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Chapter 198: Guardians, Part 3, Nine Years Ago, The Farm
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Mastering Charlotte Chapter 199: Guardians, Part 4
JamesI wake in the deep of the night, and through sleep-befuddled confusion, cannot make sense of the sound I hear.But the noise is persistent and after long seconds it comes to me that my phone is ringing. Propping up on an elbow in the dark, rubbing grit from my eyes, I check the time on the screen as I touch Charlotte's flashing avatar. It's late enough to be early.My brain is still not wired up properly. "Charlotte? It's late to be calling. Is everything alright?"There is a rustling and a clunk, and it's Michael's voice I hear. "James, we were attacked...."Attacked?I sit up with a jolt, scrabbling for the light switch as I keep the phone pressed to my ear."Attacked? Michael, did I hear you right? Who by? How many are there?"".... Not sure how many there are, but they're armed with guns...."Oh, Christ........ and I sent you up there........ Charlotte....".... We've taken out two of them," he continues, "but there's more, so we're taking the trail
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 200: Guardians, Part 5, Nine Years Ago
Mr Kalkowski"Jennifer, this is Mr Kalkowski. He's the headmaster here.""Hello, Jennifer. It is good to meet you. We do not see many new faces around here." Mr Kalkowski offers his hand and tentatively, she takes it, not knowing quite what is expected of her. He gives a brisk tug downward, then releases it.Mr Kalkowski has been a tall man, but now, stooped with age, shoulders rounded, he leans heavily on a walking stick. To Jennifer's eye, he seems immensely old, face shrinking back to his skull and his hair silver. Nonetheless, his eyes are bright and dark and alive, sparking with intelligence.But she looks nervously at the stick........ He tilts his head at her response, eyes narrowing. Mrs Collier too has seen her reaction and she exchanges a glance with the old man."So, Jennifer, or do you prefer Jenny?" He is smiling and friendly and Jennifer ducks her head, not knowing how to react. This isn't how men behave........ is it?"Um, don't know. Don't mind.""Hm
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 201: Guardians, Part 6
JamesAlthough the snow is deep and thick, a lot of traffic has been up and down the normally peaceful mountain road. The sky is clear and starry, but the stillness of the night is shattered by the wail of sirens and the flashing of blue lights. Hordes of people are milling around, blue-uniformed police, medics in white coveralls and, it runs a chill through me, sharp-shooters bearing rifles.I step out of the car to see one unconscious body is being stretchered to an ambulance........ and a shock jolts through me before I realise that the body is not that of either Michael or Charlotte.I peer over for a better view and to see the damage. It's not easy in the unearthly, blue flashing light, but as I look more closely, my gorge rises....Surely Michael and Charlotte were unarmed?But when I see the smashed remains of what was once a face, I begin to wonder....What the hell did Michael do to him?One of the attendants sees me. "It's Mr Haswell, isn't it? Commissioner S
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 202: Guardians, Part 7, Nine Years Ago, The Farm
"Jennifer, are you alright?""I'm a bit stiff, Mrs Collier. Nathaniel was teaching me to trot this morning.""Ah-ha? I'll run you a hot bath, then. That'll help to ease the muscles a bit."Ten minutes later, as Jennifer steps into foaming water, the bathroom door bangs open and Mrs Collier marches in with an armful of towels, then halts, "Oh, sorry Jennifer. I didn't realise.... Heavens, girl!" She raises a hand to her mouth in shock. "What have you done to yourself?"From thigh to belly, Jennifer's normally pale skin is blue and purple with bruising. "You gave yourself a real pounding, didn't you? You're supposed to rise and fall with the movement of the horse. Not bounce on its back like a sack of potatoes...."*****Monday arrives, and Jennifer sets out at a smart pace down the track, eager to get to school and change the books she finished over the weekend.Chad is waiting for her again. He takes her bag. "It's heavy," he says, as he hitches it over his shoulder. "Wha
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 203: Guardians, Part 8
JamesI pull over in a lay-by, then tap into my maps app, eyeing the ground and the contours, trying to gauge the most likely spot for Michael and Charlotte to emerge from the woods. I settle on an area a mile or so further along, where the forest retreats a few hundred yards back from the road, with open fields in between. If nothing else, I will have a wider view there.So, re-parking, I angle my car to point headlights out to the treeline. Then I stand to wait, buttoning my jacket tight, sipping occasionally at Ross' soup....He barely knows me........ The kindness of strangers....The night is freezing, the air like shattered crystal, shimmering blue clouds as I breathe. A couple of feet of snow is topped by a crisp frozen layer which snaps under my feet as I pace, trying to keep warm, trying to stop my feet from numbing.What are they wearing? They had to run....They could freeze....Jade........ Michael....With only a sliver of a moon it should be all but
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 204: Guardians, Part 9
James… And so am I....Arms outstretched, her hair flowing behind her she runs, stumbling over the uneven ground in a headlong dash to me........ And I to her.She flings herself into my arms. The knot of tension in my gut unravels and I'm trembling uncontrollably as I pull her to me. My eyes squeezed closed, my face pressed to the top of her head, I hold her tightly."Master, I'm okay, really. Please, I need air…"I release her from my death-grip, but swing her to me by the shoulders, cupping her face with a hand as I look her over, seeking for injuries or any sign that she's hurt."You're alright? Really alright?"Oh, God… I thought I'd lost you...."Yes, I'm fine. It was awful, but Michael.…""Tell me later. Come and get warmed up."And behind her, watching, smiling softly....Michael.…… My friend....... stands there, quiet as ever, but his eyes meeting mine.You brought her back to me........ I gave her to you, and you brought her back to me....
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 205: Guardians, Part 10
RichardJames, understandably enough, is in a much improved state of mind.Working over the maps and plans of the City provides me with a much needed distraction as together, we try to work out just how Elizabeth's abductors whisked her out of sight so easily. It occupies my mind and gives me something to do which at least feels useful.James proves to be unexpectedly good company; an ideal balance of work-partner and supporter. And of course, he has a good idea of what I'm feeling inside."Ummm...." The voice comes from behind us; Charlotte in a bathrobe, blinking a little against the light....Still half asleep….... No wonder....James' face lights up. Straightening up from where we are working, he strides across to her. From the spring in his step, I suspect he would be much more demonstrative if I were not here. As it is, he simply kisses the top of her head.Don't inhibit his joy........ Be pleased for him....Elizabeth...."Good afternoon, Charlotte," he s
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 206: Guardians, Part 11
JamesRocking her back and forth, I murmur....... what? Something. I don't know what. Just whatever falls from my mouth. Nonsense words. Comfort noises. For myself as much as for her. I have no idea what I'm saying. Except that she is here and safe and we are together. She and I and Michael, together, as it should be.For a long minute we rock and embrace together, my own strain easing as much I think, as hers."I like a woman who keeps her promises." It's Michael, his expression unreadable. Charlotte jolts against me, wiping red eyes and streaming nose with the back of her hands. She blinks at him. "Um, sorry. What?"Humour crinkling the corners of his eyes, "You did promise me a hysterical outburst once we were safe."She bursts into laughter. There is a manic edge to it, but at least she's smiling. "So I did. Sorry about that. Just give me a minute, would you both."She beelines the bathroom and after a moment there is the sound of drawers and cupboards opening and cl
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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
