II
Lightly opening his still dreamy eyes glare of the Sun from half opened window blinded him. Hubbub of the street mixed with chirp of barely audible birds ripped his ears as the sound of the jet. Slowly straightening up his hand shot up to massage his pulsing head.
Hmm, hangover.
Jack glanced at woman who carelessly slept beside him, wrapped in morning sun than gently kissed her pale skin. She was rather beautiful woman, and the fact that he is waking up to image of her fairness would make every man happy.
Every other man, but not him.
His eyes swept over the room which testified about passionate night, for their clothes were scattered all over the floor. Imperceptibly slipping out of the bed, with solemn, mechanical movements washed his face and dressed up. Jack poured himself a glass of morning brandy and sat down on the chair by the bed, silently staring at Rosalie who was still asleep.
Just like every time after they spend the night together, he asked himself same questions.
Why? Why did she always fall back into his arms over and over again? And why he always failed to love her the way he should?
Trying to find answers was impossible task, peculiarly this early in the morning and without aplenty alcohol in his system. Picking up his tailcoat from the floor and straightening the wrinkles, he strolled outside to the street that buzzed with life.
Children were happily running down the paved street, skillfully avoiding carriages which rushed pulled by reined horses. Various ladies that glided past Jack would give him once over with their gracious eyes, then further continued recounting different stories and gossips. With swift movements he went to the graying man who was selling newspapers.
-''Anything new today, Jim?'' - Jack asked while handing him money. -''Which aristocratic brat woke up on their left foot this morning?''
-''Ah, Lord Richmond is organizing ball regarding his eldest grandson next week. But you would know everything about it, eh?'' - the old man responded winking.
Spreading out the newspapers, a frown spoiled his handsome face. Jack loathed aristocracy, despised balls which they only threw to flaunt their wealth in their kitschy gowns and suits. The Richmond family with their immeasurable richness that stretched throughout few generations secured their place as one of the most wealthiest families in London.
Jack loved the way he lived. He had suspicious job that granted him money and thrill, away from all that falsity of the upper class. He was rather withdrawn and quiet, spending days in old tavern that didn't have good reputation, and nights with same ladies who judged and criticized him with their refined society. But he couldn't be less bothered by it, at the end he used them the same way just like that angel besides who he woke up this morning.
The town slowly woke up with the Sun that was growing stronger, as Jack marched inside the tavern where his friend and business partner Mike was waiting. Their profession was rather uncharacteristic, some called them criminals, some do-gooders but they didn't classify themselves in neither group.
-''What happened, Mikey? Looking rather grimly this morning,'' - Jack teased while sliding into the stool next to Mike. Other than muttering something to himself, he refrained from giving any kind of response.
Mike was fifty-something old man, his fading brown hair, red face and deep wrinkles were witnesses of turbulent life. Originally he was from America, but fled to England long ago due to ''business reasons''. Among the circles they moved around there were rumors that he left his family behind, but Mike never denied nor confirmed it, therefore those rumors quickly died and got replaced with newer, fresher ones.
-''Blue Johnny. Word's on the street that he is...rethinking about our offer.'' - Mike finally responded. Surprise and doubt captured Jack's face as she thought about Mike's words. He was absolutely sure they sealed the deal with Blue Johnny, and this change didn't go in their favor.
-''Damn,'' - Jack gritted through his teeth.
-''You can say that again,'' - Mike murmured.
For few moments they sat in silence, each consumed in their own thoughts and attempting to find solutions for their situation. They just couldn't allow this operation to fail because there was too much in stake. Other than their money and effort, things between Blue Johnny and Jack were rather personal and he needed information only Johnny could provide. Therefore, the only way was blackmail.
-''Mikey, this is the plan,'' - he said in lower tone, careful not to be heard. -''You need to find and convince him, however you know. Take Danny with you, all right?''
Mike nodded, immediately understanding what Jack subtly implied and - finishing the mug of bear he was drinking - stormed out of the tavern. Jack followed him with eyes and found furious Rosalie by the door.
-''This is where you ran to, eh?!'' - she shouted approaching his table, making everyone in the tavern cast her a glance.
-''Calm down, Rosalie. I didn't want to wake you up,'' - Jack tried, fake smile of apology plastered on his face. Rosalie pursed her full, red lips.
-''I told you thousand times not to leave me in that stinking motel.''
-''And I told you thousand times that it's not safe for you to be seen leaving that stinking motel with me,'' - Jack retorted, his voice sharp and eyes filled with warning. Rosalie gave him an angry scoff and shook her head, storming towards the bar to order something vehement for her nerves.
Jack scanned the tavern with narrowed eyes, sending a message to curious glances and whispering of tavern guests when his eyes froze on the window by the door where he saw unusual girl with confused expression on her face. Her different and strange clothes, distraught face and half opened mouth spurred curiosity and surprise in Jack.
WHO, THE HELL, WAS SHE?
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