Johnny flung down the racing form as people dashed out of the Sing Along. He jumped out of the car just in time to hold the door for Mona and Uncle Four.
"What happened?" he asked once they were inside the car.
"A fight," huffed Uncle Four. "Faan ukkei, get home."
Johnny wasn't sure which home Uncle Four meant but started the car. He looked in the rearview and saw fear in Mona's eyes.
"Henry gaai," she said coolly, and he turned the car toward the Henry Street condo. It was a short drive, and he could feel the heat of Uncle Four's anger curling the short hairs on the back of his neck.
Quickly enough he was there, watching as Uncle Four marched Mona into the China Plaza, her heels clicking along the stone lobby floor, clutching the little purse to her bosom.
When they were out of sight, he doused the headlights and killed the engine. He felt helpless, and stayed in the car until the lights on her balcony came on. When the light went instantly to black, he fired up the car, and thought about Fat Lily's.
But his pockets were empty, and he wheeled the limo around, looking toward his home.
It was bad enough when Uncle Four drank too much cognac, but now he was in a simmering rage.
He grabbed Mona, then shoved, tearing the silk of her blouse, ripping it off along with the black lacy bra. He slapped her across the face, which he never did, not wanting the bruises to show, but this time leaving a dull pink palm print, and sprinkling bloody spittle from her mouth. Shoving her onto the bed, he grabbed her by the hair, slapped at the back of her head.
She knew not to resist, or be defiant. It would only enrage him further. Play along, suffer it. He'd be more forgiving in a day or two, and then it'd be flowers and champagne.
He unbuckled his belt and slipped it off the loops, whipped her with it across the buttocks.
"I cannot face you," Mona sobbed. "I won't dare next time. Please forgive me," she whimpered, choking on her words.
At this, he tossed the belt aside, stripped her skirt and panties off and turned her over. He dropped his trousers and forced her legs apart.
She cried out and he shoved her face into the pillows, plowing into her. Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, she was thinking, have mercy on me, as Uncle Four vented his hatred hard inside her.