Page 82 of Perfect Night

“I always said you could make a lot of money if you switched things up. The amount of jobs I’ve had to turn down for you because you won’t bottom with clients is ridiculous. It’s not like you don’t enjoy doing it.”

“We’re not here to discuss Charlie’s former work,” said Langdon. “This is more or a courtesy call.”

“If you’re not coming back to work for me, what the fuck are you doing here? I’m a busy woman.”

He froze, panicked. He shouldn’t have come here. It reminded him of a side of himself which was necessary but didn’t like.

“Charlie will report Jeremy to the police and take out a restraining order,” said Paolo calmly. “Given he regularly uses your services, he wanted to pre-warn you of this, in case the police decide to investigate the matter.”

“You’re doing fucking what?” she screamed, jumping up. “He brings in ten per cent of my revenue. And you want to fuck people over like that? People who are like you that need the money?”

Charlie stuttered, not sure what to say. Langdon was already standing up, daring her to try something.

“You do realise you’ll be admitting to committing a crime, don’t you? Don’t be sending the police my way.”

“He has no intention of doing that, you selfish bitch. I’ve done some digging into this Jeremy, and he’s drugged people before. Did you warn Charlie about him?”

Charlie snapped out of his panic. The look on Lucinda’s face said Langdon was onto something. This wasn’t what they came here for, but he had to know.

“Of course. I’m the one who told him to only ask for a sealed bottle of water.”

“How many men has he assaulted?” asked Langdon,

“Please tell me you didn’t send boys there after he assaulted someone?” said Charlie, although he already knew the answer.

“You all know the risks with this work. Shit happens. A few stupid little twinks didn’t follow my instructions. It’s their own fault. Do you know how much money I’ve made from Jeremy? How muchyoumade? Don’t get all high and mighty now.”

Charlie didn’t respond to her rant. He stood up and gestured for Paolo to do the same. Paolo had the best poker face of anyone, but even he looked horrified.

“Forget what happens to me. I’m telling the police everything. Let’s go.”

Lucinda screamed and grabbed at Charlie’s hair. Langdon pulled her off with no effort and tossed her onto the sofa, pointing at her to stay where she was until they left. He ushered Charlie and Paolo out first before following. Lucinda was screaming abuse as they walked out.

Once they were outside the building, Charlie went to say something, and Paolo stopped him. He took his phone out of his pocket and hit a button before showing them he’d recorded their interaction with Lucinda.

“We’re going home,” said Paolo. “Charlie needs to think seriously about what he’s going to do with this.”

“No, let’s go now, so I don’t lose my nerve.”

“Charlie. You have to think about this. There will be consequences. When did you last sleep?”

“I don’t remember.”

“Right, that does it. Langdon, you go back to work. I’ve cleared my appointments for the day. Make sure the others are home on time.”

Langdon nodded, patted Charlie on the shoulder and left them.

“We could have got the bus with him, or shared a taxi.”

“We’re not going home straight away.”

“Where are we going?”

“You need some food. And I need to know what happened with Sebastian. No more distractions.”

Charlie groaned, but knew there was no point in arguing. All of his friends would need to know what happened, eventually. He may as well start with Paolo.

CHAPTER 22

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