Hot Revenge Box Set 4

Chapter 5

Richard

My friend, Will Stanton, the police commissioner, has called by in person to deliver his news. None of us are happy about it.

Will stands, arms folded, sucking at his teeth. “Richard, you know I’ll do whatever I can, but I have budgets to keep to. If Klempner’s out of the country now, there’s a good argument to say that the danger to Charlotte and Georgie, and whoever else, has moved on. I’m going to have a tough case to answer, keeping a police guard here for much longer.”

Elizabeth, sandwiched between Mitch and Charlotte on the settee, widens her eyes. I’m not happy that Will chose to deliver this here and now, within the hearing of my pregnant wife. She’s all but at term and I don’t like her getting upset

James wears a face like a thundercloud. “The original attack on Charlotte happened before Klempner arrived here. And was planned long before that.”

Will is stony-faced. “Be that as it may, we all know those events were about drawing Klempner out. That’s been done now, and whatever else happens between him and this female Nemesis of his, it’s happening elsewhere.”

“But…”

James’ protest is cut short by a wry-faced Michael strolling into the lounge. “Look who I just found outside.” He turns back towards the hall. “Come on in. No-one’s going to bite.”

The figure that enters is familiar and deeply reluctant. Wearing heavy-grade outdoor clothing and muffled up to the neck, he holds out gloved hands. “My apologies. This wasn’t my idea.”

Heads swivel.

“Hickman?” says James. “What are you doing here? You know Klempner’s not with us now, surely?”

“Mr Alexanders...” Hickman is the very image of a ‘heavy’. He gives James a nod. “…Yes, of course I know that. But while he is away, Mr Klempner has instructed me to keep an eye on what’s happening here.”

His voice turns dry and he casts an eye at Michael. “He was also insistent that I be discreet and not intrude on your family life. I did not ask to enter your home. I am a professional. I do the job I'm paid for.”

Michael gives him a sunny grin. “Does being professional necessarily entail standing outside and freezing your nuts off?”

Hickman sucks in a smile, scratching at his nose. “I suppose not, no.”

“Then for God’s sake, take that jacket off and have a hot drink. What’ll it be?”

Hickman unbuttons his heavy overcoat. Underneath, he’s still warmly dressed in pullover and jacket. “Coffee would go down well, thank you.”

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Will watches in silence, but his folded arms have gone into lockdown. He glares at Hickman. “You were on the video footage at the Lucky Time bar, the night Mickey Miller was attacked. You were talking to Klempner. Who are you exactly?”

Hickman’s regards him with a cool eye, then casts a glance to Mitch. “I am Miss Kimberley’s bodyguard. And should the situation require it, also Mrs Summerford’s and her daughter’s.”

Will cocks a brow at Mitch. “I didn’t know you had a bodyguard?”

Her lips twitch. “Neither did I, until now.”

Will regards Hickman, unlocks his arms, reclasps hands behind his back. “You work for Klempner?”

“At the current time, yes.”

Will takes a step or two, looming close. “You going to give me any trouble?”

Hickman sucks air between his teeth. “Commissioner, I will only be giving trouble as my contract requires it. I do not anticipate you or any of your personnel being the target for any trouble I might be involved in.”

Will casts a look to Mitch, then Charlotte and Elizabeth, me and Michael. “And how do you all feel about this? I think we can all hazard a guess at what kind of man Lawrence Klempner is likely to hire. Or put his trust in.”

James moves in, taking Hickman’s coat, draping it over the back of a chair. “The kind of man who is very good at what he does,” he says… “And who has proved himself to be trustworthy. Will, it’s fine. We know Hickman. We’ve met him before under circumstances that told us all we need to know about him.”

Will’s face, dark as it is, nonetheless reddens. “Well, I haven’t. Who are you?” He jabs a finger towards Hickman’s chest. “What was your name again?”

Klempner’s henchman looks down at the finger. Eyes narrowing, he drawls his reply. “You heard Mr Alexanders. You can call me Hickman.”

Will scowls, withdraws the finger. “I remember now… Where else I know you from. You’re one of the men who originally abducted Charlotte…”

Michael breaks in. “Will, calm down. Hickman helped us escape from Finchby’s place. He’d been hired as part of the effort to catch Klempner. When it became clear what Baxter’s intentions were regarding Charlotte and Cara, he refused to go along with it. He switched sides.”

Will’s scowl deepens. He circles the passively standing Hickman. “What is your relationship with Lawrence Klempner?”

“Mr Klempner pays me to work for him as he requires.”

“He employs you? When you were originally part of the attempt to capture him?”

