Читать книгу Watching - Jeff Edwards - Страница 15

It soon became apparent that the working girls, who lined the street outside the Golden Stag, thought Jade’s idea of a beneficial fund was a good one. It was a way of being able to put some money aside that their parasitic pimps couldn’t touch.

The money began to come to Jade at an increasing rate. Only small amounts from each woman, but the total amount grew quickly. Most was simply passed to Jade in envelopes, with a girl’s name written on it. The girls handed them to Jade as she walked into the pub, or were left with the landlord, who delivered them to her.

Instead of spending the evening relaxing, drinking, and listening to good music, Jade now found herself deep in the journal, detailing deposits, and making payments to the girls who could not work. The volume of money coming in far exceeded the amounts being returned, so a sizable bank of funds was quickly accumulated.

Jade had wondered how best to handle the excess amounts, and, after consulting a few of the girls, and gaining their permission, she paid half into a safe investment account, realising a small but secure interest, and the balance she invested with Walter Groom, as venture capital, with his new company. These funds were at risk, but promised large rates of interest, if the company fared well.

The girls were especially pleased, when, after six months, they were given a detailed financial report, showing how their money had grown. For most of them, it was the first time in their lives that they had actually possessed money to spend, and, for most of them, it was too much. They gathered around Jade, demanding their money, eager to spend it as quickly as possible, after all, Christmas was just around the corner.

With the money tied up, Jade had no way of making good from the liquid funds available.

Realising that there was no other way out of the dilemma, she withdrew her own funds, and made good the withdrawals. For someone like Jade, who had never had to worry about where her spending money was coming from, the experience was a sobering one. From then on, Jade determined that there would be stricter conditions placed upon the funds allocated to her.

Many of the girls thought the restrictions on the withdrawal of funds was a way of stealing their money, and a large number refused to bring their money to her, but there were enough with confidence in her to ensure that the business would not collapse. The girls who remained benefited greatly, even though they could only see the money on paper. These were the more pragmatic ones — the girls who could see that money invested meant a possible life after the misery of their days on the street. Money that they would have in the future. Money to raise a family on, if not in style, then at least not in abject poverty.

* * *

Robert had been away again, and had returned after another six-month stint travelling around Europe. He sat listening absently to the music, as he sipped his beer.

Jade kissed him on the cheek. ‘Where are you?’ she asked.

‘What?’

‘Well you’re certainly not sitting here with me at the moment.’ She laughed.

‘Just which country are you in?’

‘I’m worried about several countries.’

‘Germany?’

‘And Italy.’

‘You don’t like Mr Hitler.’

‘I saw firsthand what they were capable of, when they helped out in Spain. They were far too efficient, and they’ve grown in strength since then. The same for Mussolini.’

‘You’re thinking of war?’

‘Our government doesn’t think it’s possible, but I’ve had the chance to see it up close, and I’m not convinced that having an army and navy the size of Germany’s, is a good thing for the rest of Europe. I also saw a lot of things happening to parts of the population that fill me with dread.’

‘You mean the Jews?’

‘Not just Jews, but anyone that doesn’t meet the government’s criteria of what a true ‘German’ should be.’

‘Actually, now that you mention it, Peter Haskins tells me that there’s been a lot of Europeans coming in to sell works of art. They’ve left their homes hurriedly, and are selling whatever they have of value so that they can start over again, either here or in the United States.’

Robert regarded Jade for a moment, deciding whether to continue this conversation. Realising that Jade had probably guessed many things about him, he decided to continue. ‘That’s part of the reason that I was at the auction house the day we met. I was trying to locate just that type of person; I need to talk to them. They may have the information to help us to fill in some of the blanks.’

‘I’m sure that Haskins and Green would be glad to supply the information — you’d just have to ask.’

‘I’d prefer that the fewer people that know, the better.’

‘You’re a spy. Aren’t you?’ Jade whispered.

‘Intelligence. There’s a great deal of difference.’

Jade looked Robert in the eye. ‘So you want me to find out the information for you?’

Robert considered the question, debating whether to commit Jade, or allow her to remain uninitiated. ‘Would you help me get the information?’

‘I’ll just ask Peter.’

