Richard
My friend, Will Stanton, the police commissioner, has called by in person to deliver his news. None of us are happy about it.
Will stands, arms folded, sucking at his teeth. “Richard, you know I’ll do whatever I can, but I have budgets to keep to. If Klempner’s out of the country now, there’s a good argument to say that the danger to Charlotte and Georgie, and whoever else, has moved on. I’m going to have a tough case to answer, keeping a police guard here for much longer.”
Elizabeth, sandwiched between Mitch and Charlotte on the settee, widens her eyes. I’m not happy that Will chose to deliver this here and now, within the hearing of my pregnant wife. She’s all but at term and I don’t like her getting upset
James wears a face like a thundercloud. “The original attack on Charlotte happened before Klempner arrived here. And was planned long before that.”
Will is stony-faced. “Be that as it may, we all know those events were about drawing Klempner out. That’s been done now, and whatever else happens between him and this female Nemesis of his, it’s happening elsewhere.”
“But…”
James’ protest is cut short by a wry-faced Michael strolling into the lounge. “Look who I just found outside.” He turns back towards the hall. “Come on in. No-one’s going to bite.”
The figure that enters is familiar and deeply reluctant. Wearing heavy-grade outdoor clothing and muffled up to the neck, he holds out gloved hands. “My apologies. This wasn’t my idea.”
Heads swivel.
“Hickman?” says James. “What are you doing here? You know Klempner’s not with us now, surely?”
“Mr Alexanders...” Hickman is the very image of a ‘heavy’. He gives James a nod. “…Yes, of course I know that. But while he is away, Mr Klempner has instructed me to keep an eye on what’s happening here.”
His voice turns dry and he casts an eye at Michael. “He was also insistent that I be discreet and not intrude on your family life. I did not ask to enter your home. I am a professional. I do the job I'm paid for.”
Michael gives him a sunny grin. “Does being professional necessarily entail standing outside and freezing your nuts off?”
Hickman sucks in a smile, scratching at his nose. “I suppose not, no.”
“Then for God’s sake, take that jacket off and have a hot drink. What’ll it be?”
Hickman unbuttons his heavy overcoat. Underneath, he’s still warmly dressed in pullover and jacket. “Coffee would go down well, thank you.”
“Coming up.”
folded arms have gone into lockdown. He glares at Hickman. “You were on the video
glance to Mitch. “I am Miss Kimberley’s bodyguard. And should the situation require it, also Mrs Summerford’s and
a brow at Mitch. “I didn’t
“Neither did I, until
Hickman, unlocks his arms, reclasps hands behind his
the current time,
close. “You going to
I do
“And how do you all feel about this? I think we can all hazard a guess at what kind of man Lawrence Klempner is likely to hire. Or put his
is very good at what he does,” he says… “And who has proved himself to be trustworthy. Will, it’s fine. We know Hickman. We’ve met him before under circumstances that told us all we need to
Who are you?”
drawls his reply. “You heard Mr Alexanders.
the finger. “I remember now… Where else I know you from. You’re one of the men who originally abducted
been hired as part of the effort to catch Klempner. When
standing Hickman. “What
Klempner pays me to work for him
When you were originally part of the attempt
that wasn’t personal. He knows I am a
someone makes you
in accepting, after I have
Klempner has bought your
you want to put it that way.” Hickman remains impassive. “But having been bought, my loyalty will stay
“And after that?”
his lips. “After that…
his nose. “You
casts him a look… “I’m a bodyguard.” … then huffing, opens the left side
his jacket, “So where’s Klempner? Why’s he
Klempner is pursuing Juliana Diaz.
Where has
I am quite sure you have already interviewed Baxter. This must already be known to you. Why are you
yes, Brazil was my understanding.” He paces for a moment,
me to tell you…” Will’s brows rise. Hickman smiles
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