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Chapter 112: Penitents, Part 7
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Mastering Charlotte Chapter 113: Penitents, Part 8
MichaelThe cafe stinks. A miasma of rancid grease hangs in the air, and as we sit at a table, my hand sticks to the vinyl surface.The customers aren't much better. They're not the addicts and the drunks we passed along the way, but they are the poorest of the poor, the lost and the lonely. The have-nots and the never-hads. Louts and boors who think that a girl who serves coffee might deliver more.What the fuck's she doing working in a place like this?Then I realise I spoke out loud. James nods, his lips pressed white.We take a table, and now closer to her, we can see. Charlotte moves slowly, with a weary air that speaks of exhaustion and hopelessness. She's lost weight. Her skin is sallow and her hair dark with grease. There are deep shadows under her eyes, but more than that, her sparkle is gone.... When did you last have a good night's sleep?.... and I don't care for the way some of the clientele are looking at her.She wipes down a counter. As we sit, glancing
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 114: Penitents, Part 9
James"And working in that dump of a café," adds Michael. "Why?" There is no compromise to her angry tone, "A girl's gotta eat and pay rent. And to do that, she has to work.""In this miserable place?" I say. "What happened to the money you had? And the money I sent you?"Her voice rising, "The money I had, I still have, because I am going to need it to fund the next year or so. And I don't know anything about any money that you sent me.""I paid it to your bank, to see you alright," I say. She just stares at me. "You haven't checked your account recently?""No need. I'm living on my earnings. And if you sent money, I'll damn well send it back. I am not available for purchase!"Michael, arms folded, drops his head, turns his face away. No........ I didn't mean...."Charlotte, I didn't mean it like that...."Jade… I'm not trying to buy you....".... I just want to know that you're okay. Not living like…" Helplessly, I gesture around the rancid flat. ".... not
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 115: Penitents, Part 10
Michael"What do we need to watch for?" asks James."You can expect her to have a headache, Perhaps some short-term memory loss. She may not remember what happened this evening. The headache should fade within a few days. Should you find she suffers from dizziness, blurred vision, noise or light sensitivity.…"James cuts her short. "I'd like a medic on hand to keep an eye on her.""Mr.…" The doctor pauses, her expression sour...."Alexanders.... James Alexanders.""Mr Alexanders. This is a public service. We do not have the staff to send them haring off after every case that comes in here. If a case is serious enough to merit that, the patient should remain with us. We can keep her overnight....""No," he says curtly. "She leaves with us. Put me in contact with whoever I need to speak to provide her with medical support...." James' glance strays to a large poster.... "I see you're looking to raise funds for a new scanner...." He pulls out his wallet and holds it, apparent
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 116: Penitents, Part 11
James"She's fine," says the doctor. "Just keep her in bed. Keep her warm, well fed and plenty of fluids. "Is there someone to keep an eye on her for a few days?""Yes.""Yes.""Fine. I'll be back tomorrow." She hands Michael a card. "Call this number if there's any problems in the meantime." Michael follows to show her out.Charlotte, sitting up in bed now, cradling a glass of lemonade, watches me, her eyes wary.How the hell do I handle this…?I sit, keeping my distance from her. There is no compromise in her eyes."You were right," I begin. "I've surrendered my right to have any say in what you do now. But you can't go anywhere until you are back to full health. After that....""After that?" She drips suspicion.".... after that, I ask that you remain here until we can sort out your situation. If you insist on leaving, it's your choice, but neither of us wants to see you return to that place, that area, that job.... You're better than that, and you deserve more."
