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 do with

inclines. He regards me from under his brows. “You

“Yes.”

his throat. After he’d told

him in

tone turns savage. “I want it known

someone has a quarrel with me, they can

This is Klempner…

he’s done to some of the people who

surprised you stopped at cutting his

Mitch reading something like that in the papers and deciding

end of the hall:

“And how is

He blistered my ears before he settled

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

the bag. “I assumed I’d never see

head. “You know what they say about

*****

Klempner

Michael head upstairs. They want to see Jenny

And the baby…

Of course…

too. To see his Beth,

now, I

Christmas tree stands, half-decorated. Close by, a cardboard box overflows with

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 good bed of ashes,

of minutes’ effort produces a bright flame and I stack thinnish stove-lengths then thicker logs over it, building it high.

drifts. I can pick out Jenny’s voice, excited

her

the nurse trots past the door,

the fire, letting the heat

the buzz of excitement fades. And depression settles

Now what?

Perhaps I should go?

play

be

the mantle, staring down into the flames and where now, wood begins to drop

voice is

turn. “Mitch, is Jenny alright?

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

“An incubator? Here?”

away to a clinic or hospital,