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 do with

inclines. He regards me from under his brows.

“Yes.”

slit his throat. After he’d told me what I

him in

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

has

This is Klempner…

what he’s done to some of the

you stopped

Mitch reading something like that in

at the end of the hall: Richard,

regards him. “And how is your friend?

He blistered my ears before

He proffers the second bag. “I 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, minus a…

stares at the bag. “I

cocks his head. “You know what they say

*****

Klempner

and Michael head upstairs. They want to see Jenny of course. Spend some

And the baby…

Of course…

see

I pace

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

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

thicker logs over it, building it high. A good burn will heat

sound of laughter and chatter drifts. I can pick

her

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

back to the fire, letting the

the buzz of excitement fades. And depression

Now what?

Perhaps I should go?

them play

should be

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

The voice is soft, mellow…

is Jenny alright? And

up on her sleep and she’s having a 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?”

to, everyone could be whisked away to a clinic or hospital, but unless it’s