At first the man was covering his face, but upon hearing what Ian said, he gradually put down his hands. “If I’ll be honest, can you not report me to the police?”
What a coward! How did he get in? Sophia simply couldn’t understand it.
Ian nodded. “It depends on how honest you are.”
After he sat up slowly on the floor, the man dared not stand up but remained seated in a crossed leg position. From his looks, he did look young. Trying to get on Ian’s good side, the man said, “I’ll spill, so please don’t turn me in. I didn’t take anything, so you lose nothing. And look at me; I’ve been beaten up so badly.”
Hearing that, Sophia reached out for the stick and roared, “Quit your nonsense! Spill now before I give you another good whack!”
“No no no! I’ll speak! I’ll speak now! Someone gave me money and ordered me to come here, but I wasn’t asked to steal anything. The person said you live on your own and if I get a chance, I should beat you up and leave,” he spluttered.
“Beat me up?” Sophia was surprised. “That’s all?”
Nodding his head, the man had an honest expression. “Yes, that’s all! Beat you up and send her a picture as proof. She will then send me the money, and it was not a small sum at all.”
Chuckling, he continued, “That was indeed a large sum of money, so I was tempted. If it were another person, they would be tempted to do so too.”
Drawing in a long breath, Sophia said, “Dude, this must be your first time doing such a thing.”
Dumbstruck for a moment, the man clicked his tongue. “This is indeed my first,” the man admitted and his face reddened.
Gazing at Sophia, Ian asked, “Can you guess who would do this to you?”
“Of course!” Sophia had a person in mind. “John’s mother. She’s the only person who would do such a foolish thing.”
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