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.”

felt the need to hit you? I’ve seen her punch before, and she doesn’t do it

“I wasn’t going to touch her. I just

seen it before. Michael’s normally sunny face

try to chase my wife away?” He

see what happened? Why did Charlotte

he was going to

look Ben gives

of any chance to

I asked, Ben. It’s

is a small crowd on the street now, including the two security guards, still keeping a tight grip on Ben. “Mr Alexanders,” one of them says. “Do you

that I’m only asking you this because you are Michael’s brother. If it were

background, then the screech of brakes as police cars pull up at the

Francis did, at my behest,” says James. “When Kirstie raised the alarm, I asked

police officers standing by. “Are you going to talk sensibly?

folded, legs akimbo. “Answer him, Ben. Don’t

sullenly. “I

“You have no idea how long it took me to get into it. And it’s not your place to 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

he looks down

bother Charlotte again?” insists

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

be pulled back into

“I’ll drop them off here

“Now get

tries to break free from the security men, who resist, glancing at James for confirmation. He nods curtly, and they release him. Ben jerks himself clear, then turning on his heel, walks