Hot Revenge Box Set 2

James

But downstairs in my playroom, Klempner is nowhere to be seen. Neither is he in the laundry, the boiler room or anywhere else.

Finchby has vanished too.

Michael regards the empty spot. Clicking a thumbnail against his teeth. “There’s only one way he could have gotten out.”

“Yes, there is. Michael, Klempner knew the tunnel existed. How long d'you think it would have taken him to find it if he was seriously looking?”

Hissing through his teeth, he marches across to the hidden exit at the far end of the chamber.

A click, the concealed door opens and he vanishes inside.

Re-emerging a minute later. “There’re drag marks where the floor turns to earth. You want to follow them?”

“I don’t think I do. I’m not sure I want to be responsible for whatever happens to Finchby. Besides, I have more immediate things to do.”

“Such as?”

“I have a hard drive to clean up before I deliver it to the police.”

Michael scratches at forty-eight-hour stubble. “I suspect Finchby may not be our problem anymore.”

“I suspect you’re right. Klempner wanted to question him some more. I doubt he’ll survive the experience.”

“And Klempner?”

“He'll be back.”

“You think?”

“Mitch.”

*****

The following evening, the front door opens and Klempner breezes in as if he had not a care in the world.

“James, Michael, sorry to leave you so precipitously. I'm sure you understand why.”

He’s changed, wearing fresh clothes which look new and fit him well; trousers, a roll-top sweater, jacket and shoes. And he carries a pair of bags, offering one to me.

“Yours. Thank you for the loan. I had them laundered of course.”

“Finchby?” I ask, cautiously.

“... Will trouble you no more.” His gaze is direct. “Or for that matter, anyone else.”

did you

from under his brows.

“Yes.”

he’d

in

found.” His tone turns savage. “I want it known what will happen to anyone who makes any

“If someone has a quarrel with me, they can discuss it

This is Klempner…

he’s done to some

surprised you stopped at

Jenny or Mitch reading

at the end of the hall: Richard, watching,

how is your friend? Commissioner

would say. He blistered my ears before he

before, but we were rather busy. It’s Finchby’s half of the money. I think most of it’s

at the bag. “I assumed I’d

Klempner cocks his head. “You know what they say

*****

Klempner

upstairs. They want to see Jenny of course.

And the baby…

Of course…

To see his Beth,

now, I pace the

one corner, a Christmas tree stands, half-decorated. Close by, a cardboard box overflows with tinsel and

lack of anything else to do, I make up the fire. It’s not difficult. A wicker basket contains paper, matches and kindling; the hearth is stacked with logs and there’s already a

of minutes’ effort produces a bright flame and I stack thinnish stove-lengths then thicker logs over it, building it high. A good burn will heat the stonework and then

of laughter and chatter drifts. I can pick out Jenny’s voice,

off her new

tones rumble down too and occasionally the nurse trots past the

fire, letting

of

Now what?

Perhaps I should go?

them play Happy

be

the fire, leaning with both hands on the mantle, staring

voice is soft, mellow…

“Mitch, is Jenny alright?

up properly now. They’ve put Cara in an incubator, but it’s just a precaution while they

“An incubator? Here?”

“Richard was busy while he was here. There’s half a medical facility up there. If they needed to, everyone could be whisked away to a clinic or hospital, but unless it’s an emergency…” She shrugs. “I think he just kept shoving money at them until they agreed to set up