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.”

the need to hit you? I’ve seen her punch before,

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

have never seen

to try to chase my wife away?” He pauses, looks

see what happened? Why

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

look Ben gives me

of any chance to be ‘just

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

still keeping a tight grip on Ben. “Mr Alexanders,” one of them says. “Do you want us

and arrested? Understand that I’m only asking you this because you are Michael’s brother. If it were anyone

of sirens in the background, then the screech of brakes as police cars pull up at the kerb. Michael looks askance at me. “I didn’t call them.”

“When Kirstie raised

officers standing by. “Are you

arms folded, legs

says sullenly. “I was trying to get you out of

And it’s not your place to interfere in my life. Now, are you going to leave, and give

But he looks down and won’t

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

simply nods.” And,” continues Michael, “if I have it right, you still

nod, not keen to be pulled back into

dour, “I’ll drop them

“Now get out

to break free from the security men, who resist, glancing at James for confirmation. He nods curtly,