JamesMichael stamps into the room, shaking sleet off himself like a dog.He makes for the larder, rummaging around before he fishes out a can, waving it at me, brows raised."Mmm… yes. Thanks."He reaches for another, plonks it on the table beside me then flops down onto the chair at the other side. Flipping open the ring-pull, he sucks out half the can in one go, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. "Ah, that's good. One thing about living in primitive conditions. Old stone larders are a good way to keep beer."I open my own can and take a gulp. "Hard day?"He swipes a hand back through sweaty, grit-filled hair. "Mmm, yes. Long day too. And the short winter daylight isn't helping either. We're having to do a lot of the work on lights and cables." He nods down at the stack of files and papers next to me. You working late too?""I'm reading reports.""Reports? About what?""Blessingmoors. And wishing I could get my hands on the bastards that did this."His face clo
JamesMaking our way to the meeting room for her interview, I follow behind as Michael holds a pale-faced Charlotte's hand.Beth and Richard are already waiting. I knew Beth was going to be present to support Charlotte, but Richard also, billionaire owner of a large part of the City, has cleared his diary to be here too. I'm not sure what he thinks he can contribute, but his presence speaks volumes.How many student trainees receive that kind of accolade from their CEO…?.... and friend…Beth gives her a hug. Francis brings a tray of coffee and her favourite chocolate-chip biscuits, which Charlotte doesn't touch.When Charlotte doesn't take offered food, you know she's not feeling good....Her smile is small and forced. She's doing her best to be polite, but I think it takes every ounce of Michael's support to keep her going. Still, she said she wanted to do this and overall, I believe she has made the right choice.We don't have to wait long. It's just as well. No-one
RichardShe turns back to me, hard-eyed, but then relaxes a little."Alright, Mr Haswell. Since it's you…"That's something........ How angry with me is she?I turn to Corby. "I'd like you to leave, now. We'll rearrange the interview for another day, and with another officer."His face flushes, but he nods, returning to the conference room to gather his notes. Michael starts to speak but I press a finger to my lips, rolling my eyes at the door. He nods and then waits, standing ramrod straight, hands in pockets.His lips a flat line, Corby exits, and I watch through the internal window to be sure he's entered the elevator. Then I turn to Charlotte. "I promise you that I knew nothing about that."Corby gone, some of her tension is easing, her eyes softening. "I believe you, but you can't give the guarantee I'm looking for, can you?"Oh, crap…"No, I can't."Her voice is matter of fact. "As I said, they'll not get a word out of me right now. I don't know where the p
KlempnerOutside, sitting in the car, key hovering over the ignition, "Of course not. I wish it was 'Of course not'."Bech's voice is neutral. "You want me to get rid of him, sir?"You'd love me to say yes, wouldn't you........ You can't stand the pasty-faced little perv either...."It's a tempting thought, isn't it? But no, I really don't have anyone to replace him right now."Bech frowns. "No one, sir? Baxter perhaps? He thinks for himself....""Yes, he does, but he's busy with what's going on in South America.... He's sending a fresh batch next week.""Sir, you have a lot of people to call on. Surely, someone....""Yes, Bech, I do, but they're scattered. I need someone here." Glancing at him side-long, "I'm guessing you're not volunteering for the job."He rubs the side of his nose. "Not my style, sir," he replies blandly."Didn't think so. So, we're stuck with Jenkins for now.""He knows the rules," he says. "He won't touch them, but.... that doesn't mean
RichardElizabeth rises in a lithe movement, turns the lock on the door and pulls the blinds down on the internal window. Then returning to me, she straddles my lap, hooking her arms behind my neck."What would you like, Master?".... What would I like?From everything offered...."I'd like to get inside my wife and hear her moan as I fuck her."Smiling at the eyes, "As my Master wishes."Standing again, she reaches for my belt, the smile working its way to her mouth as she finds my zipper tight against the pressure from within, wrestling with it for the few seconds it takes her to unbelt, unzip and release me.Spinning my chair through ninety, giving herself space to move, she stands back, raising her skirt from the hem, all the while holding my eye. Lifting slowly, she displays herself to me; her panties, a vee of white lace and satin against porcelain skin."Master?"Do I let her strip for me?.... Or do I do it myself?A dark and growing stain creeps up the
RichardWill lays knife and fork to one side, steepling his fingers. "Richard, I know you and I are old friends and that you're calling me on that now, but I also have to answer for my own actions. Allegations have been made regarding the man and I cannot simply ignore them.""What allegations?""I'm not at liberty to say."Very helpful...."So, ask Charlotte herself what you want to know. She'll tell you the right of it.""You really think she will?"Hmmm....I take a mouthful of the Cabernet, swishing it around to give myself time to think. "Let me put it this way. How far would you get with any prosecution on James if Charlotte refuses to co-operate?" Will purses his lips. "And as for the Blessingmoors business, which is where you do need her evidence, I don't believe there is any team of wild horses that will drag anything useful out of her so long as she thinks there is an attempt on your part to attack James.""You really think so?""I'm sure so....""He bou
His hand comes hard across her face. "Do as you're fucking told, Jennifer. Get dressed. Put this on. And those." He points at the trinkets on the bed. "And count your fucking blessings that I don't put you back down in the cellar."Jenkins scrapes rat-tail hair back over his bald pate, pushing a dress at her. It's new. And pretty too, much prettier than anything she has been given so far. The other things laid out on the counterpane, are also new; underwear, white and lacy, a bracelet, a cheap necklace and new shoes with dainty kitten heels.And she knows what it means. The only time they are ever given new clothes is just before they.... leave....She takes the dress by reflex, then drops it, letting it float to the floor."Put it on, Jennifer. Fucking well put it on." He licks at lips already wet with saliva. "Or do you want me to put it on for you?"She backs away, shaking her head. Jenkins stoops, picks up the garment and throws it to her again."If you're not wearing
RichardThe Threesome arrives, Michael holding Charlotte's hand, James following, storm clouds behind his eyes.Elizabeth, ever the good hostess, rises to greet them as Ross shows them in. "Hello, Michael," she smiles at him. "Hello Charlotte, James.""Hi, Beth, lovely to see you." Michael releases his hold on Charlotte for a brief moment then takes Elizabeth by the shoulders, gives her a quick peck on the cheek and backs away, returning to his contact with Charlotte.James, unusually for him, though understandably enough, is quiet. He knows he could be in deep shit…What would the actual charge be? Procurement?I am beginning to realise that Michael is seldom a talker, so his silence is less noticeable. And while I notice that her glance drifts occasionally towards him, Elizabeth is an absolute star, keeping Charlotte talking with chit-chat and inconsequential gossip.I watch him, how careful he is of Charlotte, always watching her, hovering protectively. As does Jame