JACK OF DIAMONDS

Chapter 10

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The STORY so far…

Artie stood above Roger and pushed him over so that the man lay on his back, gasping. Artie sat down on his chest, looking down at the man before turning to look up at Jenny. “I’m going to enjoy this,” he said, and she could hear the promise of violence in his voice…

Yes, Artie beats Jenny’s husband Roger half to death, because he thinks the man is about to rape her, not understanding it’s part of a rôle-playing game the two have going on. Artie gets carried away, however, as a blinding rage takes over — something he hasn’t experienced since the War…

“What would you have me  say?” she asked,

“The truth. You tell them a thief broke into the house and beat your husband half to death. Tell them that first. Say he’s in need of a doctor. Insist they send a doctor, because you’re afraid he may die.”

“Is he?”

“No. I’m going, but I’m taking a horse. I’ll make it easy for you. You can tell them you saw me riding east — do you know your east from west?”

“Of course I do!” She sounded offended.

“I’ll bring the horse back tomorrow. I expect there’ll be a reward?”

“A reward?”

“For the horse?”

“You want me to pay you for the return of my horse?”

“I didn’t say I was taking your horse; I said I was taking a horse.”

“But why are you taking a horse?”

“Because I told my partner that I’d only be an hour. Any longer than that, and he was to contact the local Constabulary.”

“And you expect me to believe that?”

“No. I expect you to honour your deal. When I come back tomorrow, I expect to be welcomed into your home by your mother. How old is she, by the way? Your mother? I wonder how happily in love she really is with your father? Do you think she has a man hidden away somewhere? A certain Footman she likes to keeps at her beck and call? If not, perhaps she might like the idea of servicing the needs of a young thief who may hold her captive in her room one night? Do you think she’d give herself to me freely? Maybe willingly? Or would I have to threaten her and take it, I wonder?”

“You said you didn’t like rapers.”

“Like you, I also lied.”

“You’ll never be allowed in this house,” she said. “I’ll see to it.”

“We’ll see what happens when I bring back the horse in the morning.”