. Hansen, tell him he can work off his debt, everything will be fine. It was a short wait until the door opened a second time, and Lisa saw Mitch. She felt pangs of betrayal and for a quick moment considered telling him to run.

6

It happened quickly, two men grabbed Lisa, one pinning her arms while the other forced a gag over her mouth. She tried to fight, but couldn't move. She was frightened and felt her knees go weak. She couldn't stop tears from clouding her eyes. "I'm sorry Lisa", Mitch said coldly. "you were all I had to trade." He reached into her back pocket and took the black book. "I'll always love you, Lisa." he said as he exited the building.

7

Lisa awoke alone in a small room, chained to a bed screwed into the wall. She slowly realized her situation, and screamed. After a few minutes, she felt sick to her stomach and tried desperately to understand the horror which surrounded her. She vomited and cried hysterically until finally so exhausted, fell into a deep sleep.

8

Mitch made up his mind and walked up to the ticket window. He reached into his sweatshirt pocket and gently rubbed the little black book for luck. Then he placed a stack of bills on the counter and said confidently "Majestic Warrior to win, Lightning to place."