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

*****

Twenty-Six

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

can you bring them through

shouts through the door. “First

ringlets, and amber-gold eyes that dart one way, then another between Finchby, myself and Bech.

comments Finchby. “Quite

was on the last shipment from Ghana,” says

“Does she speak English?”

her shin with the toe of a

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

so the answer’s no,” 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

whimpers, clutching at the front of her shirt. It’s sweat-stained, stinking and in

you tell

“Yes, Boss.”

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

skin is glossy,

European?

Dutch maybe…?

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

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 little slut to get her clothes off or we’ll do it for her.” He turns, his voice conversational.

strikes a match on the wall, then lights up.

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

She hesitates over what passes for her

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

have a try on

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

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

difference does it

about

Is it her?

Or is it…?

different. Plenty that come this

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

addressing me, “Sir, Mr Yakovlevski here has spotted a

to the girl, talking quickly and quietly. She looks up,

to Finchby…

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

the best price possible. Mr Klempner

don’t know he gives you

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

kneel,” says Yakovlevski. “And to open