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.”

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

I just wanted to get her

but I have never seen it

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

happened? Why did

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

gives me

of any chance

gaze. “Kirstie answered the question I asked, Ben. It’s not

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

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 anyone

in the background, then the screech of brakes as police cars pull up at the kerb. Michael looks askance at me.

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

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

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

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

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?

looks down and won’t meet his brother’s

Charlotte again?” insists Michael, then he glances

right, you still have Kirstie’s bag with her house keys and money

nod, not keen to be pulled

dour, “I’ll drop them off here

says Michael. “Now get out

at James for confirmation. He nods curtly, and they release him. Ben jerks himself clear, then turning on his heel, walks