Chapter 36: Ransom, Part 16

Charlotte

My back hurts...

Michael... his hands, soothing away the ache... Calming me...

I've been so bad-tempered recently...

So awful to him... Them...

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry...

I wish you were here. I want to tell you I'm sorry...

Master...

My Master...

The softness in your eyes when I kneel for you, the velvet kiss of the falls trailing over my skin...

The bite of the lash...

With you... I fly....

*****

Michael

Beth pops her head up. "James, how do I zoom in here?"

"It's a touch screen. Just scissor it out."

He watches as she zooms, peering in on the screen, then replays...

"Beth, what are you looking at?"

"I think I might have something."

She sheers off as Klempner abandons his laptop, striding over to sit by her. "Show me."

His eyes slide sidelong. "Mrs Haswell, I realise you don't care for me, but we have to work together in this, and I haven't come here to eat you. I believe you and Jenny are close, so please remember I'm here on her behalf."