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.”

see then... Shall we join the others for

*****

Twenty-Six

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

you bring

the door.

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 and Bech. The cuffs around her ankles drag at her feet, but otherwise, she looks

looks,” comments Finchby. “Quite

on the last

“Does she speak English?”

the

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

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

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

you tell her?”

“Yes, Boss.”

Tell her again, and if you don’t want

is glossy, fair

European?

Dutch maybe…?

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

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

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

sweating, his 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. Bech stands

as she strips. She hesitates over what passes for her underwear,

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

bad,” comments Bech. “Might have a try on that one myself before she moves

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

games and, for the most part,

difference does it

something about

Is it her?

Or is it…?

that come this way are

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

to me. Bech turns, addressing me, “Sir, Mr Yakovlevski here has spotted a niche and is moving into

quickly and quietly. She looks up, her eyes

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

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

get the best price possible. Mr Klempner has expenses

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

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

says Yakovlevski. “And to