How could Jasamina just leave? After all, she was his property. Besides, her greedy parents shamelessly collected money from him at intervals, even now that their daughter had been missing for three months. Should he just cut them off? That would be good riddance. They were stupid and clueless money-hungry beings.
But now he needed to focus on his wife. How had she gathered the courage to run away from him, even without any money? How had she survived until now? She just didn't have it in her. His Jasamina had always been innocent and sweet-natured. How had she survived out there for this long without running back to him? The thought made him furious.
Suddenly, Ludale's ears perked up at the sound of his phone's ringtone, which he had frustratingly left on the dining table. He scurried there, grabbed the phone, and answered the call abruptly, his impatience marring his angry features. It was the bounty hunter calling.
"Hello. Any news on my wife?" He began curtly, trying to calm his anger to be able to talk to the bounty hunter efficiently. But he was a little afraid of the bounty hunter. His physical appearance was very intimidating, and his line of work was very dangerous. He was one hell of a fearless man for him to sniff out people from their hiding places. All kinds of people.
"I trailed her to Texas. I got information from a few credible sources that she had taken the early morning train some days back to Texas," the bounty hunter informed him.
Ludale's eyes widened as he asked incredulously, "How in the world did she get to Texas? Who gave her money to go to Texas? How does she even know the way to Texas?"
The bounty hunter scoffed, sarcasm laced in his taut reply. "I guess you didn't know that your dear wife had a lover who took her to a motel, and right now, they are nowhere to be found. Though I guess they are still in Texas."
The word 'lover' almost made Ludale go mad as he fumed, demanding an explanation. "What do you mean? Are you playing games with me? It's my wife we are talking about here!"
The bounty hunter chuckled. "I'm not lying to you. I wouldn't have called you just to crack a joke. I'm too busy to waste my time like that."
Ludale shook with anger at the thought that the bounty hunter might be telling the truth. "I want you to find out where she is and bring her back to me-with her so-called lover. I would love to teach them lessons they would never forget in a lifetime. Never!" He raged on, entirely disgusted by the fact that the stupid girl had the guts to cheat on him after shamelessly absconding from his house!
The bounty hunter responded immediately with an unmistakably determined voice. "That's why I'm calling now, actually. I have already caught your wife. As we speak, I'm a few miles away from where she is staying."
"You mean you have her within sight!? That's fantastic news!"
"Yes, I will keep you updated when I have her."
Ludale cut the call, filled with such happiness and relief that he had not experienced for months. A single piece of news had brought back joy to his life. Unconsciously, he hung up the call, and the happiness inside him bubbled up, prompting him to go to his wine bar. He brought out three different bottles of whiskey and raised each one high up and scrutinized them with his eyes, trying to choose which one would fit the celebration at hand. Finally, he set the last bottle down and made his choice.
He opened the new brand label whiskey and poured half of its contents into the wine glass. He brought it to his lips, took a sip, and licked his lips in satisfaction. Suddenly, he began to laugh heartily; he felt so good. He just felt like dancing on top of the skies. Perhaps he should call Jasamina's parents and share the good news with them, but no, he would wait until Jasamina steps into his house.
He laughed so hard that hot tears began to drip from his eyes. "So, finally, my bitch will be bundled back to me....." He shouted into empty space and backed it up with a loud laughter. He brought the drink to his lips again, but this time he drank the whole content. He knew he could trust the bounty Hunter. He knew he would bring back good news, and he did. The big man was so good at his job; something those lousy and clumsy policemen could not do. This bounty Hunter did it within a short time.
He made a mental note of increasing his pay the day he brings back that bitch and her son. He dragged his feet to the wine bar again, finding it difficult to keep his balance as the drink started taking its effect on him. He dropped the glass cup on the glass table and went for the bottle, dragging it to his lips and gulping almost half of it. Foolish Jasamina, she thinks she can run or hide from him. She thinks she is wise enough to go away from his reach. Oh, how daft and stupid she can be.