The Lover's Children novel Chapter 89

MICHAEL

Charlotte’s gaze flicks to Klempner as he stills, looking down and away. “No, he didn’t find me. And no, it’s not about him. He’s dead now anyway.”

“That right?” Natalie arches a brow. “Not that I was ever what you’d call friendly with the cops, but that one… what was he called? Corby? There was something about him.”

James rubs at his injured-and-never-quite-healed thigh. “Corby was corrupt and got what corrupt police deserve.” His voice grates. “He was gunned down by other cops.”

“Yeah?” Natalie stalls, milk half-poured into a jug. “Did you ever find out what he wanted?”

Charlotte speaks hesitantly. “I… did…” Then the words tumble out. “It doesn’t matter now. It’s in the past.”

Natalie looks at her long, her expression masked. Then, “Alright, so what is this about?”

“That serial killer who’s been going after the street girls, The Surgeon… We’re helping the police to track him down.”

Natalie’s jaw falls slack. Tray of mugs in hand, she pulls up a chair alongside us. “Why? What’s that to do with you?”

Charlotte slides a look sidelong. Klempner picks up the thread. “I owe the police a favour. I’m doing what I can to help. Jenny’s helping too.” He gestures to me and James. “None of us were willing to let her come out alone on this.”

“Yeah…” Natalie’s gaze unfocusses. “Yeah… I get that… But why come to me? I’ve not worked the streets for years.”

“The women won’t talk to me,” says Klempner.

“No?” She frowns with that not-quite-located-the-thought expression again. “Okay, how can I help?”

Charlotte leans forward, wraps Natalie’s hands in hers. “Will you come with us? We need to talk to the street girls. They won’t talk to the police so we’re asking the questions the police need to ask but can’t get answers for.”

“Sure I’ll come. But why won’t…” Natalie halts, pauses, shoots a shocked look at Klempner, then whirls, aiming a long finger at him. “I knew I knew your face from somewhere, you bastard! I know who you are. I went on the game of my own choice. But you put girls on the street with no choice at all. Couldn’t speak the language. Didn’t have any papers. They were nothing but fucking slaves!”

She spins, face furious, on Charlotte. “Larry, my ass. What the fuck are you doing here with Lawrence Klempner?”

Charlotte sucks at her lips, blinks. “He's my father.”

Natalie’s chest heaves. “So you said.” She looks down, then brushes dust from her lap. “And you bring him here?” she hisses. “You have the nerve to come back here? To call yourself my friend?”

Charlotte’s eyes gloss. Her voice is small. “Natalie… It’s different. He’s changed. He’s trying to put things right.”

Klempner rises, making for the door. “Jenny, Natalie is right. I shouldn’t have come here. Natalie, my apologies. I don’t wish to damage your friendship with my daughter. None of what I was responsible for was your fault or hers. I’ll leave now. Jenny, I’ll wait back in that cafe. Come when you’ve finished here.” The door clicks shut behind him.

Charlotte gulps then turns to me and James. “Would you mind? I need to talk to Natalie. There’s things I need to tell her, and it will be easier if it’s just the two of us.”

James sucks air between his teeth, but I slap him on the shoulder. “Of course it will. We’ll go join your father. You two talk. Take as long as you need.” James casts daggers with his eyes but nonetheless rises, following me out.

Out in the hall, he huffs, “Well, that went well.”

“What did you expect from an ex-hooker who recognised Klempner? He’s simply too well known in those circles. He’s going to have to learn to take this kind of thing on the chin.”

“I’d say he already has.”

*****

In the cafe, Klempner sits with his back to the wall, facing the door. He already has another coffee, but he cradles a glass, wafting brandy fumes. As he sees us come in, he raises two fingers to the waitress, nodding to us, then to the mug and the glass.

His face long and thoughtful, he sips at the brandy, staring out of the window. And we sit in silence.

After twenty minutes, my phone beeps.

Come back to Natalie’s place.

*****

In the apartment, Charlotte’s old friend stares down Klempner. “Okay, I know who you are, what you did. But Jenny’s told me what you’ve been doing to try to make things right.” She snorts. “You’ll never succeed of course, but I’ll help as much as I can. That photo you’ve got, send it to my phone. I’ll go with Jenny, ask around…”

He reaches for his mobile. “Agreed. But we want to be nearby, in case there’s any trouble.”

“S’fine by me. You can tag along behind. You can hang out in bars and cafes. But stay out of the way.”

*****

PAT

You were so perfect…

…

Not a hooker…

…

…

How long’s it been?

Weeks now…