Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Striding through the bar, “Where is she? Angelo, have you seen her?”

Palms held placatingly upwards, “Hey, Larry calm down. I ain’t done nothing. Yes, I’ve seen her. Cops came sniffing after her. Said she was pushing…”

“That’s crap and you know it…”

“You know it. I know it, but they came asking.”

Something in his manner doesn’t sit well. “What did you tell them?”

His face drops.

“What did you tell them?”

“Hey, they had me in an awkward spot. Got me by the curlies…”

He backs away as I step around the bar, standing close to look down on him. “What did you tell them?”

“They wanted her address and…” He crunches up as my fist sinks into his abs.

“Anything else you told them?”

“No… just that. It’s all the cop wanted…”

Gathering up his shirt in one hand, I haul him upright again, pulling him up and off-balance. “And have you seen her since?”

“Two days ago. She was with Frank. She was pretty upset.”

“She left with him?”

“Yes.”

“Is that all you want to tell me?”

“Yes, that’s it, Larry. Honest.”

I release him and he drops, arms clutched to his stomach. “If I hear that you missed anything, I’ll be back. Understand me?”

Speechlessly, still wheezing, he nods.

*****

Frank?

Where to find him?

… Them…

Office…

“Hello, I’d like to speak with

Mr Conners isn’t here today. Can I

me as soon as possible. He’ll know what it’s

“I’ll do that, sir.”

put the receiver down. Something in the receptionist’s tone sounded a little too

Was he there?

Bech again. This time he’s there. “Get my car to me

low, the sound of office clatter in the background. “Of course, sir.

made on a young woman. Probably the drug squad. Michelle Kimberley. You met

hangs. “There was, sir,

?

tone doesn’t

“What kind of incident?”

bring your car myself, sir. I think this would be

again…. What the fuck’s

*****

been

leaving Blessingmoors after spending an unknown period roaming

Shit…

Who let her in? The place

similar faux pas, sir. And I believe the example made of him will discourage any further laxity in the staff. Repairs have already been made

“And the girl?”

me immediately. Had it been any other intruder I would have taken steps to eliminate them. However, since I know of your interest in this woman, instead I decided

Bech backs away a

took it upon yourself

here. Someone had

try to

lips. “Sir, this woman is dangerous. I realise you are... attracted to her but try to be objective for a moment. A prostitute, albeit a high-class prostitute, has drawn your attention,

“Who to?”

“Her lawyer for one.”

what have you done about

lawyer will not be a problem again,

she spoken to? The

was innocent of the charges. She was not believed…” He hesitates. “From the information I have obtained, it seems she has some very interesting

“Such as?”