‘No. I prefer you didn’t ask anyone. We don’t want to raise any suspicions. There are any number of people, in all levels of society, who have a high regard for Hitler, and the way he has turned Germany’s fortunes around.’

‘So, how do I get the information?’

‘I’ll pick you up for a picnic tomorrow, and then I’ll show you.’

‘You won’t tell me now?’

‘It’s something that you have to be shown.’

‘I suppose you’ll expect me to provide the picnic hamper.’

‘If you do, I’ll bring the champagne.’

‘Just as long as you don’t buy it from this pub.’

The following morning, Robert arrived in a small, open, two-seater sports car, and Jade felt exhilarated, as they wove between the city traffic. Once out into the countryside, Robert increased speed, causing Jade’s hair to fly out behind her, like a flag.

‘This feels wonderful!’ yelled Jade, over the sound of the motor, and rushing wind. ‘Where are we going?’

‘I don’t know; we’ll just keep going until we find the right spot.’

‘And what is the right spot?’

‘Quiet, with a view.’

They drove on, and came to a sign pointing to the right, for the town of Walton Village. Turning, Robert drove through the laneways leading to the rural market town. Just before the village, they came to another lane, and Robert turned into it. They were surprised when the lane ended at the low fieldstone fences of two houses, standing side by side in the loneliness of the countryside.

‘This looks like it’s as far as we can go,’ said Jade.

Pointing, Robert said, ‘I can see a rise over there with a few trees on it. That looks like the perfect place for a picnic. Let’s go.’

They climbed the fence surrounding the fields, circled the houses, and climbed toward the trees. When they arrived, they found welcoming shade, and Jade spread the blanket she carried, while Robert opened the first bottle of champagne.

Robert proposed a toast, ‘To picnics in perfect places.’

They clicked glasses, and surveyed their surroundings.

‘Those two houses look totally out of place down there, all by themselves,’ commented Jade.

‘Yes. They look as though they belong on a city street. But they’ve certainly found themselves an ideal place to stand. It must be so quiet and peaceful to live out here.’

Jade rested her head on Robert’s shoulder, as they surveyed the scenery from their lofty position, and sipped their drinks. She felt that she would like the moment to last forever.

‘What do you know about photography?’ asked Robert.

‘I left my Box Brownie at home. I should have thought to bring it.’

‘I have something here that might suffice,’ said Robert, taking a small leather case out of his pocket. Undoing the case, he revealed to Jade the smallest camera she had ever seen. ‘I bought it in Germany. It’s made by Leica. I’ll show you how to operate it.’

It had many more parts and settings compared to her trusty Brownie, and Robert’s explanation of exposure and shutter speed confused her completely.

‘I’ll never get the hang of this! It’s just too complicated!’

‘You’ll be surprised how easy it is once you get used to it. That’s why I’ve brought you out here. There are no distractions. Now, I’ll show you how to load film into the camera, and we’ll start taking photos.’

Robert took her slowly through the steps of loading, and shooting, being patient with her difficulties, and teaching her the correct settings for each situation. Finally, he was sure that Jade was losing her reticence with the camera, and learning to like it.

‘I’ll set out the food, while you practice with the camera.’

‘But how will I know if the photos are any good?’ asked Jade.

‘You won’t until they’re developed.’

‘When will that be?’

‘I might do them tonight.’

‘I thought they would have to go to a camera store?’

‘I have my own darkroom at home.’

‘Can I come, and see you develop them?’

‘I suppose you should learn to develop film. It might come in useful to you later. It’s also better that you know, so that you can do special things with the photo as you develop them.’

‘Like what?’

‘Like cropping, and toning.’

‘I’ve got no idea what you’re talking about.’

Robert laughed, and kissed her lightly on the cheek. ‘You’ll soon be an expert. Don’t worry. By the way, it might be a tight fit in the darkroom. It was only built for one.’

‘Do you mean my honour may be in danger?’ Jade joked.

‘No! Of course not!’

‘Oh, and I was so looking forward to repulsing your manly charms,’ laughed Jade.

Robert, on the other hand, was not sure how he felt about being forced to be so close to Jade and her obvious charms for an extended period of time, but he was definitely delighted to find out.

