Chapter 119: Hell - Klempner

KLEMPNER

A knock at the door. Nurse Starched-Hat. “Another visitor for you, Mr Waterman.”

Christ…

Lorelei and her cohorts have already set up camp in my room. I’ve lost track of who they are, but two perch on the bed, one is setting up a coffee machine…

“No point having to keep walking all the way down that corridor…”

… and another pair are discussing the finer details of giving a come-on to a potential john…

All heads turn to the door.

Lydia, carrying a large round tin. “Hello, Mr Waterman. I hope you’re feeling better.”

Oh, God…

Still, at least I’m surrounded by chaperones, unlikely as they might seem for the role.

She looks around at the assembled cast of the sit-com which passes for my life. “Who are all these ladies?”

Lorelei flickers a smile, quickly extinguished. “We’re just friends of Larry’s here.” She nods down. “What's in the tin, kid?”

Lydia swallows. “I brought Mr Waterman a cake.”

“Cake?” Lorelei blinks. “You've brought cake for Larry?”