Choosing Her Lover

For the smallest of moments, I think Charlotte is going to launch herself at Marcie, but then Michael’s hand is on her arm, his knuckles white.

Michael’s voice is cool. “You have a big mouth, Marcie. I’m not going to tell James you said that. If you don’t care for him, then fair enough; I know he can be abrasive sometimes. But don’t talk about what you don’t know. Before you go opening your mouth at random again, you might try finding out a few facts; such as how did James come by his limp?”

Marcie’s face is sour and pale. She stares back at him but doesn’t speak.

Time to show my colours. Let’s wave the flag for them….

“Michael, how did James get his limp?” I ask.

In fact, I’m genuinely interested. James Alexanders does not seem like the kind of man to get involved in a street brawl.

Michael’s eyes meet mine for a moment. So do Charlotte’s. They both know what I just did.

“He was shot,” says Michael. “A man was trying to murder Charlotte, but James shielded her with his body and took the bullet for her.”

Marcie’s eyes widen. I think mine do as well.

“Wow!” I say. “A real hero.”

“Yes,” says Michael, “a hero.”

“Yeah….” slurs Steve, his tone sarcastic. “A real hero….”

Charlotte breaks in, her tone acid. “Have you done anything heroic recently, Steve?”

“Apart from getting punched unconscious by Charlotte here…” finishes Michael. Steve blanches and finally….

…. finally….

…. staggers away into the crowd.

gaping, but Michael has not finished. He continues. “Tell me, Marcie. Do you think

don’t like me much do you,

“Not much, no.”

“Why not?”

How’s that for starters? Now, go away

leaves, following

impressed by Michael’s style. Slimy Steve and Marcie the Mouth, both

seem

pull any punches,

is tight-lipped. “She just insulted both my wife and my best friend. I saw

more trouble with Steve this evening, Kirstie,” says Michael. He pushes my chin up with a finger. “You look better

Steve is sitting at the

like a sulky kid,” I

me. “You mean the kind of kid who’s discovered that all the chocolate chip cookies are on too high a

smile. “Yeah, that’s the one…. Is all that true? About James?”

“Every word.”

Charlotte is nodding enthusiastically.

gunman was after Charlotte? You

I tried to stop the shot, but I couldn’t move fast enough to get the gun from him. I only managed to knock off his aim. James didn’t

punched Steve? That’s

her alone. She swings a punch you’d be happy to see from any professional; all but knocked him out cold. She certainly made a mess of his nose. In fact, you saw an

laugh. “Sounds good to me. Who taught you to box?” I

ex-husband,” says Charlotte,

Ex-husband….?

“You never mentioned

just didn’t work as a marriage. I’d be happy to be

away but seems unsettled. His gaze alights on my choker

you’ll have met

you’ll introduce us then? I assume that’s who you’re