บททั้งหมดของ The Master's Child: บทที่ 101 - บทที่ 110

MichaelJames' expression is stricken. "Will... Georgie... My daughter... I have to...""No!" Stanton stabs a finger at him again, eyes white-rimmed against his dark skin. "Not until I've gotten to the bottom of what's happened this evening."James sits, resting his face into his hands. I lay a hand on his shoulder, but he shrugs me away.Stanton turns, aiming the finger at the officer covering Klempner. "Lopez, don't relax with that one. He has a track record of escape.""Sir!" The gun muzzle raises from the room corner to point toward Klempner.He stands close by the hearth, by the heat. Mitch is right. He looks like he's been through a war. His face is bruised, swelling in places, and long scratches seep blood on one cheek. His clothes are bloodstained and drenched, steaming in the heat of the flames. He must be chilled to the bone. Certainly, he's shivering violently. By Klempner's feet, Bear shoves his snout against him, whining. Without appearing to be aware of what h

I try to catch James' attention, but he steadfastly refuses to meet my eye.Klempner recovers himself. "That's right. I was carrying the knife when I left here in the early evening. However, when James asked me several hours later, it wasn't in its sheath.""So... you're telling me that someone, in effect, picked your pocket?" Stanton radiates scepticism. "And you didn't notice? That sounds unlikely."Klempner shrugs. "James made much the same comment. But the bar was crowded, packed tight. People were jostling me all the time, to the point it was getting on my nerves. In retrospect, I can think of several occasions when someone might have lifted the knife. There could well be others that don't come to mind." He rubs the side of his nose, meets Will's eye. "Is there any CCTV for the bar? You might catch something on there."Will nods. "I've already requested it. Forensics are looking at it right now. But there's a lot to get through, with the other footage we have." He glances

JamesGrowling inside, I march out, heading for my car...Georgie...Don't panic... Stay calm...Conway trots along behind me then, taking a smart step or two, catches up with me. Snagging me by the wrist, he pulls me up short, taking the car keys from my hand. Jingling his own keys, "I'll drive if you don't mind, sir."Snatching my arm free, "I know the way."His face shifts to 'officially banal', but his tone is tight. "Perhaps so, sir. But the commissioner was specific that I take you there and besides, you should only drive with a cool head."He gestures, palm offered, to the squad car and, suppressing the urge to snarl, I get in on the passenger side. In silence, he drives down the mountain and then onto the main highway into the City. After a couple of junctions, he clicks down the indicator lever."This isn't the turnoff for Marlene's place.""I'm headed for the address we were given, sir. Mrs Alexanders' home address.""Her home?""That's what I am given t

MichaelKlempner is pale faced, his cheek still swollen, and there's a weary edge to his movement, but he and Stanton stride in together as though they are two halves of a working team."You're back then?" says Klempner as he spots James. "What's the news on your daughter?"James is grim, passes across a sheet of paper. "Just this."Klempner reads the photocopied note; inclines his head, clicks his tongue. "What was her mother's involvement?""Baxter seduced the stupid bitch some months ago, then used her to move in on Georgie."Klempner re-reads the note. "Comparing this with the messages from when Jenny was abducted, it has Baxter's stamp all over it. Phrased to be vindictive." He raises eyes. "And to knock you off balance. To stop you thinking straight."James nods, looking sick at heart. Klempner regards him for a moment, lids half-lowered, then turns back to Stanton, busy checking his mobile. "So, do we have any reported sightings of Baxter yet? Or of Stannis?""Ye

MichaelThe street hums with activity. This used to be part of the old docks. Once ramshackle and unloved, it is buzzing again. A one-time customs house is being refitted to a block of eight townhouses overlooking the waters. Crumbling quays and moorings have been rebuilt and a marina is growing up around them. Even an old rope factory, surely the longest building in the City has been renovated and repurposed, James incorporating it into a new library and arts centre.Our target address lies at the far end of the docks: apartment blocks, brand new buildings that have risen from the ruins of the old city; stores and shopping malls on the ground floor, accommodation on the floors above.Shoe shops and budget clothes vie with DIY stores, white goods, liquor, antiques and jewellery. Harried-looking parents herd teenagers towards pizza parlours and burger bars. Overalled workmen nurse beers and hot-dogs. Be-suited men and women sit at tables over coffee, croissants and sandwiches. You