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.”

we join the others for

*****

Twenty-Six Years

medallion he seems convinced looks good. “Larry, great to see you.” He flashes his usual fake smile, the single gold tooth winking. “So, what do

can you bring them

the door. “First

variety of half-cast by the look 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

comments Finchby. “Quite exotic. Where’s

last shipment from Ghana,”

“Does she speak English?”

the

then to me, babbling something or other. The words are nonsense, but the

standing to one side. “You. Translate. Tell her to

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,

you tell her?” asks

“Yes, Boss.”

you don’t want to

is glossy,

European?

Dutch maybe…?

privileges…” comments Bech… “… because he has a knack for languages. However, he’s not going to keep those privileges long if he doesn’t

“Mr Finchby here has already told 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

the wall, then lights up.

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

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

to her and weeping silently, she removes the last, then stands

comments Bech. “Might have a try on that

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

as though I’ve not seen it before. Bech enjoys his little games and, for the

does

something about

Is it her?

Or is it…?

that come

this one.” He glances at his watch. “I thought he’d be here

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

talking quickly and quietly. She

short…” Bech looks to Finchby… “… she goes to

said to me about an auction. What’s in

to get the best price possible. Mr Klempner has

gimme a break, Bech. D’you think I don’t know he gives you a cut for selling

give us a smile. I know how it works. A man’s gotta earn a living.

kneel,” says Yakovlevski. “And to open her