Klempner
Dragging my feet, I plod across the yard to Mitch’s apartment. The bruising and injuries I took during my ice-drenched chase of Baxter two nights ago haven’t had nearly enough time to heal, even if I’d been able to rest. The scratches on my face smart under the chill night air. My bones ache…
At some point over the last couple of days, my ribs took some damage…
When was it?
My brain is full of fog. I can’t remember. During the thrill of the chase, the exhilaration, while I was hyped on adrenaline, I didn’t notice any of this, but now, as fatigue settles, my side aches abominably, stabbing at me if I twist incautiously. My shoulders are tight, all but vibrating with tension…
I don’t want to think about the conversation I just had with James.
Something else then…
Baxter’s gotten away again…
… with the woman…
Who the fuck is she?
And that expression she wore. It wasn’t fear. Or surprise.
It was excitement.
Baxter was wary. Stannis was angry. The… other one… He was scared… For good reason, it seems…
She’s ruthless certainly.
Thrill-seeker? Is that what it’s about?
I know all about being an adrenaline junkie. Been there. Done that…
Read the book. Seen the movie. Got the tee-shirt.
But still, there was more than that.
Baxter sent her away. Tried to protect her. But she didn’t want to go. She was enjoying herself…
She was getting off on it.
It’s unnerved me…
Don’t be fucking ridiculous.
She’s just some woman…
…
???
Who is she?
I try to juggle what I’ve seen of her in my head. Nothing of her feels familiar.
But would it?
Did I sell her on? Traffick her?
How many passed through my hands over the years?
Christ knows. I never kept count.
I can’t think straight. If I don’t get some sleep, I’ll be no good to anyone, least of all myself. Mist settles on my face; a clammy sheen which, double-handed, I swipe away, trying to wipe away the weariness with it.
A police officer stands by Mitch’s door, the glowing tip of a cigarette cupped into one hand. “Good night, sir.”
“You’ve not seen anything untoward?”
“No, sir. Everything’s fine.”
“Thank you. Goodnight then.”
When I reach Mitch’s apartment, her windows are dark but the door’s off the latch and I simply let myself in. A night-light glimmers in one corner; enough to let me make my way to the bedroom without taking another tumble. Even that short journey saps what little remains of my energy.
All I want is to lie down and let sleep ease away fatigue and depression.
The bedroom too, is all but dark, a bare golden glimmer spilling in from the lounge. I can just make out Mitch’s form under her blankets. As I slip through the door, as quietly as I’m able, there’s a rustle, then Mitch’s voice, low and throaty. “Larry?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“You didn’t.” She chuckles. “I was waiting for you. Come in where’s it’s warm.” A pale triangle resolves from the darkness where she turns back a corner of the sheet from the space next to her.
I stoop, aiming in the gloom to breathe a kiss over her mouth. “I can’t think of anything I’d like more.”
Emptying my pockets of car keys, change and my mobile, I set them on the side-table, then gratefully, I shrug off layers of clothes, kick off boots, and slip naked between sheets already scented of Mitch.
My Mitch…
“Tired?”
“Mmmm… Very.”
“I heated up some soup. It’s in a flask there on the side if you want it.”
“In the morning, perhaps. Right now, I just want to sleep.”
A warm palm strokes across my forehead. “Of course you do.” Warmer lips brush across my own and I scent her more strongly: that aroma that is uniquely Mitch, seasoned with a touch of peppermint. Taut muscles at my shoulders and neck relax and a pressure at my temples, which I’d not even registered before, eases
She contours herself to my body, wrapping herself around me, her skin feeling hot to the touch. I’d not realised until now that I’m still chilled. But caressed by Mitch’s body heat, I grow warm and, enclosed in this safe place, my eyelids close without even a thought…
*****