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 117: Penitents, Part 12
JamesI sinned against you…...and I owe you my penance....I want you to have a good life, Jade. Even if I am no longer part of it.How do I make that happen?"You have a lot of work to do," I say. "You do realise that for engineering qualifications, you will need practical experience to be certificated?" She's nodding.... ".... You will be required to work in some relevant industry. Typically, it extends a Bachelor of Science course from three years to four."You've lost her as a lover….... Try to keep her as a friend........ so be a friend....… Help her....She's all little-girl enthusiasm. "Oh, yes… In fact that's one of the things I'm doing now." She picks up a thick sheaf of papers, waving them at me. "I'm applying to various firms to see if I can get sponsorship of some kind, someone who would employ me for the work experience during vacations, perhaps even pay me something…"Sensible girl........ selling yourself for what you're really worth...."G
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 118: Penitents, Part 13
JamesI am content simply that she accepts me again. Any desire I have to make love with her is eclipsed by her need for healing, and not just healing of the body.I don't try to touch her, not beyond a kiss on the cheek or a hand on the arm... .... Nothing sexual ....For all that I know there is far more to her than a beautiful face and body, I miss the physicality of how it was. I want to make love with her. I want to romp and rejoice with her........ but right now. I am content to wait while she heals....And I wait and hope for more, for the time when we two will be as we were before........ We three....Then I was Master. Now I am the Supplicant.We have not made love since my sin against her, but that's fine. Happy simply to make my peace with her, I want to love her with my body, but as I hold her, draw her close, there is a slight stiffening that says I have gone far enough.I want to embrace her, rock her in my arms and tell her she's safe. But there's
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 119: Penitents, Part 14
MichaelSitting out in the sun, I try to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this lovely spot, breathing warm and fragrant air, watching wading birds exploring the sea's edge, moving like clockwork toys.The sun is hot, my shoulders growing warm....… Time to cover up....I head for my room, next door to the main bedchamber that has become Charlotte's private space. As I pass the door, standing a little ajar, there are sounds........ I pause, listening........ and hear their murmured talk. Pushing the door a little further open, I stand quietly…They don't see me, but James knows I am likely to be close by..... "Charlotte? You want me to....?.... "Yes. We can start over, start again."She wants to make love?My thoughts awhirl, I lean back against the wall, breathing deeply. If she wants to make love with James, then surely, she will want me too....?.... surely?Aware that I'm missing the conversation, I abandon my speculations to concentrate on listening
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 120: Penitents, Part 15
MichaelJames returns from the City, triumphant. "The Directorship?" I ask."The Directorship," he beams."All confirmed?""Yes. All the terms are agreed: fees, shareholding, my terms of reference. I signed this morning. All it needs is Haswell's signature...."A formality then…" I interrupt.He nods. "Yes, a formality...."I try to be pleased for him. "Congratulations, James. you deserve it. I know how much work you've put in over the years." My words are sincere. It's true. He's worked his balls off to achieve this, but I see Charlotte eyeing me....She knows it's not right between us yet...."Champagne?" I say. "I think James deserves a toast."James is all enthusiasm, rattling on about his work. Charlotte watches him with something of that old look she had for him, that expression of adoration returning.And I sit, keeping them company, making polite noises from time to time. But when Charlotte leaves the room, James becomes quiet and we sit in uncomfortabl
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Mastering Charlotte Chapter 293: Family, Part 21
JamesMichael takes a moment before speaking, then, ".... All through your life, you've had everything thrust upon you. Even meeting James and me, you chose to enter the auction, but you did that out of necessity. I'd like to know what you want. Now that you are free to choose for yourself, what is it that you want?"And he falls silent, watching her, and waiting as she looks around at everything about us....And I wonder what she sees. With everything that life has thrown at her, the horrors of her childhood, the terrors of her adulthood, and now to be here, in this lovely place, with the home she always yearned for.And is that enough for her?She gestures around, hands trying to encompass it all. "What more could I want? We're all here, at last, together. I have you both. I have what I want."Yes!Result!Michael's eyes shift to mine....Definitely....She sees us, knows what is going on, and leans in to Michael as he kisses her. "I think I'm going to ask you to
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 292: Family, Part 20, Three Years Ago
Charlotte sits in the office facing Mr Chambers. He's middle-aged and pleasant enough, and clearly doing his best to make her feel at ease. Nonetheless, her embarrassment is excruciating and she can't look him in the face."Can I get you a cup of tea, Miss Conners? Or coffee perhaps?"Her throat tight. "No, thank you."If she tried to drink right now, she would bring it right back up again."Very well. I understand you would like to enter our auction for the sale of...." He picks up a sheet and reads.... 'The services of 'Charlotte' for the period of one week, those services to include anything required of her by her purchaser and also to include the sale of her virginity.' Is that correct?"She squeezes the word out. "Yes."He places the document on the table. "I should explain Miss Conners, that whilst you might find it easier to have a female representative to work with right now, here at the auction house we feel that a girl who cannot go through this interview with a m
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 291: Family, Part 19
