Hot Revenge Box Set 2

Chapter 33

I scrutinize that crack in my footprint.

Need to get new boots soon…

Or I’ll have wet feet…

“I'm scared,” I admit.

His voice is soft. “Of what? Committing? To him?”

“No, not exactly. What if it all went wrong?”

I know that I sound like some spoiled child, complaining about homework or the wrong cookies with my milk, but the words keep coming… “What if I lost my job? Or Ryan was doing badly? If we couldn’t pay, we could lose everything.”

Klempner shrugs. “So, what’s the difference with that to paying rent for the rest of your life? That’s always going to be money down the drain. If you’re on a mortgage, you’re building it up.” He sniffs, scratches his nose. “It seems to me, that you need to sort out your priorities; to decide what it is you really want…”

He’s making a lot of sense…

But he keeps talking. “… Too many people go through life making do. If you fuck up what you really want, you could spend the next twenty years of your life regretting it, before you get another chance.”

“Like you did?”

His gaze goes distant, staring off down at the lake. “Like I did.”

Why are you talking to me like this?

Lawrence Klempner in the role of agony aunt…

However, my good sense rules and I keep that thought firmly inside my head where it belongs.

But I do keep speaking. “It’s just… it’s such a huge amount of money. I’m really worried we can’t afford it.”

Klempner sucks at his cheeks. “You work for Haswell? Do I have that right? And he’s arranging the purchase for this Mill you want to buy?”

“Yes, that's right.”

“And your Ryan, what does he do?”

“He owns his own company. They make heating and ventilation systems. He's doing a lot of contract work right now for James and Richard.”

“He’s the company director?”

“He is, yes.”

“So… his files are a matter of public record. Haswell probably has a very good idea of what he's worth too. And he knows what size of orders Ryan’s company is likely to pull in over the next few years?”

“I suppose so.”

Klempner huffs. “There’s no suppose about it. You don't get into Haswell’s position without having a knack for putting a value on people.” He levels a finger at me. “If he thinks you can afford it, you can afford it. And he’s the one offering you the sale and setting the price.”

Still I hesitate.

He lets out air. “Kirstie, you do realise that Haswell's selling it to you under value?”

He is?

was selling it on at the same price he paid

But I heard what he’s offering you. With the terms of payment, the agreed interest rate and the time period… he's…

didn’t have any plans for

So why do you imagine he had an option on

saying to me sinks in. My mind races. “But why would

house… “Jenny, James, Haswell and his wife… But they’re clearly all looking out for each other… Haswell seems a decent enough man. But you can be sure that to be where he is, he’s been playing the game at the edge. Still, he

words

Lawrence Klempner…

does he

the rest of

as though you've

find any. So far as I can see, he's as honourable as big

to do you a favour. A big favour. No offence meant, Kirstie, but there're not too many women in your position who would be made an offer like that by a

do

And you identified Baxter as Jenny’s kidnapper.” He muses then smiles. “Haswell aside, I’ll not forget that. If you ever need my help, Kirstie, you can remember that I pay my debts too…” His gaze turns

staring into space. He really is

the air, are you?

me. “Baxter’s

worried about him?

way of coming back at me.” His eyes flash fury. “I have no reason to believe he’s given up on that.” He chews his lower lip, staring out and down

drying, “You think

I'll be looking. But...” He rocks

His words hang, half-said…

though,” I say,

breathes in, lets it out. He

understand why. He

of you

long-term colleagues.

someone

his head inclining.

A brother? A lover? Someone close

I’m aware of. But I’ll think about

silence and I begin to feel awkward. “You didn’t mention Michael,” I

his head, jolting slightly.

everyone else; James, Richard, Beth, Charlotte. You

his eyes are cracking a laugh. “I understand why

Michael? Everyone

it’s a meeting of minds Jenny was opting for when she

being

a brow. “You think

be the one with all the academic qualifications, the letters after his name, but whatever he feels inside, James isn’t good at expressing it well. And he doesn’t always read people properly.

what?” Klempner seems genuinely

“Michael… has emotional intelligence.”

intelligence? Really?

Slaver... Trafficker… Murderer…

doesn't mean

that too.” He muses. “It's

you can read people it's got to make you better at the job…” Then I choke on my own words.

amused.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255