Hot Revenge Box Set 2

Chapter 34

Meg drops her stick, curls back her lips to display teeth, bristling and growling.

Klempner frowns…

“Shhh… It’s alright.” I scratch her ears, calm her down. “As I said, she's a shelter dog,” I explain. “A rescue. And they know, more than almost anyone else, that there are monsters in the world...”

His eyes dart between me and Meg…

Dare I say it?

“… And some of those monsters walk around looking just like real people.”

I stoop, pick up Meg’s stick and throw it overarm as far as I can. She races after it, scattering snow behind her, the rest of the dogs in her wake.

Klempner relaxes, drooping his eyelids, head shaking so slightly.

Apology?

“Self-knowledge can be unsettling, can it not?” he comments. But his voice is mild. “So… given that you claim to have the answer to the perfect relationship, returning to the start of our conversation, why are you out here? Agonising over the right thing to do with your Ryan?”

I don’t have an answer. I settle for prevarication. “Why are you out here?”

“If you insist, I’m trying to decide how to go forward with Mitch.”

That was settled…

… Wasn’t it?

“You don't know? I thought you and she were…”

“No, I don’t know. You’re right. Mitch was a hooker. But what I wanted from her was never for sale. Not until the day Jenny was in danger. Then she offered herself to me.”

“And...?”

“And... I didn't accept. I didn't want her on that basis.”

Enthralled by the revelations coming from this dangerous, fascinating man, “What did you want?”

“I wanted her to want me. That's all I ever wanted.”

Meg returns, carrying her stick, to drop it at Klempner’s feet. He ignores her and she yaps, lashing her tail.

“So, what’s your problem now?” I ask. “The pair of you looked pretty chummy to me when we were inside.”

He grimaces. “I… never expected to get this far. I’m not sure what comes next.” He grins, quite disarmingly, then, “Why are you talking to me like this, Kirstie?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

seem prepared to trust me

“Yes.”

“Why?”

her stick at him again. “Because they do.” He casts startled eyes down at my barrel-bodied little

to know. And considering what Haswell is trying hard to put your way, James isn’t the

*****

the dogs collapse

place in front of the fire, lies eyes closed, upside down, all four legs in the air; doing his best

regards the pair, expression neutral. “Is that

favourite,” I say. “When he’s chilled out.” Mac’s tail twitches and his lips pull back in

he stay in that position

until someone offers him food or another…” I mouth the word silently… “…

voice is slow. “Is everything alright, Kirstie? You were outside a long time talking with…” He jerks his head towards Klempner, returned to his

fine. We were just

places a

from her

run out. I was sure

for my gloves, Archie pricking up his ears as I do so. “I’ll go get some more. The dogs would enjoy another walk.”

then sucks in a smile. “Thanks, Kirstie. I’ve

stirs. “Mind if I join

to. You can

I wind the scarf around my neck, Archie starts yapping and Scruffy,

stares into the fire. “No, I

past me to the door, blocking my way

*****

at a bough, glossy green with

and passing it back down. I lay it on the stack

a nuisance of themselves. Until, with a sharp yap, Archie announces, Squirrel! And the troop of five bolt off, howling

chitters down, spitting insults, then leaps to the next tree and away. The dogs give chase, their howls fading into the distance as they high tail it after

performance. “Is

be a good

out with the

“Something wrong?”

reply, but his eyes are scanning the area

it?” His expression is savage,

Baxter…

a pocket. “Get back.” Reaching out, he grabs me by the wrist and tugs, pulling me backwards, placing himself between me and… whatever

there's a Crack! Then a

quiver, shedding their load of

brought that here?”

“That bastard's still on the loose,” he mutters. Then, gun levelled, he

response is another shiver

It’s too low…

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