Pops subtly glances up to search for me. He and I both know that it has long past five minutes by now. He expected me to arrive at the slope within twenty minutes.
He meets my eye and nods in approval, while he looks infuriated at Joe's pinky moving about his face, almost letting go.
There is no leeway for his rescue. Face, b****y from punches, Joe and another guard take him away, while two remain guarding the cavemouth.
Before they disappear into the clearing filled with mist, Pops, shoots me an assuring nod, while I shoot him a worried look.
I dash to the secret exit where I tie Tom Zaph to the casuarina tree. If he escapes while I am gone, Pops and I have nothing.
* * *
My forehead eases its tension when I arrive at the back of the cave with a sweaty back. The blindfolded
