Masters And Lovers 1-4 novel Chapter 85

*****

I’m fucking furious.

I drive away, my foot hard on the gas, then as I screech around a corner, realise I’m driving with my temper instead of my head.

Calm down….

I pull over at a coffee bar, buy a large latte to go, then sit in the car while I cool off enough to think clearly.

By the time I finish my drink my head is working again.

Call James….

I tap at my screen and he answers almost instantly.

“Can you talk?”

“Mmmm….”

“Does that mean I can talk but you can't?

“That's right. How are things?”

“Not good. Couldn't move them. Stephen just dug his heels in. I think David might have relaxed if I could have caught him alone, but Stephen’s in charge. He was furious when I showed them the photo and the birth certificate for Charlotte’s mother, but he wouldn’t budge. Ordered me out of the house and threatened me with the police if I showed up again.”

There is a silence, then. “Understood.”

In the background, I hear. “Is that Michael? How is he?”

“He sounds bored rigid and ready to come home.”

“Can I talk to him?”

“I’m just putting Charlotte on for you.”

“Michael, how was your trade fair?”

“Like James said. Mind-numbingly boring. I’m on my way home.”

“I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.”

*****

Klempner

Is it worth it?

Bare brick….

Barred windows….

The sound of yelling, coughing, toilets flushing, echoing footsteps….

The clang of doors closing, then locking….

And the smell….

Sweat….

Disinfectant….