They drove back to London, and, for the first time, Robert took Jade back to his home, which proved to be a block of four flats, in a delightful tree-lined street, not far from Jade’s house.

‘I thought soldiers lived in a military camp.’

‘Most do,’ agreed Robert.

‘But you don’t.’

‘No, I don’t.’

‘What about the men under your command?’

‘You ask too many questions. Especially questions that I can’t answer.’

Robert escorted Jade upstairs to his flat.

She was surprised to find it to be comfortably furnished, and not at all the masculine domain that she expected. There were definite feminine touches, in the colours selected, the curtains, and the ornaments.

Robert saw her taking in and assessing the decor.

‘The furnishings, and decorations, are courtesy of my mother. This is my parent’s townhouse, but they rarely visit the city any more. They prefer their country garden.’

‘My grandfather, the Commodore, is much the same. You have to drag him to the city. Now, where do we find your darkroom?’

Robert led her to the second bedroom, where the attached bathroom had been converted to a darkroom. When he switched on the overhead light, the room was thrown into a harsh shade of red, caused by the single red light globe. A bench had been constructed over the bathtub, holding several deep trays, and an array of chemical bottles.

‘We have to close the door, and ensure that no light seeps in from outside,’ Robert explained, ‘Anything but red light will destroy the photos.’

‘You were right; this is a tight fit,’ said Jade, as she used the excuse to move in close to Robert.

Aware of Jade’s closeness, he proceeded to explain to Jade how the film was removed from the camera, and, using a black bag with two armholes in it, to place them in a developing tank, which was then sealed against light seepage.

Removing the tank from the bag, chemicals were mixed, and poured into it. Then, the tank was agitated to ensure the film inside was completely coated, before the chemicals were poured out, and replaced by a new mixture.

Finally, the film was removed from the tank, and washed, before the negative film was hung up to dry. While the film dried, Robert prepared to print the negatives onto photo paper.

More chemicals were mixed, and poured into trays, and an enlarger turned on. Placing the roll of negatives into the enlarger, Robert showed how the image was concentrated on the board below the enlarger, blurred at first, then brought into sharp focus with a turn of the focus knob.

When the image was perfect, the enlarger was turned off; a sheet of paper was inserted on the board. When the enlarger was turned on again, its light burned the image into the chemical-covered paper. After allowing the image to set, Robert switched off the enlarger, and removed the paper, placing it in the first tray of chemicals, also making sure the paper was fully immersed.

Looking on, Jade was mystified. ‘It’s blank. There’s nothing on it.’

‘Watch, and be amazed.’

The paper remained blank as Robert slowly swirled the developing chemical. Jade continued to watch, just as a faint black line appeared on the paper, slowly followed by more lines, as an image began to appear. Finally, the image that had been shone onto the paper by the enlarger was before her.

Robert washed the photo in clear water then placed it in the second tray of liquid chemical.

‘This fixes the image in place, so it won’t fade. When that’s finished, we wash it in clear water again, and then it’s hung up to dry.’

‘Can we do the rest of the photos now? I’m dying to see how they turned out.’

‘Well, if you like, I’ll do the enlarging, while you do the developing.’

So they set to work together, in the cramped space.

Robert tried to concentrate on his work, but was continually faced with the figure of Jade, lifting the photos from the tanks, and raising them to be hung on the drying line above her head. Each time she did so, her breasts were thrust forward against the cloth of her blouse, giving him a delicious view of her firm, rounded figure.

With the two of them in the small, poorly ventilated room, the temperature rose, causing them each to begin sweating, and Jade’s blouse to cling to her, accentuating her sexuality. He could feel himself stir at the sight of her.

Jade, for her part, was enjoying the nearness of Robert, and his masculine scent. She particularly enjoyed their accidental touches, which the cramped conditions forced upon them, and she was particularly aware of the effect it was having upon him. The bulge said it all!

As they progressed, Robert commented upon the photos as they emerged. Telling her what mistakes, if any, she had made, and how they could be corrected.

Jade made sure to lean close to Robert, as he was making his judgements, ensuring that their bodies were in close contact, and enjoying the occasional touch of his arm against her breasts.

