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…

number. “Hello, I’d like to speak with Mr Conners, please. It’s

sir. Mr Conners isn’t here today. Can

him to call me as soon as possible. He’ll

“I’ll do that, sir.”

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

Was he there?

my car to me would you, to my hotel. ASAP. And I need

his voice low, the sound of office clatter in the background. “Of course, sir. And welcome back. A good

I got back. I need to know about an arrest made on a young woman.

“There

?

tone

“What kind of incident?”

sir. I think this would be better face to

What

*****

been

was found leaving Blessingmoors after

Shit…

Who let her in? The place should be sealed

similar faux pas, sir. And I believe the example made of him will

“And the girl?”

Had it been any other intruder I would have taken steps to eliminate them. However, since I know of your interest in

temperature rises. Bech backs

it upon yourself

were not here. Someone had to take charge

you try

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, perhaps persuaded to spend money on her. She knows too much and what is more, she is spilling what

“Who to?”

“Her lawyer for one.”

what have you done about

returns. “The lawyer will not be a problem

else has she spoken to? The

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

“Such as?”