Hot Revenge Box Set 2

Chapter 1

This Book Is Dedicated To ‘Him’

“James’ Poem” Was, In Real Life, Written By ‘Him’

For His Own Grandson

 

Hostage

Richard

I watch them drive away, taillights receding into the dark.

Depressed beyond measure, I let the curtains fall back, turning to deal with the two women now in my care.

Mitch, calmer than I've seen her for days, returns from the kitchen, tray in hand. She pours peppermint tea for herself, then two more cups. She slides one across the table to Elizabeth, then brings one to me.

“Thank you, Mitch, but I don't really care for it.”

She holds still, hand and cup outstretched. “It will calm you down.”

“I'm perfectly calm, thank you.”

“Is that why you're wearing a hole in the carpet?”

Elizabeth turns her face away, but not before I see the smile she's hiding behind her own cup. Then her smile fades.

“My apologies, Mitch. This goes against the grain for me. It really, really goes against the grain. Charlotte in trouble. James and Michael… Even Lawrence Klempner… of all people… riding to the rescue, while I...” I hold up palms, sick with helplessness and self-disgust.

Mitch’s voice is calm. “James and Michael are both husbands to Charlotte. Larry is her father. Your first responsibility is to Beth. Your pregnant wife.”

“Believe me, Mitch, I know it. Nothing else would have kept me here at a time like this.”

Elizabeth sips at the tea. She's pale. Too pale. I take her by the shoulders, kiss her hair. “My Love, you're tired. Why don't you go to bed for a while? Get some sleep.”

She swallows, blinking hard. “I wouldn't feel right.”

Mitch sits on the chair arm by her. “Nothing's going to happen for the next hour at least. Go upstairs. Snatch a catnap at least. When anything starts to happen, I'll come wake you.”

Elizabeth shakes her head, then stifles a yawn behind her hand.

And I’ve had enough.

You’ll make yourself ill…

is here.” I pat her stomach.

“Looks like I’m outvoted.

my hand, helping her

the stairs slowly. She leans heavily on me, rubbing at the

are you feeling

I'm just

“And upset.”

Charlotte like

can you think of

“No, Master.”

by her,

*****

 

James

so carefully, steering around iced puddles and the switchback corners

and Michael loaded their gear, a lot of it, into the trunk, but I have very little beyond what I’m wearing. My baggage is waiting for

at Michael’s bulging rucksack. Despite

think of that Charlotte might need. Warm blankets, towels and a wrap.

“Scissors?”

cut the cord if I need

think watching Michael in the rear-view, tightens his

we might have a home delivery. I made

*****

City, he’s there, waiting as promised: Ross leans back against the car

winds down his window.

the rear seat. “It’s

never be

in his pockets. “James, I’ve been speaking with Mr Haswell while you were on your way here. I have a couple of other things for you.”

“A phone?”

a live feed from the car.” He nods back to

me as

know where you were last seen. I’ll be relaying it back of course, to Mr Haswell...” His eyes rise to

most discreet one I could find in the time. Keep talking as

fiddle with the earpiece, fitting it into place, Michael claps me on the shoulder. “Take

But get

“We will.”

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255