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.”

Shall we join the others for

*****

- Twenty-Six

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

bring them

the

the look of her; honey-skinned with hair that drapes her shoulders in glossy black ringlets, and amber-gold eyes that

comments Finchby. “Quite exotic.

the last shipment

“Does she speak English?”

pokes at her shin with the toe

hands together, holding them out to him, then to me, babbling something or other. The words are nonsense, but the pleading in the

says Bech. He turns to a boy, maybe ten years old, standing to one side. “You. Translate. Tell her to get her clothes off. Mr Finchby wants to see what he’s

ducks his head. “Yes, Boss.” 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, stinking and in shreds, but she grips the cloth in her hands as though it’s her

tell her?” asks

“Yes, Boss.”

again, and if you don’t want to go the

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

European?

Dutch maybe…?

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

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.”

on the wall, then lights up. “My pleasure.

to Bech and Finchby. Her eyes well, then fall as she unbuttons her

sobs as she strips. She hesitates over what

removes the last, then stands head lowered,

have a try on that one myself before she

take her,” says Finchby, “you’ll keep your fucking paws off her, Bech. I’ve them that’ll

not seen it before. Bech enjoys his little games and, for the most part, I’m happy enough to let him get on with

does

about

Is it her?

Or is it…?

no different. Plenty that come

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

here has spotted a niche and is moving into the

boy is speaking to the girl, talking quickly and quietly. She looks up, her

to Finchby… “… she goes to

“What’s this, Bech? Nothing was said to me about an auction. What’s in

the best price possible. Mr Klempner

think I don’t know he gives you a cut for

A man’s gotta earn a living. Those swimming pools in the Bahamas don’t pay for themselves, do

to kneel,” says Yakovlevski.