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.”

then... Shall we join the others

*****

- Twenty-Six Years

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

can you bring them

shouts through the

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

“Quite exotic. Where’s she

the last shipment

“Does she speak English?”

at her shin with the

her hands together, holding them out to him, then to me, babbling something or other. The words

old, standing to one side. “You. Translate. Tell her to get her clothes off. Mr Finchby wants to

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.”

she still dressed? Tell her again, and if you don’t

Boss. Sorry, Boss.” His skin is

European?

Dutch maybe…?

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

folded, he head-points. “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 little slut to get her clothes off or we’ll do

on the wall, then lights up.

is 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. Finchby puffs on his

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

the last, then stands

comments Bech. “Might have a try on

fucking paws off her, Bech.

Bech enjoys his little games and, for the most part, I’m happy

does it

about

Is it her?

Or is it…?

that come

one.” He glances at his watch. “I thought he’d be here by now.” He’s interrupted by the door swinging

Mr Yakovlevski here has spotted a niche and is moving into the film

talking quickly and quietly. She looks up,

Bech looks to Finchby… “… she

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

the best price possible. Mr Klempner has expenses to cover.

know he gives you a cut for selling them

works. A man’s gotta earn a living. Those swimming pools in the Bahamas don’t pay for themselves, do they?. And we’ve all got to settle the bills

Yakovlevski.