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Chapter 251: Saviours, Part 9
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Mastering Charlotte Chapter 252: Saviours, Part 10
JamesWhen the party dies down a little, while we are still gathered together, I decide to tackle the elephant in the room. "Of course, this all begs the question of why Klempner said what he did to Charlotte...."The champagne bubbles burst, and Charlotte's face turns serious. "I felt as soon as he spoke, that he had some kind of grudge against me. He said it was because of Jenkins getting killed, that he held me to blame for that. But it didn't feel right. I'm sure he was lying about that. If his grudge was actually with my mother, or my mother and father…"Beth sits, hands neatly folded as she listens. And Richard is intent as Michael interrupts her. "I should mention, Charlotte, that this isn't the only information that Will is trying to find. When these came to light, I also asked him, and he agreed, to try to have any other family connections checked. None came to light...."Richard raises a forefinger. "However," he says, "now that we know there is a family connection, a
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 253: Saviours, Part 11, The Present
He whistles through his teeth, a tuneless noise that serves to give him a little comfort in these uncomfortable surroundings.Officer Phil Cardelli, Rookie, is not technically alone. His partner searches along an adjacent passage, following routes marked out on a plan, laminated against the filth all around. The plan is detailed and complicated, overlaying sewers, subways and city service tunnels of all kinds. Periodically, they call each other, maintaining contact. But right now, he feels....What's the right word?Yeah.... Spooked....Never thought when I signed up that police patrol included sewers....He passes muck and debris, rat droppings and occasional skeletons. A dead cat, bloated and semi-decayed, eyes obscenely open, bobs in the water.He feels better thinking of it as water.The heavy rubber waders reach up to his waist, suspended on braces which dig into his shoulders. The work is dark, stinking and deeply unpleasant.The place, frankly, gives him the c
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 254: Saviours, Part 12, Five Years Ago
There is a knock at the door and Jenny turns from stirring the soup she is making. But without waiting for a reply, the door bursts open and Mrs Bennett strides into the kitchen, her face red."Why is my son sleeping on the couch?" she demands.Jenny colours up."And how long has this being going on?" continues the furious woman. "It's been months since the wedding. I was worried about you. There I was wondering if perhaps we should have the doctor look at you, and I come in early to find Chad sleeping downstairs.""I...." Jenny's eyes are swimming.But Mrs Bennett keeps talking. "And when I took a look around...." She slams open a side drawer which contains underclothes, a washbag and a towel. ".... All his things are down here. He is quite clearly not sleeping upstairs. What is it with you, Jennifer?" The woman stalks forward. "Still got all those ideas about university and books? Can't you bring yourself to be a proper wife to my son? I'm not having it!"She raises her h
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 255: Saviours, Part 13, Five Years Ago
There is a knock at the door."Come in."The door opens, a face edging nervously around. "Mr Kalkowski, can I talk with you for a few minutes?"The old man puts his book to one side. "Of course you can, Jenny. Do come in. It's good to see you. Please forgive me not getting up. It is not so easy for me as it once was.""That's alright. Um, would you like me to make some tea?""Thank you. I would. And if you look in the larder, you will find a cake that Mrs Collier kindly gave me."Jenny makes tea, pouring it from a porcelain pot into fine china cups and saucers. She cuts two slices of cake and passes one across.""Thank you, Jenny. Now, what can I do for you? I've missed our little chats since you left school you know."She sips tea, but the cup clinks against the tremble of the saucer. Mr Kalkowski waits, patience itself. He has heard the gossip. In fact, her old teacher has a very good idea of what she wants to say."Mr Kalkowski...." She puts the cup and saucer dow
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 256: Saviours, Part 14
Mr KalkowskiHe aims the pipe at her, punctuating his words with the movement. "Jenny, your life is ahead of you. You say you believe you should leave. I believe you are correct."She holds up her hands, palms to heaven. "What should I do? I don't know...."The old man puffs a curling ring of smoke. It spins, a writhing vortex in the air, then disperses. "The Greek philosopher Plutarch said that the mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled. Here, Jenny, you have learned. You have been taught. But when you are truly educated, you learn to think.""You still think I should go to university?""It is what I have always believed Jenny. It was not my place to interfere when you decided to marry Chad, but now...."Thoughtful, she pours another cup of tea, tilts the pot to her mentor. He nods, and she pours a second cup."How would I do it?""I retained all the forms and other information from when you were first going to apply. You have only to use them.""
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 257: Saviours, Part 15
JamesShe sees as Michael and I exchange eye signals, but she's used to that now, and simply stands, panting as we undress. As soon as he's down to skin, Michael, his erection pressing into her spine pulls her backward onto the couch, pinning her against himself........ And she's a gorgeous sight....I want to watch her for a bit.Dropping to my knees I push her knees apart, Michael hooks his legs around hers, holding her wide. As her thighs splay, the scent of her pussy, sopping and swollen, billows up. I lean in, my palm flat between her breasts, pushing her hard back against him, then ram hard inside her with a couple of fingers, hooking upwards to scrape her g-spot.She bucks and wails, arms flinging, but Michael snatches her wrists together, pinning her firm. I don't hold back, don't make any attempt to open her. Her pussy is engorged, open and brilliantly red. As I pump her, her juices flood my fingers and palm, sleeking over her skin and mine, and she wails with an
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 258: Saviours, Part 16, Five Years Ago
"Chad, can I talk to you."His eyes lift to hers. "Hello, Jenny. What is it?""I wanted to tell you, I'm leaving.""I ... kind of expected it." His words come out all in a rush. "Jenny, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault....""When I first came here I thought I was in heaven. It's different now." "You'll want the divorce of course.""Yes, I do. I want to be free. I want my life back.""Just send the papers. I'll sign whatever you need.... You can tell the lawyer to send the bill to me as well. I'll pay it." He bites down on guilt and shame, tries to focus. "What will you do?""I'm not sure. I'll probably go to the City. Find work. Take it from there.""When are you going?""Tomorrow. I just want to leave quietly. You won't tell anyone will you? Not yet anyway.""No, not if you don't want me to. I won't tell anyone."*****The following morning, she rises early, everything already packed. She thinks to leave alone but as she slings the rucksack over her shoulder
Mastering Charlotte Chapter 259: Saviours, Part 17, Five Years Ago
And once more, helpless, we must wait for outside events to catch up.Richard, when we see him, is white-faced. Most of the time he keeps to himself.Not wanting company…?Michael chews at a thumbnail. "Wonder why Corby's first act was to try to attack you? Trying to get you prosecuted over the business with the auction?""Perhaps to take Charlotte's defender out of the picture?" I suggest.His chin juts. "She has two defenders, and they knew that...."Ah, c'mon.... "They came after you with guns." His face falls and he nods me an apology. "Discredit one?" I suggest. "Murder the other. Isolate her?"He nods "Why is she so important to them?"Good question....A very good question...."Her testimony at court is likely to put a lot of people in prison, quite likely for good.""Okay, so she's an important witness. But, that being the case, why haven't they simply murdered her? They've had plenty of opportunity." Richard sweeps in. "Will's on his way. He says he
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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
