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.”

see then... Shall we join the others for

*****

 

- Twenty-Six

garish medallion he seems convinced looks good. “Larry, great to see you.” He flashes his usual fake smile,

bring them

shouts through the door.

drapes her shoulders in glossy black ringlets, and amber-gold eyes that dart

comments Finchby. “Quite exotic. Where’s

was on the last shipment

“Does she speak English?”

shin with the toe

gestures, she clasps her hands together, holding them out to him, then to me, babbling something or other.

one side. “You. Translate. Tell her

as he gabbles the words. She whimpers, clutching at the front

you tell

“Yes, Boss.”

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

skin is glossy, fair hair

European?

Dutch maybe…?

a knack for languages. However, he’s not going to 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. “You wouldn’t mind

then lights up. “My pleasure. Always glad

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 back, arms folded.

sobs as she strips. She hesitates over what passes for her underwear, but Bech says, “Tell her that means all of

and weeping silently, she removes the last, then stands

comments Bech. “Might have a try on that one myself

off her, Bech. I’ve them that’ll pay extra to have her

games and,

does

about this

Is it her?

Or is it…?

no different. Plenty that come this way are

interested in this one.” He glances at his watch. “I thought he’d be here by now.” He’s interrupted by

is a stranger to me. Bech turns, addressing me, “Sir, Mr Yakovlevski here has spotted a niche and is moving into the film industry. He’s looking for

talking quickly

to Finchby… “… she goes to the highest

“What’s this, Bech? Nothing was said to me about

doing my job. Which is to get the best price possible. Mr Klempner

know he gives you a cut

man’s gotta earn a living.

says Yakovlevski. “And to

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