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.”

panel. Bech stands away from the elevator to be behind Conners as he exits and turns for his

Frank Conners? Could I have

his eyes widen

react. Bech cuts off his words with a punch in the gut that drops him to

“Keys,” I snap.

frisks him. “Not on him.” He glances at me and I nod

going to happen. We’re going to that door. You’re going to call her and tell her to open the

at me. “Larry…” His voice chokes. “I

That must be why you tried to

Frankie. You going to do as you’re told?” He pushes him away and along the corridor,

stands in front of the door. Bech, Malory and I stand to one side. Conners looks to me again, sweating. I raise brows and eye-point him

to speak. “Mitch…” He swallows. “Mitch. It’s me.

of a peep-hole, the rattle of a door chain, the rasp of a

jams in a foot, pushing hard and from beyond, there’s a shriek

Mitch…

Scared…

My guts drops.

follow in behind, Bech is on her, a

roar. “Get your fucking hands

showing all around his eyes. Then he subsides, pushing her away

Conners,” I say. “Get him out of my sight. I’ll deal with

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

hair a-fly… Her breath comes in quick bursts and

me.” She skitters back. “Don’t

she darts eyes this way

Looking for a weapon?

An escape?

hurt you. I would never hurt

I saw? Chained up. What happens to them?” Her lip curls. Disgust drips through her voice. “You sell them to the

abs clench.

maggot in her food. “Is that what you would

different. And… I’m different

Believe me…

Please… Believe me…

me fooled, Larry. You really had me going. When you left, I was coming to see you. To say yes. To say, I’d give it a

Disappointment claws at me…

So close…

was like that. But it’s different now. I'm changing. You've changed me. I'll change it all, everything; Blessingmoors,

“Not sell your women? Your goods? What will you do? Let them go?

If that’s

saliva. “And your man there, that took Frank away... Bech was it? There’s a murdering bastard if I ever saw one. Will he

as he's

eyes are softening. “Come with me, Mitch.

head raises. “What

You ran to him…

him over

Some two-bit salesman...

with me and I'll

with you, isn't it?

Carefully, I reach, holding her at the shoulders. I drop my forehead to hers. “I