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.”

you

me from under his brows. “You

“Yes.”

After he’d told

in

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

his smile sunny. “If someone has

This is Klempner…

some of the people who seriously upset

surprised you stopped at cutting his

air. “I didn't want Jenny or Mitch reading

the end of the hall:

“And how is

He blistered my

should have given you this before, but we were rather busy. It’s Finchby’s half of the money. I think most of it’s there,

stares at the bag. “I assumed I’d never see that

Klempner cocks his head. “You know what

*****

Klempner

upstairs. They want to see Jenny of course. Spend some time

And the baby…

Of course…

see his

I pace

by, a cardboard box

the window, fog swirls and inside, winter penetrates. The air is damp with chill, so, for 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

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

upstairs, the sound of laughter and chatter drifts. I can pick out Jenny’s

her

rumble down too and occasionally the nurse trots past the door, uniform crisp, hat

the fire, letting the

the buzz of excitement

Now what?

Perhaps I should go?

them play

should be tracking

the mantle, staring down into the flames and where now, wood

The voice is

Jenny

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

“An incubator? Here?”

there. If they needed to, everyone could be whisked away to a clinic or hospital, but unless it’s an emergency…” She shrugs.