Chapter 81: The Daughter's Manumission, Part 15, Twenty-Six Years Ago, Klempner and Conners

KLEMPNER

"Hey, Larry. Thought I might find you here." Conners collapses into the seat next to me, slapping a folder down on the coffee table. "Is she in later?"

Fury flashes, then I muscle it down.

He has every right to be here....

"She said after seven."

"Good stuff. I'm looking forward to getting that one on her knees again. Hey, don't you just love the way she...."

"What's that?" I nod down to the folder. "Is that for me?"

"It is. The City authorities have said that in principle, they're happy to sell that remaining land you want."

"In principle?"

"Well, you need to make them an offer obviously."

A shadow falls over us. "Hi, guys. How are you doing? Out to play this evening?"

*****

Later, I watch him grunting over her. A part of me revolts at the sight. Another part is fascinated.

Why do you do this?

Men would throw themselves at you....

And my shaft lies quiescent.