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

from under his brows. “You really want

“Yes.”

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

him in

turns savage. “I want it known what will happen to anyone who makes any move against

has a quarrel with me, they can discuss it with

This is Klempner…

know what he’s done to some of the people

you stopped

want Jenny or Mitch reading

end of

him. “And how is your friend? Commissioner

blistered my ears before

can imagine. Here…” 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… um… finder’s fee to Hickman. I thought that

stares at the bag. “I assumed I’d never see

Klempner cocks his head. “You know what they say

*****

Klempner

to see Jenny of course. Spend some

And the baby…

Of course…

see

now, I pace

corner, 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 stacked

stove-lengths then thicker logs over it, building it high. A good burn will heat the stonework

sound of laughter and chatter drifts.

off her new

down too and occasionally the nurse

to the fire, letting the

activity, the buzz of excitement fades. And

Now what?

Perhaps I should go?

them play Happy

be

stand over the fire, leaning with both hands on the mantle, staring down into the flames and

is soft,

Jenny alright?

herself up properly now. They’ve

“An incubator? Here?”

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 kept shoving money at them until they