Hot Revenge Box Set 4

Richard

Mitch descends the stairs carefully, gripping the rail with one hand, a great wad of glossy something-or-others tucked under the other arm.

“Here, Mitch. Let me help you with those.” Although the swell on her stomach is only just visible, and Mitch is by no means ungainly, I think we’re all conscious of her age and the need to pay her extra attention…

A pregnancy she didn’t expect.

The father’s reaction uncertain…

Even if we knew where to find him….

“Thank you, Richard.” She passes me what turns out to be a stack of knitting patterns. Tucking them under my arm, I accompany her down. As we reach the last step, the doorbell rings.

“You get it, Richard. I can manage now.” Mitch takes the patterns, heading toward the kitchen where, from beyond the door, James’, Michael’s and Charlotte’s voices carry. Then Elizabeth’s too.

It’s a bright day, the sunshine warm, and the door standing open. Hickman’s on the step.

“You could have just knocked and walked in you know.”

“The door may have been open, Mr Haswell, but a home is still private space.” His expression tightens. He peers beyond me, over my shoulder and into the hall. Keeping his voice low. “Do you have a minute? Mr Alexanders and Mr Summerford too.”

“Of course, come in.” A glance over my shoulder, back to where Mitch is vanishing into the kitchen. Keeping my voice low. “Klempner?”

“Yes.” He looks over my shoulder again. “You might want to be private from the women.”

For a man who, on the face of it, is no more than paid muscle, Hickman surprises me with his sensitivity.

“I’ll see if I can get Mitch and Charlotte out of the way before you say anything. You go through to the dining room.”

“Hmmm, yes.” He nods; a short, terse gesture.

In the kitchen, Mitch, Charlotte and Elizabeth are sitting together at the table. Mitch has a stack of knitting patterns, all featuring some woolly item in pink or blue. Elizabeth holds up three or four, comparing designs. Charlotte’s eyes are glazing. Beyond the women, James, in jeans and riding boots, stands side-by-side with Michael, leaning back against the counter. The pair, coffee mugs in hand, are chatting, laughing over some joke.

Hovering in the doorway, I catch Michael’s eye and jerk my head back to the dining room. His smile fades and he nudges James. Both men, apparently casually, stroll towards me, following me back to where Hickman is waiting.

dining room, James props himself back against the table, arms folded. “So, Hickman,

teeth, slowly swinging his head. “No. I’m here to say that there’s no news at all. You’ve not heard

what,

“That’s right.”

three weeks?” It’s Charlotte, framed by the doorway, her

“Does it occur to you, Charlotte, that if we gather in a different

trying to hide, and right now, I can

from behind, Charlotte stepping aside to let her through. “What is it? What’s

appears, Adam wrapped in

to speak, but Georgie strolls in, wearing a rough jacket and riding boots. “Ready, Dad?” Her head swings around the room and her smile fades. “Is

“So much for privacy.” Michael sucks

“Dad?”

gently. “Hickman here just wanted a word. But… there’s

way to contact me by now. I’m sure of

pale. “You think that woman who

Fuck…

try to catch her gaze, eye-pointing Mitch,

no more tact

eyes roll, but it’s

A sob…

Mitch…

glossing, her throat rippling, “You’ve heard nothing

sorry, Miss

her seat, hands over her mouth, shuddering. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Georgie’s right. Something’s happened to him. I know it has. He went after that

assume the worst.

breath catches, and she swallows. Then again. “Yes, he is a survivor. But… He’d have gotten word to us…” She looks from one face to another, her eyes wide with distress… “Even if it wasn’t much. I know he’s not a talker, not demonstrative. It’s not his way.” She huffs a

“Maybe he’s emailed

systems… Anything I could think of where he might try to

but Georgie’s head swings between the two women, brow furrowed. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand…” Her finger vacillates

Oh, Crap…

fucking time to

roll up as he