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.”
video footage at
then casts a glance to Mitch. “I am Miss Kimberley’s bodyguard. And should
brow at Mitch. “I didn’t know you
“Neither
his arms, reclasps hands behind his back. “You work for
the current time,
step or two, looming close.
between his teeth. “Commissioner, I will only be giving trouble as my contract requires it. I do not anticipate
this? I think we can all hazard a guess at what kind of man Lawrence Klempner
“And who has proved himself to be trustworthy. Will, it’s fine. We
as it is, nonetheless reddens. “Well, I haven’t. Who are you?”
down at the finger. Eyes narrowing, he drawls his reply. “You
remember now… Where else I know you from. You’re one of the men who originally abducted
Finchby’s place. He’d been hired as part of the effort to catch Klempner. When it became clear what Baxter’s intentions were regarding Charlotte and Cara, he refused to go along with
standing Hickman. “What is your relationship with Lawrence
to work for him as
were originally part of the attempt to
knows I am a professional. So, yes, he
someone makes
be interested in accepting, after I have completed my current
Lawrence Klempner has
Hickman remains impassive. “But having been bought, my loyalty will stay bought for as long as my current
“And after that?”
lips.
rubs his nose. “You
him a look… “I’m a bodyguard.” … then huffing, opens the left side of his jacket
the holstered weapon, then as Hickman readjusts his jacket,
Juliana Diaz.
has he
I am quite sure you have already interviewed Baxter. This must already be
Klempner, it’s good to have the facts confirmed. And yes, Brazil was my understanding.” He
tell you…” Will’s brows rise. Hickman smiles slightly. “… He
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