People sat stiffly on a grubby mattress inside the makeshift hovel, peering out from behind a tattered quilt, their bodies shaking as wind nipped through. In another slumping, mildewed tent, a family of four huddled together, side by side under a pile of blankets, blankly staring up at the moist canvas as they drew warmth from each other. Two other lean-tos made of old mattresses, blue tarps and threadbare blankets completed the small community. The ground, wet with rain, was littered with crumpled beer cans, discarded clothes, food scraps and mounds of plastic. The place reeked of misery and indigence. The cold adding to their misfortunes.

Bearing two hefty bags, swollen with belongings and other paraphernalia, Mara leaned against the arched abutment of the run-down bridge. Its frail metal beams and truss reflected on the hoary water of Chi River, highlighted with rouge from the setting sky. Sheafs of crystalline frost swam on the rippling currents, like shards of clear glass adorning a marble floor.

Her father was nowhere in sight, abandoning her no longer than an hour ago. She knew better than to call him. He had specifically asked her not to.

A man sat adjacent to her, shooting her a creepy grin. Mara moved away, unnerved by his bawdy looks. She hoped her father would return soon and that they could go somewhere much safer than under-a-bridge.

Somewhere away from lewd gazes, killers and unknown threats.

As dusk set in and the vicinity turned darker, Mara's discomfort grew larger. The absence of street lamps made things no better.

Minutes later, she saw a narrow stripe of light foisted far, through the dark, accompanied by hasty footsteps on the damp grass.

Mara walked towards the source of light and called out in the dark. "Dad!"

The light emitting from the torch focused on her, her father finally visible in its illumination.

"Dad, you're back! I was so worried."

Unbothered by her words, Bob questioned, "Where are our things?" Not waiting for an answer, he continued, displeasure evident in his voice, "You left our stuff behind with uncivilized beggars? What if they rob us, Mara. Were you out of your bloody mind?"

"It was just for a minute," she replied.

"I do not care, child. Those bastards are capable of anything!" he hollered, walking past her, towards the encampment.

You left me behind with them too, Dad. Mara bit back her words.

Just then, Mara could hear the tromping of several feet approaching.
Instinctively, she turned around, darkness obscuring her vision. The treading seemed nearer, making her father halt as well. He flashed the light in the direction of the sound as a dark silhoutte walked towards them.

"Yakob." Bob stiffened, as a man moved forward, his textured face, now visible in the light. Four more men stood behind him.

"Davidson," Yakob stated, coolly, "I'd say I'm surprised to see you here but I'm not."

"What do you want?" Bob asked, startled by Yakob's sudden arrival.

"Boss' money," Yakob said, getting straight to the point.

"I thought I had time till tomorrow."

"I changed my mind," was the reply.

Mara glanced at her father, worriedly. The other men were no longer behind Yakob but had conveniently surrounded them, like predators ready to pounce collectively on the prey.

"Yakob, just give me some time," Bob pleaded.

"So you can run away again? You're a fool, Davidson. You thought you could run from us?"

"No -"

"Seize him." Yakob ordered his men. "It's time the boss deals with him."

"What?" Bob nearly jumped. "No, Yakob, you can't do this!"

Sensing his attempts had gone futile, Bob took a step back, ready to escape. However, a firm hand landed on his shoulder, holding him tightly in place.

Mara watched in panic as her father struggled to free himself from the man's grip. Like her father, she had a strong urge to run but knew it would be in vain. So, she stood there, both in dread and alarm, unable to do anything.

Bob said, with distinct desperation, "Yakob, just let me go. I'll bring your money."
Seeing no way out of his predicament, Bob went on, "Wait! I've something else to offer." He paused. "Take her," he pointed towards Mara, "Take my daughter."

Yakob scoffed. "And what use will this girl be?"

"I know about your Boss' side-projects. Take her as your payment. Consider it payed and leave me alone."

"Very well, then. Seize them both."