RichardAt one of these interminable 'drinks dos' I am expected to attend, I do my best to put on a polite face. But I'm having trouble.I have the mayor on one side, "Since the plans were made public for the new City-Scape layout the share value has soared, Richard...."And my head of corporate law on the other. "There are still some legal obstacles to overcome...." argues Lazenby.I am unsympathetic. "That's what I pay you for."What I pay you a lot for........ So, stop whining and do your job.Listening to the mayor droning on, I nod politely, trying to appear interested but, in fact, my attention is half on the gathering at the other side of the room.As Charlotte and Elizabeth are chatting by the bar. Michael arrives, strolling across the lounge with that easy half-smile that is his habitual expression. Charlotte spots him and moves aside to make room for him."Hi, Michael." Elizabeth's eyes are bright as she looks up at him.He returns the smile. "Hi, Beth. L
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 290: Family, Part 18
Richard"But you've been running 'Life and Fitness' in the City for years.… and turning a healthy profit, surely?""Yes, but you know how it is since two thousand and seven. All the banks have tightened up the rules."Bloody bastards at the banks....Pretty perfect for me though....How to approach this…??James said he has a problem accepting help........ Carefully...."Ummm.…Take this the right way, but I'd be happy to help."Glass in hand, Michael freezes, knuckles. His voice is barely polite. "Thanks, Richard, but I'm not a charity."James' meets my eyes again with a 'Told you' look. He laughs softly. "Now, who's suffering from stiff-necked pride?" Michael gives him a look that should have dissolved him on the spot, but James simply gives him a mild look, sucking at his teeth as he tries to extract a bit of peanut.I follow Michael's lead, keeping my own tone cool. "It wasn't a charitable offer, Michael. I'm a businessman. It was a proposal."He flush
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 289: Family, Part 19
JamesAs we leave, Richard murmurs, "Keep your face straight.""You might have warned me....""What? That you were my ace-in-a-hole?" Despite his advice, Richard's mouth is twitching. "Not a chance. It worked out so much better that you were surprised when he finally realised who you are."I glance over my shoulder to see that we are safely out of range, then stop and turn to face him. "Richard, who am I? I'm an architect. A good architect granted, but...."He lays a hand on my shoulder. "You, my friend, are the architect who will have changed the face of the City. Not many can make that claim. Your immortality is going to be standing as evidence around us for generations to come."It's an interesting thought."I never expected to be famous."He rocks a hand back and forth. "Perhaps not with the Common Man, but I looked through those Get-Well cards at the hospital. Did you?""Er, no.""You should. I asked Michael to keep them for when you left the hospital; for when
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 288: Family, Part 18
JamesMy mobile rings: Richard."James, I was having a word with Charlotte earlier. She's a little upset that the university is kicking up a fuss over the way her course options are moving around. The training periods, academic time and so on. It was all supposed to be arranged, but apparently, they're giving her a hard time over it.""Yes, I thought something like this might crop up. Did you have something in mind?""Absolutely. I know where this is coming from. The Chancellor, Wilmore, is fine, but the Bursar is an interfering busybody with an inflated sense of self-worth, who pokes his nose into every aspect of university life, whether it belongs there or not. If he didn't have tenure he'd have been out years ago.""So…?""First, I like you to have a word with Charlotte...."*****The crook of my thumb and forefinger under her chin, I force her face to mine, "Charlotte, is it that you want to attend the university? Or that, in a couple of years' time, you simply want
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 287: Family, Part 17
James"So how did it go?"Michael prises the cap off a beer bottle on the edge of the table then gulps down from the neck before wiping his mouth on the back of his hand. "It was.... surreal."I'm up and about and able to walk now, at the level of using the bathroom without the intervention of a nurse. Nonetheless, Michael's return is an excuse for me to climb back into bed, take the weight from my aching leg and draw a surreptitious sigh, which he pretends not to notice.And I'm happy enough to be here. Back in the beach house, the environment is soothing and convinces me to sleep more than I could have done in the renovation/building site which is our mountain home, even were we able to return there.I prop myself up against the pillows and Michael reaches around, rearranging them for me. When I'm settled comfortably, "Go on. I'm listening.""Cutting a long story short, Klempner admitted to murdering Charlotte's father, seemed to have some kind of crisis over her looking
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 286: Family, Part 16, The Present
KlempnerJennifer's face....The loathing there when he says that....The idea that she might be anything to do with me........You're Conners' daughter........ Not mine…Blondie's still speaking… "And your final revenge on her was to steal the child, to force her to grow up into slavery herself.... To fit your idea of...."I claimed you........ Mine........ My due........ My redress....Blondie is still talking.... "And when you found she'd grown up to look like her mother, you became obsessed with it again, determined to have the daughter forced into a life that the mother had already told you repelled her...."And I remember the disgust in her eyes....My beautiful Mitch........ Looking at me like shit on a shoe...."Is she alive? Charlotte's mother?" Blondie asks.I can't stomach looking at him. "I've no idea. The police gave her a new identity, hid her from me. I couldn't find her, and I've not seen her for over twenty years. But if she's not s
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 285: Family, Part 15, The Present
KlempnerHer face twists...."You still don't want to believe me? She was very good at her job. Good enough that, at first, we didn't realise she was a professional. We thought she was just being.... friendly. And I'll admit, when I set eyes on her, I thought she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen...."..... Mitch's daughter....Blondie's knuckles on her shoulder whiten. ".... So did Frank. We took a room for the night and.... well, you know the script from there. You've had two guys together often enough I'm sure...."Her face sets. "So, what then?""She was fun to be with. Not just a good fuck, but actually good company. We both liked her. And she seemed to like us.... Really like us I mean, rather than just pretend to because that's part of the job description. In the morning, we took her number, and later, we called her back. It went from there. We'd meet up with her a couple of nights a week. It became regular. And then.…"Blondie breaks in, his voice low. "A
