By the time his tantrum had ended, my back was covered in a crisscross of marks and I had lost count of how many times the whip had landed. As always,...when he had exhausted himself, he would leave the room without a word and sometime later the young lady appeared. She was sporting a fat lip and the beginnings of a black eye, confirming that he had beaten her for me refusing the food she had brought. I could feel the strain the lack of food was causing, and I needed the energy, if I was going to. ’ ‘Sir, Mister Zabo is being interviewed on television.’ ‘Put it on.’ ‘I have been an investor all my life. I rarely interact with people, and do most of my trading by wire. I have no idea who or why anyone would attack my home, because there is little of value in it. We have two safe rooms which my wife and son can get into easily. As far as I am concerned, if they get me they can go to hell. My wife has restricted access to my funds, because of this possibility. I will not allow anyone to. Ed had heard the sirens and seen the ambulance arrive, then watched yet another extra long vehicle depart hours later in total silence. Something or other “Mortuary” printed on the side.Wilbur had been crying.“Addison, he is dead.”Ed knew death only in the abstract of production parameters and entertainment value. This, this was not that.“I’m sorry, Wilbur. What happened?”Ed’s tone caused Wilbur to pause a bit. He’d expected different, a side of himself, a side he did not care for believed Ed. Pierre said he would ring my room when he got back if he didnt see me at poolside. It was a hot and humid morning as I lay by the pool thinking of this afternoon. Time to jump in and cool off before someone walks by and notices my wet crotch. I toweled off and trod into the nearby lounge for a light lunch and a frozen strawberry daiquiri. That hit the spot, especially the drink. I had another. Pierre was late getting back. I returned to my room and took a nice refreshing shower before Pierre.