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

regards me from under

“Yes.”

throat. After 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 makes any move against my

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

This is Klempner…

he’s done to some

stopped

“I didn't want Jenny or Mitch reading something like that in the papers and

end of the hall:

“And how is

would say. He blistered my ears before

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

bag. “I assumed I’d never

head. “You

*****

Klempner

see Jenny of

And the baby…

Of course…

vanished too. To see his Beth,

now, I pace the

Close by,

up the fire. It’s not difficult. A wicker basket contains paper, matches and kindling;

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 then the

laughter and chatter drifts. I can pick out Jenny’s voice,

her new

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

back to the fire, letting the heat

buzz of excitement

Now what?

Perhaps I should go?

them play

be tracking

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

The voice is

Jenny alright?

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

“An incubator? Here?”

smiles. “Richard was busy while he was 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