Twenty-Six Years Ago - Blessingmoors
482 Words
Twenty-Six Years Ago - Blessingmoors
Bech stalks the office. “Who was in charge of security last night? And who was responsible for securing the perimeters? For the repair of that gate?”
A woman in a blue nurse’s uniform shifts from one foot to another. Her features are sharp-cut, severe. Sweat beads her forehead sheens her face. She looks down, licking at dry lips. For such an ordinary-looking man, Bech inspires a reaction. “That would have been Jared, Mr Bech.”
His expression, flat-eyed, could etch glass “Really? He’s been with us long enough to know better. I want to see him. Right now.”
A bead of sweat drips from the nurse’s forehead, splashing to the tiled office floor. “Yes, sir. He’s upstairs. I’ll fetch him. Would you like me to inform Mr Klempner of the intruder?”
“No, that's fine, Helga. I'll handle it.” Bech surveys her. She’s relaxing a little. “Don’t worry. It wasn’t your fault what happened, and you did the right thing calling me immediately.”
Relief washes over her face and tumbles through her voice. “Thank you, sir.”
“So, who was she? What did she look like?”
“She was quite striking, sir. A red-head. Young, well-turned out, very beautiful.”
He shoots her a glance. “A red-head, you say?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And she asked for Mr Klempner by name?”
“Yes, sir. She asked for ‘Larry Klempner’ and asked if he was in charge here.”
“Thank you, Helga. You can go. But send Jared to me. And call someone in to get that gate replaced and secured.”
“Yes, sir.”
*****
An hour later, a tap on the door. “Mr Bech?”
“Come in, Helga.”
Her eyes drop to the cooling corpse stretched out on the floor and the crimson pool inching over the tiles, then flick up again. “Just a word, sir. There is a workman at the back installing a new gate. I’ve sealed all the doors and windows, but…”
“Thank you, Helga. Yes, forewarned is forearmed. No more uninvited trespassers”
Her eyes fall once more. “And that… sir?”
“The river. Where he’ll be found. Let’s spread the message.”
*****
Bech watches, impassive, sipping coffee as what is left of Jared is carried away and Helga mops the floor. “Anything else, sir?”
“No, that’s fine. You can go.”
She nods, leaves. Bech paces the room, chewing a thumbnail.
Klempner’s w***e…
What the f**k was she doing here?
How much did she see?
Hissing in frustration, he links hands behind his head, tilting back until his neck cracks.
What to do about her?
The obvious?
She's a looker. She'd get a good price.
Ship her somewhere no-one speaks English, and no one cares…
Klempner…
Just how attached to the b***h is he?
?
?
How would he react?
?
Bech shudders.
No…
Arrange an accident? Solve the problem at source…
Deny everything?
?
Would he buy it?
?
Very unlikely…
Shut her up then… At least for now.
Discredit her?
While he’s still away…
Fait accompli.
Then back to business as usual.
Grinning to himself, Bech reaches for the phone. “It’s Corby. Is Cappelli there? Thanks… Cappelli? Yes, I've had a report… Never mind who from. But this one's for you. I’m sure Drugs will be interested.”
*****
- Writer
