Choosing Her Lover

Charlotte’s fist swings, catching him square in the face, and blood spurts. Ben roars outrage, and at that moment, two security men burst into the lobby.

“Outside!” I yell, following them to where James is now with Ben and Charlotte.

Ben’s nose is streaming blood, and he is staring hard at Charlotte, his eyes wide. Never have I seen a look of such cold-blooded hatred directed at someone.

Charlotte doesn’t flinch. She’s not happy, but she knows how to handle herself, and doesn’t back down as he bears down on her again, his hand raised.

“You bitch! How the fuck did you con my brother into this? And what was it for, eh? Was it to get his money? Marry him and then divorce him; try to walk off with half?”

And now, James seizes him by the shoulder. His voice is icy. “Lay a finger on her and I’ll break you in two.” He nods at the two security men who grab Ben by either arm, immobilising him.

“Fucking well let me go,” yells Ben. “I’m going to have it out with the bitch!”

“Not like this you’re not,” says James. His manner is cold, controlled. If Ben can’t see the threat there, then he is blind….

A car skids to a halt close by and Michael jumps out.

“You okay?” he says first to Charlotte, holding her close at the waist, looking into her face.

She nods, then turns back to Ben. “No, I didn’t marry him for his money, and I don’t want it either. If Michael wants a divorce….”

Michael’s head whips round…. “Divorce?” He sounds incredulous

Charlotte hasn’t stopped speaking. “……I’ll not try to stop him, and he can keep his money. But if he does do that then I think he should give James back his money.”

“I do not want a divorce,” yells Michael. “What the fuck’s going on here, Ben? What have you said? And why are you bleeding?”

“Your wife hit me.”

right? And what were you doing that Charlotte felt the need to hit you? I’ve seen her punch before,

“I wasn’t going to touch her. I just wanted to get

of cold fury, but I have never seen it before. Michael’s normally sunny

my wife away?” He pauses,

see what happened? Why did

shoved her. I thought he was going to attack her. I’m sure

look Ben gives me

the end of any chance to be ‘just

question I asked, Ben. It’s not for you to hold it against

still keeping a tight grip on Ben. “Mr

civilised fashion?” asks James, “Or do I have you put under guard and arrested? Understand that I’m only asking you this because you are Michael’s brother. If it were

police cars

James. “When Kirstie raised the alarm, I

by Ben, his voice chill as he nods towards the police officers standing by. “Are

pleading in his face. Michael simply stands, arms folded, legs akimbo. “Answer him, Ben. Don’t look to me for sympathy

about?” he says sullenly. “I was

interfere in my life. Now, are you going to leave, and give your word not to threaten Charlotte again? Or do I let James have the police take

says Ben. But he looks down and

that you won’t bother Charlotte again?” insists Michael, then he glances at me,

nods.” And,” continues Michael, “if I have it right, you still have Kirstie’s bag with her house keys and money in

be pulled back

“I’ll drop them off here at

says Michael. “Now get

He nods curtly, and they