Hot Revenge Box Set 4

Klempner

My resources: The clothes I’m wearing. A notebook and the stub of a pencil: A book on herbal toxins. A small supply of sweet water. An infinite supply, for any practical purpose, of foul water, slime and garbage. And of course, one small potato.

I’d like to give in to despair. There’s something alluring about despair, something seductive. Perhaps I should simply not play Juliana’s game; let her kill me.

But if I’m dead…

Mitch…

My beautiful green-eyed Mitch.

So alive. So energetic.

So full of courage.

So vital.

Vitale

…

Stay alive...

So, eat the fucking potato…

I prise it out from its bed of sludge and slime with a slight sucking sound. It’s small; perhaps half the size of my fist. On the other hand, adhered muck aside, it seems sound; firm, mid-brown, no sprouts or green parts. I have a vague idea that I’ve read that green potatoes are unsafe to eat.

Hauling myself up from my concrete seat, lifting my chain in one hand, with the other, I hold my meal under the water inlet, thumbing away the dirt under the clean water.

Time to live…

And I bite in.

*****

With no warning, the light blinks on and without meaning to, I groan, hiding my eyes behind my hands.

heels on concrete, then Juliana emerges from the darkness. “Good afternoon, Larry. How are you? I do hope

deep red lipstick. The dress is long and clingy, with a low cut neckline; designed to show off a

on her fold-up chair, hands neatly folded. She could be in school, waiting for a favourite teacher to begin the lesson. Or perhaps in the audience at some small town hall,

“What are we

watches me, a touch of wariness in her eyes. Momentarily, her gaze drops to her painted line, but

my arms,

to

talk about? I’m guessing you have a selection of choice topics.” I pace a little, as much as the chain allows, unhinging

She gives me a bright little smile. “And…” She aims a long painted fingernail

Fake…

Extensions?

Larry. You must look after yourself. Exercise. You won’t do well down here if you don’t move about more than I’ve seen you doing

Two days?

there anything you

I pause…

Seriously?

“How about a cup?”

or a tool? Finchby and Baxter were stupid, letting your

a real drink that

your time? Lick it off the wall if you have to. I’m not giving

by your concern

lost. You’re mine now and we’re playing by

realise they'll be looking for me, the police. By now

Hughes isn't missing. What’s left of him has been found dead in his hotel suite after the explosion. And I made sure the police found some clues about you being near my apartment.

My chest tightens…

“What clues?”

her hair. “I suppose they might decide you were involved with the gangs. But I think it's more likely they'll say you got caught in the war between the Wolves and the Nightshades. You know…” She makes air commas… “Innocent Tourist Witnesses Gang Murder And Bloodbath.

smile widening. “Either way, Larry, they’re not looking for you. You’re dead. Or the man they think

spins… “So… you rigged that explosion just so

wondering where you are, could I? That would spoil

“Juliana…”

“Sola!” she snaps.

have you murdered? There were scores of people caught in that explosion. All