Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

In the office, Charlotte, looking helpless, sits with arms wrapped around the wildly sobbing Kirstie, patting her on the shoulders, making crooning noises and pushing a conveyor belt of tissues into her hand.

I feel terrible.

Fucked that one up, didn’t I…?

Perching a hip on the desktop by her, “Kirstie… I’m so sorry. I tried…”

She sniffles into the tissues. “It’s not your fault, James. He wouldn’t listen to me. He wouldn’t listen to you.” She rummages in a pocket, tugs something out; a crumpled ribbon of velvet.

She holds it in her hand. The single pearl it carries dangles forlornly. “It’s done,” she says.

“Do you want to go home?” I ask. “I’ll drive you.”

Her head swings. “No, thank you, James. I’d rather work. I’d rather be here.”

*****

Klempner - Twenty-Six Years Ago

True to his prediction, Bech produces an address for Conners in under an hour. “I put Malory on there,” he says, “to check out if she’s there. It’s on the fourth floor, but he confirms he’s sighted a red-headed woman moving around inside.” He tugs at his chin, eyeing me speculatively. “What are your orders, sir?”

I want nothing more than to walk away from this. To lie down. To sleep away the banging inside my head.

“Sir?”

This is about survival…

“Sir, we cannot let this woman run free. She knows too much. She’s a loose cannon.”

He’s right…

But I can’t bring myself to give the order.

Bech inhales. “Sir, I understand that you find this difficult. If you wish, I will handle it.”

“No!”

Bech jolts at my tone.

More calmly, “No. As you say, Bech. It has to be handled. Tell Malory to stay where he is. Keep a track of where they are. We’ll meet him there.”

*****

By the elevator, Malory is waiting for us as we arrive. In blue overalls and with a toolbox on hand, he’s making a show of working on a radiator under the window. Conners’ apartment is down the corridor one way. In the other direction; the landing branches to the stairwell, then more apartments.

“They both inside?” I ask.

“She’s inside.” Malory thumbs out of the window, down and across the street. “He’s in the take-out. Saw him go in there ten minutes ago.”

Bech grunts. “Should be due out any minute now then.”

As we watch, a familiar figure, carrying a large flat box, exits the pizza parlour and crosses the road. He enters the building and a few seconds later the indicator for the elevator flashes downwards for the ground floor.

“You two stay in the background,” mutters Bech. “I’ll meet and greet our Mr Conners.”

away from the elevator to be behind Conners as he

heading for the corridor. Bech follows behind. “Mr Conners? Frank Conners? Could I have a word please.” He flashes a badge, and for just a

eyes widen in

words with a punch in the gut that drops him to his knees,

“Keys,” I snap.

pocket, then another. Then frisks him. “Not on him.”

going to call her and tell her to open the door. All very normal. Nothing to upset her. If anything does upset her before the

eyes at me. “Larry…” His voice chokes. “I

did I. That must be why you tried to steal Mitch,

low and silky. “Only so many chances, Frankie. You going to do as you’re told?” He pushes him away and along the corridor, the barrel still levelled

one side. Conners looks to

speak. “Mitch…” He swallows. “Mitch.

the rattle of a door chain,

foot, pushing hard

Mitch…

Scared…

My guts drops.

and Malory barrel in, pushing Conners ahead of them. As I follow in behind, Bech is on her, a hand at her throat, the gun coming up

“Get your fucking hands off

face whips round to mine, fury written there, the whites showing all around his eyes.

I say. “Get him out of my sight. I’ll

chin to Malory. The two frog-march Conners, squealing all the way, to the

breath comes

back. “Don’t

she darts eyes this way

Looking for a weapon?

An escape?

going to hurt you. I would

lifts. “And what about Frank? What about those girls I saw? Chained up. What happens to them?” Her lip curls. Disgust drips through her voice.

clench. I

me as though she’d found a maggot in her food. “Is that what you would have done with me

you. You’re different. And… I’m different when I’m

Believe me…

Please… Believe me…

to see you. To say yes.

Disappointment claws at me…

So close…

different now. I'm changing. You've changed me. I'll change it all, everything; Blessingmoors, everything. You can help. I

women? Your goods? What will you do? Let

them free. Send them home. If that’s what you

that took Frank away... Bech was it? There’s a murdering

do as

quite so frantic. Her eyes are softening. “Come with

head raises. “What about

You ran to him…

him

Some two-bit salesman...

and I'll let Frank

it works with you, isn't it? Coercion. Force. You have no

the shoulders. I drop my forehead to hers. “I just want you to choose me. Choose to be with