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

going to touch her. I just wanted to

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

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

happened? Why did Charlotte

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

Ben gives

the end of any chance to be

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

small crowd on the street now, including the two security guards, still keeping a tight grip on Ben. “Mr Alexanders,”

arrested? Understand that I’m only asking

then the screech of brakes as police cars pull up at the kerb. Michael looks

“When Kirstie raised

voice chill as he nods towards the police officers standing

his face. Michael simply stands, arms folded, legs akimbo. “Answer him, Ben.

he says sullenly. “I was trying to get

took me to get into it. And it’s not your place to interfere in

he looks down and won’t meet his brother’s

have your word that you won’t bother Charlotte again?” insists Michael,

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

not keen to be pulled back into the

them off here at the

Michael. “Now get out

confirmation. He nods curtly, and they release him.