“Mr Klempner understands that wasn’t personal. He knows I am a professional. So, yes, he employs me.”

“And if someone makes you a better offer?”

Hickman’s brows rise. “Then I might be interested in accepting, after I have completed my current contract.”

Will snorts. “So, Lawrence Klempner has bought your loyalty?”

“If you want to put it that way.” Hickman remains impassive. “But having been bought, my loyalty will stay bought for as long as my current employment lasts.”

“And after that?”

Hickman shrugs, purses his lips. “After that… we’ll see.”

Will sniffs, rubs his nose. “You carrying?”

Hickman casts him a look… “I’m a bodyguard.” … then huffing, opens the left side of his jacket to display what’s underneath.

Will regards the holstered weapon, then as Hickman readjusts his jacket, “So where’s Klempner? Why’s he left you here?”

“Mr Klempner is pursuing Juliana Diaz. He is not your problem anymore.”

“Where? Where has he gone?”

“I understand he is in South America. Brazil, in fact.” He pins Will with a stare. “Commissioner, I am quite sure you have already interviewed Baxter. This must already be known to you. Why are you asking me?”

Will relaxes a bit. “When you’re dealing with a man like Klempner, it’s good to have the facts confirmed. And yes, Brazil was my understanding.” He paces for a moment, considering, then, “You seem comfortable, Mr Hickman, telling me what you know.”

Hickman’s lips quirk. “My employer instructed me to tell you…” Will’s brows rise. Hickman smiles slightly. “… He also asked me to point out that Brazil is outside your jurisdiction.”

Will’s eyes narrow, then he bursts into laughter. “So, it is.”

He breaks off as Michael enters the room with a tray. “I made enough for everyone. Hickman, help yourself.”

Hickman pours. Will paces some more, apparently involved in some internal struggle. After a minute, he stops by the window, staring out.

“Something wrong, Will?” I ask.

He shrugs, huffs, then fishes something out from a pocket: a data key, offering it to Hickman. “I brought this for James here, to compare against what he already has. But since you have a connection to

Klempner, you can send them to him too if you think he could use them. They’re data files of the transcripts of our interviews with Baxter. Given that Klempner is hunting Baxter’s associate, perhaps he can glean something useful from them.”

Hickman’s chin lifts, his eyes widening. “Commissioner, does your authority permit you to do this?”

Will looks blue. “No, not really. But since Klempner is hunting a killer that I should have apprehended myself, I’m prepared to supply him the tools to do it with.”

Hickman gives a small nod. “Thank you, Commissioner. I'll be sure to pass them on.” He turns to James. “I’m sure you want to copy the files before I take the key away?”

“Of course, yes. But on a related subject… Hickman, Klempner gave me contact details. I’ve sent him several messages, which I think he’s seeing, but I’ve had no reply. You’re in contact with him. What’s happening over there?”

Hickman hesitates, then, “I have no message to give you, Mr Alexanders, and no authority to speak to you.”

James’ face darkens. “I want to know what’s happening. Klempner can’t keep us hanging like this. I’m asking you to tell us.”

“With respect, sir, you are not my employer.” Hickman swirls coffee around the bottom of his mug then polishes it off.

“Klempner instructed you to take orders from me.”

“And so I will, Mr Alexanders. In any matter that does not conflict with my direct instructions from Mr Klempner.”

Richard interrupts. “I’d like to ask a question if I may. Hickman, you say that you remain hired so long as Klempner is your employer. What happens to your loyalty if something happens to Klempner? He’s dealing with violent people. If he were injured or killed, we’re putting a lot of trust in you.”

Hickman gives a small smile. “That’s a fair question, Mr Haswell. Be assured that I would not undertake a further employment that… um… clashed with the spirit of my agreement with Mr Klempner. In any case, he has himself considered the matter and there is a considerable sum set aside against that eventuality. It is specifically for the purpose of you…” He waves his hand around our group… “… retaining my services should you wish to do so.”

Mitch moves closer, fingers clasped, winding the emerald ring on her left hand around and around the finger. “Hickman, did Larry… have any message for me?”

Hickman’s rough features soften. “I did ask him that, Miss Kimberley.” He holds her gaze. “He replied simply, ‘Mitch knows.’”

Mitch’s eyes fall and her throat ripples. “That’s… all he said?”

“It is, yes.” Hickman touches her arm with the tips of his fingers. “I wouldn’t read anything into it if I were you. The social graces are not Mr Klempner’s area of strength, and he has his mind on other things. If I were you, I would read my presence here as the message. And…” He touches a forefinger to her hand… “… I’ll tell him you’re wearing his ring.”

*****