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 really want to

“Yes.”

he’d told me what

him in the

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

turns calmer again, his smile sunny. “If someone has a quarrel with me, they can discuss it

This is Klempner…

some of

you stopped at

reading something

end of the hall: Richard, watching,

regards him. “And how is your friend?

He blistered my ears before he settled

this before, but we were rather busy. 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. I’ve not recovered

bag. “I assumed I’d

his head. “You know what they say

*****

Klempner

to see Jenny of course. Spend some time

And the baby…

Of course…

vanished too. To see his Beth, I

I pace

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

to do, I make up the fire. It’s not difficult. A wicker basket contains paper, matches and kindling; the hearth is

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

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

off her

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

back to the fire, letting the heat bathe

buzz of excitement fades. And depression settles

Now what?

Perhaps I should go?

play Happy

be

with both hands on the mantle, staring down into the flames and where now, wood begins to drop into glowing

is soft,

is Jenny alright?

a bath, cleaning herself up properly now. They’ve put Cara in an incubator, but it’s just

“An incubator? 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