Hot Revenge Box Set 4

Chapter 5

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.”

watches in silence, but his folded arms have gone into lockdown. He glares at Hickman. “You were on the video footage at the Lucky Time bar, the night Mickey Miller was attacked. You were talking to Klempner. Who

a cool eye, then casts a glance to Mitch. “I am Miss Kimberley’s bodyguard. And should the situation require it, also Mrs

Mitch. “I didn’t know

twitch. “Neither did I,

regards Hickman, unlocks his arms, reclasps hands

the current time,

two, looming close. “You

my contract requires it. I do not anticipate you or any of

you all feel about this? I think we can all hazard a guess at what kind of man Lawrence

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

is, nonetheless reddens. “Well, I haven’t. Who are you?”

he drawls his reply.

“I remember now… Where else I know

helped us escape from Finchby’s place. He’d been hired as part of the effort to catch Klempner. When it became clear what

deepens. He circles the passively standing Hickman. “What is

work for him

were originally part of the attempt to capture

I

if someone makes

I might be interested in accepting, after I have completed

“So, Lawrence Klempner has

want to put it that way.” Hickman remains impassive. “But having been bought, my loyalty will stay bought for as

“And after that?”

lips.

rubs his

“I’m a bodyguard.” … then huffing, opens the left side of

regards the holstered weapon, then as Hickman readjusts his jacket, “So where’s

pursuing Juliana Diaz. He is

has

in South America. Brazil, in fact.” He pins Will with a stare. “Commissioner, I am quite sure you have already interviewed Baxter. This must already be known to you. Why

like Klempner, it’s good to have the facts confirmed. And yes, Brazil

Will’s brows rise. Hickman smiles slightly. “…

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