Ice and Fire novel Chapter 572

"I don't see the necessity of my meeting Eric and Jonson. If they need to discuss something, they can talk to my husband directly. I know nothing of them and have no desire to." Simultaneously, Cherry wondered what they could possibly gain by meeting her. She knew nothing and a spark of curiosity even aroused in her thinking about the whole situation. 'What were they trying to pull?'

The only reason that Cherry could think of was that Eric and Jonson wanted to take her as a hostage. She couldn't possibly fathom anything else. If she were a hostage, they would have infinitely increased bargaining power with Jackson as he would certainly give anything up to get back his wife.

"Mrs. Cherry, my bosses are not interested in any information; they just want to have some tea with you. Especially since you are Mr. Jackson's wife and play a vital role in his life decisions." Uttering these words, Bobby glanced at Cherry's bulging belly. It was obvious to everyone present that Cherry was pregnant.

Bobby then continued,"I'm sorry that it has to be this way. I was ordered to bring only you in, but I'll have to take both of you. If you struggle, I cannot guarantee that the baby in your belly will not be harmed."

Hearing Bobby mention the baby, Cherry immediately covered her belly with her hands. She was pregnant now, and for the baby's sake, she was prepared to go to any lengths to keep it safe and sound.

Cherry took control of her emotions and said to Bobby,"Bobby, you know that I'm pregnant. My belly is so big now that it is even difficult for me to walk by myself without Lily's help. How can I go with you? Why don't you just call Jackson and get whatever you need from him? I'm telling you that I won't be able to help you at all."

"Mrs. Cherry, are you stupid, or just pretending to be?" Bobby retorted, in exasperation. He was reaching the end of his patience. He had been ordered by Eric and Jonson to bring Cherry in and that's all he cared about. He was not bothered with the details and he was a man who took orders and fulfilled them without asking questions. Eric had given him the order more than an hour ago and he was losing time. Only by taking Cherry hostage, they would be able to up their bargaining power and achieve what they wished in their negotiation with Jackson.

Bobby continued,"If that's your excuse, you can bring along the housekeeper for protection though I don't know what she will be able to do. Although the bosses want to see you, I'm sure they won't mind two other people being there with you."

"No! I'm absolutely not going with you! Not in any situation," cried Cherry, as she started trembling. She knew very well that she couldn't go with Bobby. If she did, she would put her baby at risk and she did not want to do that at any cost.

Lily started to sort out the thoughts in her mind. She could take a guess at what would happen next.

Bobby's expression turned even fiercer on meeting Cherry's resistance. He warned her,"Mrs. Cherry, if I failed to persuade you with words, I will not hesitate to use force."

Four men behind him walked over quickly and surrounded Cherry and Lily, by the moment Bobby finished his words. They were ready to take these women, by hook or by crook.

"Wait a minute!" Lily shouted, with authority, as she protected Cherry with both her arms. Only Cherry and she were at home right now, and she had to take up the mantle to save Cherry from trouble.

Lily's shout stopped the movements of the four men, and they looked hesitantly towards their boss.

Bobby was a little annoyed that a housekeeper could command his juniors and they were willing to listen too. Was he surrounded by complete idiots?

Before Bobby could say anything, Lily added,"We'll go with you, but only if you don't hurt Mrs. Cherry!"