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

He regards me from under his brows. “You really want to

“Yes.”

throat. After he’d

in the

left of him found.” His tone turns savage. “I want it known what

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

This is Klempner…

to some of

surprised you stopped at cutting

reading something like that in the papers and deciding they were somehow

the end of the hall: Richard,

how is your friend?

blistered my

It’s Finchby’s half of the money. I think most of it’s there, minus a… um… finder’s fee to Hickman. I thought that was appropriate.

the bag. “I

Klempner cocks his head. “You know what they say about

*****

Klempner

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

And the baby…

Of course…

see his

I pace

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

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

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

and chatter drifts. I can pick

off her new

tones rumble down too and occasionally the nurse trots past the door,

the fire, letting the heat

activity, the buzz of

Now what?

Perhaps I should go?

them play Happy

should be

staring down

voice is

Jenny alright? And

herself up properly now. They’ve

“An incubator? Here?”

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