Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Chapter 15

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 for

*****

 

- Twenty-Six

great to see you.” He flashes his usual fake smile, the single gold tooth winking. “So, what do you

can you bring them

through the

of her; honey-skinned with hair that drapes her shoulders 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, but otherwise, she

comments Finchby. “Quite exotic. Where’s

last shipment from Ghana,”

“Does she speak English?”

shin with the toe of a boot. “Do

me, babbling something or other. The words are nonsense, but the pleading in the tone

years old, standing to one side. “You. Translate. Tell

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

you tell

“Yes, Boss.”

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

skin is

European?

Dutch maybe…?

granted special privileges…” comments Bech… “… because he has a knack for languages. However, he’s not going to keep

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

wall, then lights up. “My pleasure. Always

something-or-other, but he gestures to Bech and Finchby. Her eyes well, then fall as she unbuttons her shirt. Bech stands

as she strips. She hesitates over what passes for her underwear, but Bech says, “Tell

her and weeping silently, she removes the last,

“Might have a try on that one myself before she

Finchby, “you’ll keep your fucking paws off her, Bech. I’ve them that’ll pay extra to have

Bech enjoys his little games and, for the most part, I’m happy enough to let him get on

does

about this

Is it her?

Or is it…?

different. Plenty that come this

glances at his watch. “I thought he’d

Mr Yakovlevski here has spotted a niche and is moving into the film industry. He’s looking for

quickly

to Finchby… “… she goes to the

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

my job. Which is to get the best price

a break, Bech. D’you think I don’t know he gives

A man’s gotta earn a living. Those swimming pools in the Bahamas

her to kneel,” says Yakovlevski. “And

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