Finally, all the photos had been done, and it was simply a matter of allowing them to dry.

Jade watched as Robert placed the unused paper away again in its lightproof folder, and then stored it away, before cleaning up the chemicals, and disposing of the used solutions. She hopped up and sat on the bench, to allow him a little more room to move, and delighted to watch his firm behind as he bent over to store the trays away.

Finished, he turned to her. ‘Well, that’s finished. We can turn the white light on now. The photos are set, and won’t be ruined.’

‘I quite like this light. I’ve become quite used to it.’

She held out her arms for Robert to help her down from the bench.

He moved toward her, placing his hands upon her hips, while Jade placed hers upon his shoulders, as he lifted her down.

Their faces came close together, and Jade leaned in close, kissing him on the lips, her breasts grazing his chest.

Robert placed her down on her feet, but did not remove his hands from her waist.

Emboldened, Jade leant into him again, and raised her face to his.

Robert leaned down slightly, and drew her into him, as their lips met once again. This time, there was no doubt that it was a mutual embrace, which turned into a long passionate kiss, involving tongues, teeth and lips.

Finally parting, with a sigh, Jade looked into Robert’s eyes, and smiled at the look of joy she found there. They came together for another kiss, as deep as the one before, but this time her hands began to wander over his chest and neck, as she sought to draw him into an ever-tightening embrace.

Robert’s hands played over Jade’s back, stroking the muscles of her neck, and moving downward to cup the lobes of her backside, caressing them, and drawing them toward him.

Jade felt the hardness of him pressing into the front of her skirt, and wanted to remove all the clothing that obstructed them.

Robert’s head came down on her shoulder, as he kissed, and sucked, at the sweat on her exposed skin.

‘You smell, and taste, wonderful,’ he sighed, as he slowly released her from his tight embrace. ‘We’d better get out of here before I do something that we’ll both regret.’

Jade looked at Robert, who was trying to regain his composure, and smiled. ‘You’re about to find out that I’m not a virgin. So there’ll be no regrets about anything. Now please take me to your bedroom, and make love to me, or we’ll definitely have done something that we’ll both regret.’

‘Are you sure?’

Jade placed her hand on the bulge in his trousers. ‘I want you ... badly.’

Taking her by the hand, Robert led her to his bedroom, where, with infinite care, he began to undress her, while she took her turn, unbuttoning, and removing his clothes, as well.

Their lovemaking was slowly and tenderly executed, and Jade could feel tears of absolute joy welling up in her eyes, as she neared her climax.

She knew that this was how it had been for her father, and Yee-Ling, as she had watched them, and realised that the sex with Walter had been just that — sex.

With a shudder, she felt Robert reach his climax, and she joined him.

They lay entwined, kissing, and stroking each, as they made plans for Jade to locate, and photograph, the information that Robert needed.

‘Do you think I’ll be able to take the pictures correctly?’

‘You will be using a special high-speed film, so you’ll just need to remember to put the pages under some sort of light source, like a table lamp. Do you know where the documents will be?’

‘They should be in either Doug Green’s office or the cashier’s office at the auction house.’

‘How will you get in to take the photos?’

‘I’ll just go to the office on some pretext, close to closing time, and hide. When everyone is gone, I’ll find the information, photograph it, and let myself out. Then, I’ll come around here, and I’ll help you develop it.’

‘You’re going to help me develop it are you?’

‘I certainly am, and this time I’m going to dress appropriately for the heat in there.’

‘And what would be the appropriate attire?’ asked Robert.

‘As little as possible, and probably nothing,’ smiled Jade.

‘That certainly conjurers up a pretty picture ... I take it that I’m expected to remain fully clothed?’

‘Not likely. I want to be able to see all of you bathed in that red glow in there.’

Robert laughed, and kissed Jade, who returned the kiss with passion.

‘I suppose I’d better get you home,’ said Robert reluctantly.

‘What for? There’s no one to miss me if I don’t go.’

‘What about Rani?’

‘Since she opened the clinic down the street from the Golden Stag, she’s had to spend nearly all her time there. During the day she gets patients from all over the area, and, because the street girls operate at night, she stays open for them. Most nights she’s too tired to make the trip home, and sleeps down there. So, my love, unless you want me out of here to entertain some other woman, I’m here to stay.’

