Chapter 114: Prey, Part 16

James

Charlotte's with Beth and Richard in the lounge. I don't want her to see me like this. And with Georgie sleeping upstairs, it's awkward. I don't know what to say to her.

So I don't try. Instead, I head for the kitchen where I can be alone. Splashing water over my face, I try to pretend that it's the soap making my eyes sting. Then I sit at the table, nursing a whiskey.

Georgie...

Stannis standing over her, unbuckling his belt... Sneering... Enjoying her fear... Her tears...

"Oh, God... No... Please... You want money? My father... He's rich. He'll pay..."

Of course I'd have fucking paid...

My mind is churning. My gut clenching. I knock back the whiskey but I'm not truly enjoying it. My throat burns but there's no heat inside me.

Still...

Sliding the bottle across the table, I pour another inch into the tumbler.

The door from the back whines open, admitting a cold draught, Michael and Klempner. Both look a little wary as they see me there.