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.”

through the glass panel. Bech stands away from the elevator to

Frank Conners? Could I have a word please.” He flashes a badge, and

eyes widen in

a punch in the gut that drops him to his knees, gasping and coughing. Then he

“Keys,” I snap.

another. Then frisks him. “Not on him.” He glances

going to call her and tell her to open the door. All very normal. Nothing to upset

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

must be why you tried

as you’re told?”

Bech, Malory and I stand to one side. Conners looks to me again, sweating. I raise brows and eye-point him back to the

starts to speak. “Mitch…” He swallows.

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

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

Mitch…

Scared…

My guts drops.

Malory barrel in, pushing Conners ahead of them. As I follow in behind, Bech is on her,

roar. “Get your fucking hands off

whips round to mine, fury written there, the whites showing all around his eyes. Then he subsides, pushing her away with the flat of his palm on

“Get him out

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

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

come near me.” She skitters back. “Don’t

she darts eyes

Looking for a weapon?

An escape?

not going to hurt you. I would

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

clench.

in her food. “Is that what you would have

never… Mitch it’s different with you. You’re different. And…

Believe me…

Please… Believe me…

going. When you left, I was coming to see you. To say

Disappointment claws at me…

So close…

different now. I'm changing. You've changed me. I'll change it

what?” she hisses. “Not sell your women? Your goods? What will

them free. Send them home. If that’s what you want. If you’ll stay

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

do as

softening. “Come with me, Mitch. Please. You know it’s good between us. Be with

raises.

You ran to him…

him over

Some two-bit salesman...

and

with you, isn't it? Coercion. Force. You have

She doesn’t back away. Carefully, I reach, holding her at the shoulders. I drop my forehead to hers. “I just want you to choose me.