Michael
293 Words
Michael
I kill the connection and resist the urge to hurl the phone at the windscreen.
James, a prisoner…
Charlotte…
Has Ben found her?
I scream in pure frustration, venting fury and impotence.
Bugged…
Silent running…
... if that's possible...
My phone flashes again. And again, I jab on the speaker.
“Ben! Have you found them? Be careful what you say. We’re not private. The car’s bugged.”
“Bugged? What…?” He pauses for a moment. All I hear is heavy breathing. “Mike, never mind. Tell me later. No, I’ve not found them yet…” Ben’s voice is breathless, breaking. “I’m at Francesca’s now. They weren’t in the tea-room so I’m working through the store, seeing if I can find them on the sales floors. Mike, this man, Klempner, what does he want with Charlotte?”
“It could be her mother he really wants. It could be both. That’s my guess. The timing’s too close. Having only just found Mitch. Klempner says he just wants to talk with her. If you believe that…”
“He’s gone to all this trouble just to talk?” Even over the hum of the engine Ben’s puzzlement is clear. “Hang on… Klempner says…?”
“Sorry, Ben. Things are moving too fast. I’m forgetting you don’t know. Klempner’s there. At the house, I think. And he’s got James…”
“Christ! What’s he going to do? You don’t think…?”
“I’ve no idea. But I can’t worry about everyone. James is just going to have to take care of himself for now…” But my stomach turns over… “I have to…. We have to look out for Charlotte and Mitch.”
“Where are you, Mike? How far away? It’ll be easier with two of us.”
“I’m in the City but I’m trapped in traffic. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Keep your phone handy.”
“Of course. Listen, when you get here…” But the signal crackles then dies.
*****
- Writer
