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

head inclines. He regards me from under his brows.

“Yes.”

his throat. After he’d told me

him in

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

someone has a quarrel with me, they can

This is Klempner…

what he’s done to some

you stopped at

again. Heaves air. “I didn't want Jenny or Mitch reading something like that in the papers

end of the

“And how is your friend? Commissioner

He blistered my ears before he settled

were rather busy. It’s Finchby’s half of the money. I think

“I assumed I’d

“You know what they say

*****

Klempner

to see Jenny of

And the baby…

Of course…

too. To see his Beth,

I pace

stands, half-decorated. Close by, a cardboard box overflows with

anything else to do, I make up the fire. It’s not difficult. A wicker

flame and I stack thinnish stove-lengths then thicker logs over it, building it high. A good burn will heat the stonework and

drifts.

off her new

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

back to the fire, letting the

buzz of excitement fades.

Now what?

Perhaps I should go?

them play

be

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

The voice is soft,

turn. “Mitch, is Jenny alright? And the

her sleep and she’s having a bath, cleaning herself up properly now. They’ve put Cara in an

“An incubator? Here?”

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