Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Richard

I click off the video connection and almost immediately, there’s a tap at my door.

James?

Waiting for me to finish?

“May I come in?”

Yes… James…

He looks terrible…

“I wanted to apologise.”

I gather the sheaf of papers I was working with, injecting a business-like tone into my voice. “There’s nothing to apologise for my friend.”

Sounding unconvinced, “No?”

“No. We all have low points in our lives and I’d say you had one of those yesterday.” I regard the man standing in my doorway…

Face sallow…

Pupils like pin-holes…

Eyes like piss-holes in snow…

“How’s the hangover?”

“About what I deserve… Thank you for looking after Charlotte last night.”

“I wouldn’t have had it any other way, James.”

He stands, head lowered, seeming lost for words. This isn’t the James I know.

You’re not right yet, are you… Not by a long way…

I stand, walk across to him and am about to slap him on the shoulder….

Hangover…

Splitting headache…

Nausea…

… and settle for laying my hand on his shoulder. “James, I mean it. We all have times in our lives when our friends and family are what keep us going. If the positions were reversed, I’d like to think you and Michael would have done the same for Elizabeth. And she’s a lot more vulnerable than Charlotte ever will be.”

“Of course we would.”

then... Shall we join the others

*****

Twenty-Six

waiting when I arrive, with his slicked-back hair and that garish medallion he seems convinced looks good. “Larry, great to see you.” He flashes

can you bring them

through the

in glossy black ringlets, and amber-gold eyes that dart one way, then another between Finchby, myself and Bech. The cuffs around her ankles drag at her feet,

Finchby. “Quite exotic.

last shipment from

“Does she speak English?”

the toe of a boot. “Do

him, then to me, babbling something or other.

turns to a boy, maybe ten years old, standing to one side. “You. Translate. Tell her to get her clothes off. Mr

Then he jabbers something to the girl, his breath coming in quick, short gulps as he gabbles the words. She whimpers, clutching at the front of her shirt. It’s sweat-stained,

tell

“Yes, Boss.”

her again, and if you don’t

Boss.” His skin is glossy, fair hair plastered to his

European?

Dutch maybe…?

“… because he has a knack for languages. However, he’s not going to keep those privileges

me he has a couple of customers who would enjoy some time with you. So, if you don’t earn your keep here, you can easily be moved along. Now, tell this little slut to get her clothes off or we’ll do it for her.” He turns, his voice conversational.

wall, then lights up. “My pleasure. Always glad to be of

voice a whimper as he speaks to the girl. She protests something-or-other, but he gestures to Bech and Finchby. Her eyes well, then fall as she unbuttons her shirt.

breathing turns to gasps, then to sobs as she strips. She hesitates over what passes for her

silently, she removes the last, then stands head lowered, trembling, her

“Might have a try on that one myself before

“you’ll keep your fucking paws off her, Bech. I’ve them

it before. Bech enjoys his little games and, for the most part, I’m happy enough to let him

difference does it

something about this

Is it her?

Or is it…?

that come

He glances at his watch. “I thought he’d be here by now.” He’s interrupted by the door

addressing me, “Sir, Mr Yakovlevski here has spotted a niche and is moving

speaking to the girl, talking quickly and quietly. She looks

looks to Finchby… “… she goes

Nothing was said to me

get the best price possible. Mr Klempner has

know

on the shoulder. “C’mon, give us a smile. I know how it works. A man’s gotta earn a living. Those swimming

to kneel,” says Yakovlevski. “And