Did you pay them?”“Yeah. No problem with the money. Bob said they’d release you. Bob? Where can I find her?”Bob brought the phone closer to hi... face. “First things first, Mr. Collins. Honestly, you really ought to throw out that old Harvard T-shirt you’re wearing. It’s an embarrassment, even around the house.”“What?,” said Collins. “You can see me?”“That’s right,” said Bob. “Your house is wired for video and audio. I’m watching the feed right now.” He turned the computer so that Catherine could. That night I had entered there, when a strange sound behind made me turn around. My heart raced when I saw two young black men following me. I hurried, but soon they reached close to me, one on each side."Can I help you?" I asked them, trying to show a fearless voice."Sure you can." The tallest one said with a smile. "Give us your money”I looked at them in defiance, as I grabbed my purse firmly.But then the man grabbed my hair and put his other hand around my throat. "Don't make me hurt you,. My mom had come to pick me up. She was very angry at me. We went to our home. I stay with my mom in a 2BHK flat. My mom asked me to sit while she brought a guest for me. She came after some time with our old neighbor, Veena aunty.Mom said, “Veena aunty is 64 years old. I am sure once you have sex with her, you will not want to have so much sex.”“Mala, don’t think that he won’t enjoy me just because I am old. I have seven years of burning desire to have sex. You don’t know what it can do.”Veena. I wanted him to go away!The smell of my fear or maybe my urine must have intrigued the bear because he came forward and sniffed me. As crazy as it sounds, when he put his snout between my legs I almost came. I guess I am just a danger junky. I was afraid that I was about to find out that danger, like all addictions, will eventually kill you.The bear was now hunching over me like he was trying to decide if I was food, and if so where to start munching. He stood again for a moment on his back.