Masters And Lovers 1-4 novel Chapter 27

Michael

I’m driving like an idiot, racing to reach Charlotte, Mitch and Kirstie.

Why’s Charlotte not answering her phone?

And I’m hoping that the answer is the happy one; that she’s simply distracted, talking; enjoying herself and not paying attention. Or that she has the ringer turned off. Or…

My head swirls…

James said Francesca’s tea rooms…

Already, it’s nearly dark.

What time do they stay open until?

Friday. Late night. Probably until 9pm.

My mobile screen flashes, the vibe making the dashboard rattle as the phone dances over the vinyl. It’s Ben.

On loudspeaker, “Ben? Where are you?”

“Almost there. Just letting you know, I’m pulling into the car park now, so we might lose the signal. I’ll be in touch as soon as I know anything.”

And I return to champing and cursing at the traffic holding me trapped.

James…

I check my phone. No call. No message.

I check my watch. He’s had plenty of time to reach the shelter.

Should I call him?

Is he hurt?

Hiding?

Tapping in, I send a message.

Nothing.

“Fuck, James, talk to me.”

Got me talking to myself now…

*****

James

I can’t do anything. I could scream and rage, howling my fury at the world.

But I settle for sitting, keeping my silence.

Klempner sits too, surveying me, eyes narrowed, when…

My phone blinks in his hand, an incoming message.

Fuck!

Klempner whips out, tapping at the flashing screen. He curses as it still doesn’t unlock. But he offers up the phone to me, showing me the preview before it blinks off. “Your friend Michael is worried. You haven’t contacted him and he wonders if you’re alright. Wouldn’t you like to speak to him?”

Fuck you…

But I keep the thought to myself and my lips sealed.

Then he touches his ear again… That strange gesture…

After a moment, “I’d say you're about to get a call.”

How...?

He tosses the phone across and as my fingers snap around it, it rings.

Michael...

Ah, crap...

And I feel stupid beyond belief. How could I have missed it?

There was never a spy.

Fucking obvious…

Michael’s voice is quiet, whispering. “James, are you alright? I expected…”

“Michael, your car’s bugged...”

“What… James, how…?”