‘Oh dear! It seems I’m destined to completely ruin your fine reputation,’ he said, as he reached down, and caressed an exposed nipple.

‘Yes. You’ll definitely ruin me.’

‘How could I make it up to you?’

‘Well, I suppose you could make an honest woman of me.’

‘Would you really want to be an honest woman?’

‘Only to the right man.’

‘And you think I’m it?’

‘I’ve been positive of it, since our first dance.’

‘You realise, of course, that it’s supposed to be the man that asked?’

‘I’ve already been asked by a man. I didn’t find it to be a very edifying experience. So I thought I’d better do the asking, to make sure I get the right one.’

‘What if I say no?’

‘Then you’d be lying to yourself. You want me, as much as I want you.’

‘Well as soon as we get your assignment completed then we’ll make the arrangements.’

‘So you will marry me!’

‘Of course. I would have asked you in more romantic surroundings, if I had been given the chance.’

‘What could be more romantic than this?’ asked Jade, as she rolled onto Robert’s chest, and began kissing him.

Robert could feel himself respond, and knew that she had made the right decision for them both.

* * *

Jade’s first experience in the world of espionage took place the following evening. She advised Peter Haskins that she had to leave the warehouse a little early, as there were some goods in the auction room she wished to inspect, prior to sale.

‘I’d like to bid on them, but I’d like to check them out properly first,’ she lied.

‘That’s fine with me,’ said Peter.

Jade arrived at the sales room about five minutes prior to their closing, making her way between the rows of goods, looking for a place to hide.

A large wardrobe, almost as big as her own was propped up against a far wall. Jade checked the area to make sure no one else was around, before slipping inside, where she settled down, awaiting the right moment to emerge.

After an eternity, that her watch insisted had lasted just an hour, Jade pushed the door slightly ajar, and found the room in darkness.

Slowly, she climbed out of her hiding place, and made her way down silent aisles, to the office area, being sure to keep out of sight, just in case there was someone still present. Jade was almost disappointed to find herself alone. The job was proving to be no challenge at all!

Her only hurdle came when she tried to locate the purchase ledger. After going through Doug Green’s desk, she could turn up nothing of significance, except a bottle of whiskey in the bottom drawer.

However, the cashier’s office was more fruitful. There on the shelf above the desk, quite clearly marked, was what she sought. Opening the book on a desk, she turned on the desk lamp, and began searching through the journal entries for purchases made in the previous twelve months. Taking the camera from her pocket, Jade began taking photos of each of the large pages, most of which contained at least twenty entries.

She had to place new film in the camera a couple of times, but, before too long the job was complete.

Replacing the journal, and turning off the light, Jade made her way to the front door, but found it locked. Of course it is, you idiot! Did you think they’d just leave the place open for you! thought Jade. I’ll have to use a window.

Luckily, there was a window opening onto a rear laneway, from Doug Green’s office. It too, was locked, but from the inside. Opening it, she scrambled out, skinning her knees on the rough bricks. She looked up at the open window, and realised that she wouldn’t be able to climb back up to close it again. There’s nothing missing, so they’ll just think someone forgot to lock it, Jade thought, as she tried to walk as casually as she could, down the lane, and onto the main street.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Jade hailed a taxi, and gave Robert’s address, as she settled back in her seat.

Robert opened the door before Jade could knock. He had been anxiously waiting by the window, and had seen her arrive. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her deeply, and she responded.

‘How did it go?’

Jade took the camera, and films, from her pocket. ‘It was just too easy. I’ll have to bring the subject of security up with Peter. Anyone could have done what I did, and robbed them blind.’

‘Well let’s go to the darkroom and see what you’ve gotten for us.’

Three hours later, the pair celebrated a successful evening, by making love. The first time rather excitedly, in the darkroom, and the second time, at a much more leisurely pace, in Robert’s bed.

The following morning, Jade left to return home and change, while Robert retrieved the now dry photos, placing them in a folder, and setting out for his office, where he, and other analysts, could assess the information.

* * *

That evening, Robert met Jade for dinner.

