29
Jane came to, in darkness.
It was hot and stuffy. She heard the continuous dull throb of an engine somewhere, and the vibration it sent through the bare metal springs of the bed she was lying on mirrored the steady pounding in her head.
She raised a hand to her forehead and wiped away perspiration but not the pain.
She sat up and felt dizzy, so she lay back down again for a moment. Her back felt scored by the imprint of the surface she’d been lying on. She was wearing the same business suit she’d had on when she’d left to meet the police detective in Cape Town, though her shoes were missing, along with her belt, watch, rings and bracelet.
Taking a deep breath she raised herself again, slower this time. When she placed her feet on the floor she felt warm bare steel. She let her body
