Chapter 42

I can't sleep.

She lies beside me, naked, lovely. Her hair spills over the sheets and the soft warmth of her breathing glows over my skin where her face rests in the nook of my shoulder.

I can't process what I'm thinking...

What I'm feeling…

The night calls me and as silently as I can, I dress then head outside.

The darkness glitters. A sliver of silver moon slices across black sky, my shadow stretching long over a mosaic of blue and purple. The frozen surface of the snow snaps under my feet.

A door opens, streaming golden light, then another shadow hovers close by.

"Can I get you something, sir?"

"Thank you. I'll have a coffee with cognac."

The night-porter reappears carrying a steaming glass cup. As I sip, fire trails down my throat and the fragrant steam twines with my breath as both curl up into the frigid air.

Why did I ever think nights are dark?

*****

Richard

"I'm visiting the university next week, James, to follow up on these plans of theirs for a library. I would like you to accompany me if it's convenient."

The phone buzzes and Francis replies. "Hello?" She listens for a moment then her gaze shifts to James. There's a wild look to her eye.

Most unlike her….

"James, I'm sorry to interrupt you," she says, "but I have Kirstie on. There is someone down in the lobby asking for you."

His brows rise. "For me? By name?"

"Yes… Um, Kirstie says she calls herself Marlene Alexanders."

James snarls. "What the fuck's she doing here?" he mutters.

Francis falters at his tone, glancing at me before speaking. "Do you want me to send her up?"

James looks away, scowling then, "Are any of the ground floor meeting rooms free?"

She taps at her keyboard, looking at her screen then, "Yes, number two is vacant until half eleven."

"Fine. Tell Kirstie to send her in there. And not to offer coffee. She'll not be staying."

"Yes, James. I'll do that."

James heads for the elevator like the oncoming storm. "Please excuse me, Richard. I won't be long."

"Take all the time you need, James."

Without turning back, he repeats, "I won't be long."

As the doors close behind him, Francis and I exchange looks. "His ex-wife?" she asks.

"I think so, yes."

"Not much love lost there, I think."

"I think you're right."

*****

James

She stands as I enter.

You've aged….

And not gracefully either….

Her mouth pulls down at the corners and she's wearing far too much make-up. She wears that 'Marlene-smile' that, even after so many years, still looks sham.

She wears loud, overly showy rings on fingers that end in red-varnished talons. Her clothes are designer-wear but don't suit her, being cut for a much younger woman. The handbag by her on the conference table bears an expensive logo, but is scuffed at the corners.

"Hello, James. It's nice to see you."

I see no reason to be polite. I stand, arms folded, legs akimbo. "Is that right? That's not what you said the last time we spoke."

You ripped my guts out….

…. and enjoyed doing it….

She licks her lips, her voice cracking. "You've not changed much, have you? Still straight to the point."

"What do you want, Marlene?"

"Aren't you going to offer me a cup of coffee?"

"No, I'm not. I didn't invite you here and I'm a busy man. You'll not be here long enough to make yourself comfortable. I'll repeat. What do you want?"

"Yes, I know you're busy. I saw you on the TV when there was that fire at the old Haswell offices. You were... You told them to fuck off." She laughs. "No, you haven't changed, James."

"And you have? Get to the point. What do you want?"

She shrugs, trying to look off-hand. I'm not buying it. She's as manipulative as ever. "You're an important man these days. Richard Haswell's second in command..."

"If I am, it's none of your concern. I'll ask the question one last time, Marlene, then you're leaving. What do you want?"

"James, I'm in trouble." Her eyes flood...

Crocodile tears.

She hesitates. Clearly, I'm expected to take the cue, but I don't. Instead, I wait for her to keep talking.

"James, the thing is… I'm single these days…."

Not surprised….

"…. and, well, I'm having trouble making ends meet…."

Ahhh….

The fucking obvious….

I cut her off. "This is about money, isn't it? You've come to ask me for more money. You found out what I do these days and decided to skin me for more cash. Is that it?"

Her face falls….

You're so fucking transparent….

"I left you with plenty. You owned the roof over your head. You had the car. Cash in the bank. You took everything out of our marriage that was worth having. You got the lot. You should be fine."

She looks at her nails, apparently contrite. "It…. it didn't last the way I thought it would. There's nothing left."

"Marlene, if you've blown it, that's not my doing or my problem. If you're out of money, then downsize the house. Run a smaller car." I nod down to the hands she is wringing together. "Sell some of that gold you're wearing. It's not as though it suits you. You might even consider getting a job. The rest of us have to work for a living. There's no reason you shouldn't."

She gulps and looks away, then turns back….

What are you going to try now?

Not one fucking penny….

"Of course, it's been a long time." She paints on what I think she considers an innocent expression. "I suppose there's someone else." She looks at my left hand, my ring. "Is there someone else?"

Jade….

"Yes, there's someone else."

She's blinking too fast. "We were never suited, James. You know it's true. It's not every woman who…. who could handle your inclinations. Can't you forgive me for that?"

I pause, taking a few seconds to choose my words. "Yes, I could forgive you for that. I accept that I'm not an easy man to live with and it is true that not all women would be cut out to have me for a husband. Certainly not you." I step forward, stand over her, lower my voice. "But you took Georgie from me for no reason than sheer spite. You lied to her about me. You told her I left you with nothing and you poisoned her against me. You robbed me of my daughter." I place a fingertip on the end of her chin. "I will never forgive you for that."

Her eyes rise to mine. "You've had every penny you're ever getting from me," I say. "Now leave and don't come back. I'll be issuing instructions that you are not to be admitted to these offices again."

She doesn't speak. Instead, she swallows, clutches her bag and leaves. I follow her out, watching to be sure she goes.

Kirstie hovers in the background. "Mr Alexanders?"

My instinct is to snap at her….

Not her fault….

…. and I take a breath and a moment to moderate my tone.

Then, I jerk a thumb the way of the doors. "She doesn't come in again. Right?"

"Yes, Mr Alexanders."

*****