‘Well? How did it go?’

‘Very well, actually. We were able to crosscheck many of the names with passport records, and have been able to make up a list of persons from overseas that have sold goods to Haskins and Green. Then we were able to determine, from the quality of the goods sold, who out of the names on the list, would most likely to have been in some important position, before they defected. Those are the people we’d like to interview, and your journal even supplied us with their current address.’

‘I’m glad I could be of help.’

‘But you cannot speak a word of this to anyone. This is a matter strictly between you, and I. I haven’t even told my boss that it was you that retrieved the information.’

‘So I won’t be receiving a medal from the King?’ Jade grinned.

‘You certainly deserve a medal for wanting to marry an undependable person like me. I’ll have to give you one of mine instead,’ grinned Robert. ‘In fact, I have something right here for you,’ he said, handing her a small package.

Opening it, Jade found a sparkling diamond, glinting back at her.

‘I thought we should make our engagement official,’ beamed Robert, as he slipped the ring onto her finger. ‘Now that you’ve become my partner, you can’t be shot for knowing state secrets. As long as you don’t give them away to the enemy.’

‘I’ll have to make sure I don’t talk in my sleep, or better yet, I’ll have to make sure you’re always beside me to make sure I don’t talk in my sleep.’

Robert looked serious for a moment. ‘I’m afraid that won’t always be possible. In fact I have to go away again tomorrow.’

‘For how long?’

‘I don’t know, but I do know that we’re going to get married just as soon as I get back.’

‘Well, in that case, I suggest we get out of this very public place, and return to my very large bed, where I intend to say goodbye to you for the rest of the evening.’

‘Oh dear! The things a man must do for King and country.’

Jade felt as though she were leading three separate lives, one as a normal working person at Haskins and Green, a second as banker, and ‘den mother’ to the girls at the Golden Stag, and the third, as the lover, now fiancee, and intelligence partner, of Robert.

With Robert gone, Jade was able to settle down to just two personalities, which was proving easier to manage.

Financially, the girls’ accounts were coming along fine. So grateful were the girls, that they now insisted that Jade receive a percentage of the profits, which, as she was doing more and more work for them, Jade decided to accept.

After the brief flurry of having money, then spending it all, the girls who had abandoned the scheme, began to realise its long-term benefits, and were slowly returning.

It was as a result of a dinner with Rani, when the overworked doctor explained some of the medical problems faced by the street girls, that Jade came up with the plan that, for a pre-agreed fee, they could use their accumulated funds to pay their medical bills as well.

So now the girls, and their families, could call to the surgery, whenever they were sick, without the need to pay. A single bill was given to Jade at the end of each month, and Rani was paid immediately.

However, not everyone was happy with the growing influence of Rani and Jade on the wellbeing of the girls. Their pimps were gradually becoming less and less relevant. It was only their physical threats, which enabled them to keep control, and to collect their unearned money. They became increasingly hostile toward their workers, and Rani was forced, more and more often, to repair the damage.

Tony, of the red silk tie, was the chief complainer, when the pimps were at the bar of the Golden Stag, sipping their drinks, and waiting for their money.

‘I’ve had enough of those bitches interfering in my business. Colleen wanted to knock me back the other night. I had to stick my knife under her throat before she took her knickers off. Then she did nothing but complain the whole time. Like it wasn’t my right to have it whenever I fucking want. That fucking doctor, and her mate have got to be taught a lesson. Who’s going to help me?’

A couple of his companions, knowing they would only be taking on a couple of women, were more than happy to help. The rest were satisfied to sit back, and let someone else do their dirty work for them.

Jade had been to the Golden Stag, enjoying a beer, and the jazz, when she decided that it would be good for Rani to join her for a much-needed break.

It had taken all of Jade’s powers of persuasion, and the placing of a ‘closed’ sign in the window, to discourage further patients, before Rani finally agreed.

The pair of them finally returned to the pub, just before midnight, and, after a couple of relaxing beers each, they decided to head home, for the first decent night’s sleep that Rani had had in a month.

During their time at the pub, they had been unaware of the cold glances directed at them, from the pimps, arrayed along the bar, and the way that Tony of the red tie gave them the benefit of his lizard-like smile.

