Oscar

"It is a rum thing you ask, my friend. All the forms have been observed to the letter. The girl has nothing to complain of, and for that matter I have not heard any complaint."

Oscar regarded the low life with caution. The creature's true name was unknown, alas, but he styled himself Cocky St Jack.

"Nevertheless, my friend, the contract is not binding, as should be clear enough from the way we have kept Miss Kinsella from you. Surely it would be better for all concerned to reach an agreeable settlement?"

"By all means let us be agreeable! Is that not what my people are known for, above all?"

"It surely is, sir; famed both far and wide."

"Then let us simply agree that you shall give us the girl, and we shall offer you some comparable trifle in return?"

"Some comparable trifle? What would you suggest is comparable to this woman's life?"

Jack hissed in exasperation and removed his green hat, pausing to stroke his wavy locks into order. "Forgive my candour, m'sieur, but you overstate monstrously. We have no wish to deprive Miss Kinsella of her life. What possible purpose would that serve?"

"It is a matter of perspective, only."

"Her sincerest wish is to dance, and to be appreciated for it. What can your insignificant faction offer to rival the adulation of my entire world? She is the toast of the town!"

"We offer her the truth, Cocky St Jack, and it seems that she wants it."

"Truth is such a shallow notion."

"I agree entirely. But it means something to us, and it means something to her. If it did not, your web of lies would be enough to hold her."

"An interesting point, certainly. Miss Kinsella has been sorely missed these last three nights."

"And so she shall remain. If not by your consent then without it."

"Do you have any idea what that woman is to us?"

"Oh yes indeed, I have a very clear idea of that."

"Then what, pray tell, above or below, makes you think there is any chance of obtaining my consent to keep her from us?"

Oscar spread his palms. "You are famed for your agreeableness."

"Ha ha. Touché, sir. If nothing else, you are entertaining."

A little bow.

"There is, nevertheless, something else."

"I had no doubt there would be."

Oscar blew over his empty palm, and a neatly-wrapped package drifted gently across the room to land in the low life's outstretched hand. The bindings fell away at his barest tug, and Jack gazed at the offering for a long time. Oscar began to think he'd miscalculated, to wonder what escape routes might inadvertently have been left open. But there was no need.

"Yes." Jack looked up, and for the first time Oscar felt the full force of his gaze. "Yes, we have a deal. Miss Kinsella is no longer our concern; and neither are you. You may both come and go -- or not -- as you wish."

Oscar turned to go.

"It is not for nothing that we are known for being agreeable."

Something in that voice made Oscar glance back, and Jack looked at him innocently... and smiled. It was a smile so rich in malevolent satisfaction that Oscar knew there had been a miscalculation after all, far worse than he knew; that somewhere along the line he'd just committed to paying an unimaginably terrible price for Maisie's release.

In the glare of that smile, he felt dizzy and sick to the stomach. Still, with an effort, he managed to remain composed. Stepped out into the night. And began the long journey home.
Posted by matt at August 11, 2004 09:07 PM