Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Charlotte’s fist swings, catching him square in the face, and blood spurts. Ben roars outrage, and at that moment, two security men burst into the lobby.

“Outside!” I yell, following them to where James is now with Ben and Charlotte.

Ben’s nose is streaming blood, and he is staring hard at Charlotte, his eyes wide. Never have I seen a look of such cold-blooded hatred directed at someone.

Charlotte doesn’t flinch. She’s not happy, but she knows how to handle herself, and doesn’t back down as he bears down on her again, his hand raised.

“You bitch! How the fuck did you con my brother into this? And what was it for, eh? Was it to get his money? Marry him and then divorce him; try to walk off with half?”

And now, James seizes him by the shoulder. His voice is icy. “Lay a finger on her and I’ll break you in two.” He nods at the two security men who grab Ben by either arm, immobilising him.

“Fucking well let me go,” yells Ben. “I’m going to have it out with the bitch!”

“Not like this you’re not,” says James. His manner is cold, controlled. If Ben can’t see the threat there, then he is blind….

A car skids to a halt close by and Michael jumps out.

“You okay?” he says first to Charlotte, holding her close at the waist, looking into her face.

She nods, then turns back to Ben. “No, I didn’t marry him for his money, and I don’t want it either. If Michael wants a divorce….”

Michael’s head whips round…. “Divorce?” He sounds incredulous Charlotte hasn’t stopped speaking. “……I’ll not try to stop him, and he can keep his money. But if he does do that then I think he should give James back his money.”

“I do not want a divorce,” yells Michael. “What the fuck’s going on here, Ben? What have you said? And why are you bleeding?”

“Your wife hit me.”

Michael turns cold. “Is that right? And what were you doing that Charlotte felt the need to hit you? I’ve seen her punch before, and she doesn’t do it unnecessarily.”

Ben looks away. “I wasn’t going to touch her. I just wanted to get her out of your life.”

I’ve heard of cold fury, but I have never seen it before. Michael’s normally sunny face is glazed with anger.

“You took it upon yourself to try to try to chase my wife away?” He pauses, looks around, seeing me standing by the doors.

“Kirstie, did you see what happened? Why did Charlotte hit Ben?”

“Ben shoved her. I thought he was going to attack her. I’m sure she thought so too.”

The look Ben gives me is deadly.

That’s the end of any chance to be ‘just friends’, then….

Michael follows Ben’s gaze. “Kirstie answered the question I asked, Ben. It’s not for you to hold it against her.”

There is a small crowd on the street now, including the two security guards, still keeping a tight grip on Ben. “Mr Alexanders,” one of them says. “Do you want us to…?”

“Ben, would you like to discuss this in a civilised fashion?” asks James, “Or do I have you put under guard and arrested? Understand that I’m only asking you this because you are Michael’s brother. If it were anyone else, I’d have already dealt with you myself for threatening Charlotte.”

There is the squeal of sirens in the background, then the screech of brakes as police cars pull up at the kerb. Michael looks askance at me. “I didn’t call them.” I protest.

“No, Francis did, at my behest,” says James. “When Kirstie raised the alarm, I asked her to do so.”

He stands right by Ben, his voice chill as he nods towards the police officers standing by. “Are you going to talk sensibly? Or do I have you arrested?”

Ben looks at Michael, a touch of pleading in his face. Michael simply stands, arms folded, legs akimbo.

“Answer him, Ben. Don’t look to me for sympathy when you’ve been threatening my wife.”

“What’s to talk about?” he says sullenly. “I was trying to get you out of this.”

“I don’t want to ‘get out’ of this,” says Michael. “You have no idea how long it took me to get into it. And it’s not your place to interfere in my life. Now, are you going to leave, and give your word not to threaten Charlotte again? Or do I let James have the police take you away?”

“I’ll go,” says Ben. But he looks down and won’t meet his brother’s eye.

“And I have your word that you won’t bother Charlotte again?” insists Michael, then he glances at me, “Or for that matter, Kirstie either.”

Ben doesn’t speak, but simply nods.” And,” continues Michael, “if I have it right, you still have Kirstie’s bag with her house keys and money in it. Is that right, Kirstie?”

I nod, not keen to be pulled back into the discussion.

Ben’s face dour, “I’ll drop them off here at the office.”

“Good,” says Michael. “Now get out of here.”

Ben tries to break free from the security men, who resist, glancing at James for confirmation. He nods curtly, and they release him. Ben jerks himself clear, then turning on his heel, walks away.

As he leaves, James calls after him, “No more second chances, Ben.”

Ben doesn’t turn or acknowledge the words, but I see his scowl as he crosses the street.

Michael turns to Charlotte, pulls her into his arms. “I don’t know what he said to you, but I do not want a divorce.”

Now that the crisis has passed, Charlotte crumples. Her face pressed against his chest, she nods, tears in her voice. “I know.”

“Come on. Let’s get you inside.”

“Can I get you a coffee or something?” I ask.

Michael nods gratefully. “That’d be great, Kirstie. Thanks.”

I show the three into the small conference room which is vacant for the afternoon. When I bring in the coffee tray, James passes me a note. “Can you call that number, please, Kirstie. Ask for Sam Callaghan and tell him that Charlotte won’t be on-site this afternoon. I’ll be in touch with him about it tomorrow.”

“Of course, Mr Alexanders.”

“And apart from returning your belongings to you, if you see any sign of Ben Summerford near this building, you call Security, and me, immediately. He is not permitted in the building.”

“Yes, Mr Alexanders.”

“And, Kirstie…”

“Sir?”

“While we’re in private at least, it’s James.”

“Yes, James.”

And as I return to my desk, I smile to myself. At least I’ve built some bridges.