As the two girls left the bar, Tony motioned to his two companions, and followed them into the night.

Jade and Rani were making their way toward the high street, for a better chance of locating a taxi, when the trio following them, and made their move.

Striding up behind Jade, one of Tony’s associates whipped his knife out, and, grabbing Jade’s arm from behind, spun her around viciously.

‘This is what you get for interfering in our business,’ he snarled, as his knife-holding hand slashed across Jade’s front, slicing through her thick woollen overcoat.

Jade was knocked off balance by the attack, and she stumbled backward, causing the man’s attack to miss as he slashed at her again.

Rani had a second longer to react, as the second assailant moved in to attack her. Stepping in front of Jade, Rani swung upward with her heavy, doctor’s bag, catching her assailant beneath the chin.

It sent him crashing backward into the arms of Tony, who was moving in for his chance at glory. The two tripped backward over the edge of the gutter, and staggered into the middle of the street.

With Jade behind her, and one eye on the one assailant still within range, Rani placed the bag on the ground, opened it, and grabbed out a scalpel. She passed it backward to Jade, before picking up the bag once again, to use it as a combined shield, and cudgel.

Her first attacker came in, swinging the knife as he came.

Rani placed the bag in the way of the thrust, and the knife was embedded in its leather side. Jerking the bag, Rani was able to pull the knife, still securely embedded in the bag, out of the attacker’s grasp, and a full swing brought the bag, and knife, crashing down upon his shoulder.

Disarmed, and hurt, the man retreated a few steps, taking stock of the situation, just as the other two regained their balance, and renewed their attack.

Rani swung again, but the men were prepared, and the bag missed its mark, leaving Rani’s side exposed on her follow-through.

Tony moved in, with a slash aimed at Rani’s side, but there was a flash of steel, as Jade swung the scalpel.

‘Fuck!’ Tony screamed in agony. He pulled back, to see the scalpel embedded in his forearm, and hot blood streaming from the wound.

‘I think that’s enough!’ came a shout from behind them.

They all turned to see Robert, striding toward them.

‘I’ll look after this prick. You cut the sluts,’ snarled Tony, as he pulled the scalpel out of his arm, and threw it aside.

A grimace of concentration crossed Tony’s face, as he crouched, knife extended toward the approaching man.

Robert was unarmed, but Tony had no way to know of his target’s military training.

As soon as Robert was in reach, Tony lunged at his opponent, hoping to drive the knife into his unprotected stomach.

Watching the knife come toward him, Robert surprised Tony by moving into the swing, and slightly to the left, allowing the thrust to pass him, while grasping his opponent’s elbow, and pushing it up. The arm holding the knife was now in the air, and unable to be of use, as Robert brought his other fist into Tony’s stomach, and an instant later, a second blow to his chin, as he doubling over from the first blow.

With practiced speed, Robert grabbed the wrist of the knife-wielding hand, and twisted it violently, causing Tony to scream with agony, and the knife to drop to the pavement.

Still holding Tony by his wrist, Robert swung him in an arc, an arc that stopped with a horrible thud, as Tony was smashed, face-first, into the brick wall beside the path, before sliding, unconscious, in a heap at the base of the wall.

Robert released his hold on the wrist, and spun to face the two remaining attackers. ‘Who wants to be next?’ he asked with a deadly grin on his lips.

The two thugs looked at one another, and decided that tonight was not going to be their night. Keeping an eye on Robert, they began to back away, until they were a safe distance away, then they turned, and walked quickly in the direction of the pub.

Robert turned toward Jade and Rani. ‘Are you both alright?’

‘I’ll never be able to wear this coat again,’ said Jade, as she studied the slash mark that had nearly connected with her throat.

Rani was bending over Tony, bag open, and tending to his wounds.

‘Leave him, Rani. He doesn’t deserve your help,’ said Robert.

‘I’m a doctor. I can’t leave him bleeding here, even if he is a piece of scum.’

She bandaged his stab mark, and swabbed his broken and bleeding nose, before wafting smelling salts under his nose to waken him up.

They left him then, moaning in agony, and trying to get to his hands and knees. He made a very sick and sorry sight.