A Different Turn to Make (Alvis and Malice)

For a moment, Esther didn’t expect Chad to respond. At that point, she’d gracefully get up and leave, knowing she had at least said and done her part, which at the end of the day would have been just fine for her. Even if there would always be a niggle of a shadow that reminded her just how much he detested her for what she did. Just as there would always be a part of her that detested him for what he did, since he cheated first. But she had no right to be angry or so hurt that she couldn’t at least offer some civility because she had cheated. Not once. But twice. Even if it was with the same guy.

Glancing back, she saw Cory and her initial reaction was her eyes widening in surprise. Then she quickly calmed herself down so not to startle him. It was bad enough that he would only have one eye for the rest of his life. No need to make that situation worse in his mind by reacting badly to it. So she mustered up a smile and bit back some giggles. Cory was really high right now. He had to be if he was out of bed. She’d likely never want to see the world again if she lost one of her eyes, let alone get back on her feet without some serious painkillers. “Anytime Cory. I hope your recovery comes well. I’ll be happy to play Florence Nightingale to you too. Play games and bring you porn.” She grinned.

Turning back to Chad, she was surprised by his admission but she wouldn’t refute it. She was surprised Cory said her coming here was more than Chad probably deserved. Part of her knew that he must be telling the truth. Esther didn’t want to think about how many girls Chad might have played with or screwed over in his conquests--just as she didn’t want to think about that where Harrison was concerned--but the other part of her knew, the one she was rolling with, that at this point, she and Chad were even.

Smiling gently, she leaned up and very, very, very gently placed a kiss to his cheek and then to his forehead. “I’ll see you later. I meant what I said. Whether school is still out or not tomorrow, I’ll pop by. And don’t try arguing with me.” Standing up, she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “Until then, Chad.” She offered him another smile before she left, giving Cory a warm smile and a touch to his arm before she left, joining her mom and Abby out in the waiting room to leave.

“How’d it go?” Abby asked.
Esther nodded her head, smiling a little. “Not terrible.”
“But not good?”
“No...it was good. It was just more fun to say not terrible.”
“Har har.” Abby rolled her eyes, sliding her arm around Esther’s shoulders. “Can we go shopping now?”

“Yes!” Both mother and daughter cheered in unison.

Cory watched Esther leave, then turned back to Chad. They both stood in silence a few minutes before Chad spoke again, quietly.
"Still think we should have told the cops what really went down." Chad muttered. Cory shook his head rapidly.
"No no no, dude...you saw those guys that came to see us. They made it really clear. I keep quiet on this whole thing, or I go in the ground. Chad, these look like the kind of guys that would make good on that. So...We don't talk about it. We all got in a fight, we all got messed up, and the gang of guys we were fighting took it personally. Cost me my eye. Let it go man." Cory had a look of almost pleading in his eyes.
"Man, you-"
"Lost an eye, yeah Chad I might have noticed."
"And it's my fault."

There was a long stretch of silence, and Chad looked away.
"I got stupid. All fucking Macho and shit, adn started this thing out. And...fuck man, I'm supposed to be one of your best friends! And I cost you that!" Chad hissed out. "The fuck kind of guy does that make me?"
"And asshole." Cory filled in helpfully. Chad snapped his head around. "Don't worry man. It's not news to me or anything! You've been an asshole since I've known you. Probably longer even! It's one of the reasons we hang out man. This..." Cory touched the bandages on his face. "...is a bad call. But I'd have made the same one Chad. Had to do something, and, fuck, we're dumb teenagers. Nobody thought it would go that far. I...I don't think the other guy did either." Chad was quiet a moment longer.

"How are you this chill about it?" Chad asked. Cory shrugged.
"Eh, someone has to be. And besides. It's just an eye Chad. The Gods saw fit to bless me with a spare." Cory answered with a tight grin. Chad barked out a laugh, and winced as it set off a ripple of pain in his face.
"Get the fuck out of here man." CHad told him, his face split with a grin of his own. Cory point at him as he started to move away fromt he bed.
"Just get out of bed soon man. There's some seriously sweet nurses we need to scope, adn the rest of the team need to see us moving around. It's just your nose you pussy."
"Fuck you too Cory." Chad sighed as his friend left the room, glad that he still had Cory as a friend. He wasn't suree he'd have been so forgiving if the situations had been reversed. Still, Cory was right. It was time to find pants, and get out of bed.

Harrison made a few stops around town. No deliveries, but some small stop overs and check ins for Gideon. It was something different really. Harrison had the hunch that asking for the favour in teh way he had might have actually raised his standing with Gideon. He wasn't being used on small petty things when not dealing to the high school. Harrison wasn't sure how he felt about the whole thing. But it filled the time.

Jane was steadier at home, though he wasn't sure if that was because their father was still sober, or something else. He didn't want to think that she was steadier now because she'd helped him, even if that help had involved carving someone's eye out. Still, he'd take his victories where he could find them.

The few days went by before the all clear was sounded. The school was back up and running, adn the students expected to make their way back into things. Harrison wasn't pleased by it, but he did want to get this over with. The sooner the school was open, the sooner he could graduate. And then get the hell out of here.

Harrison arrived early, it was only him and Rooke in the room, both of them marking papers, making sure that they were caught up on things. Rooke mused idly that the time away from the building had landed him with some more...ambitious lesson plans than normal. Harrison wasn't sure that the class would be grateful of that. A few students were filing into the room, and then the warning bell sounded, announcing that there were only ten minutes before the day was to begin. Harrison ignored it, and focused on the papers. He lingered a moment, seeing the name on one. Martin. He quirked a smile, thinking of the last time he'd seen Esther, and all that they'd been up to. He let the thought hang around a moment, before he let it go. He had a lot to contend with right now, needing to make sure that Jane stayed out of trouble, that the issue was properly buried. Gideon had done his part, but now it was all about making sure that Cory kept his mouth shut for the next little while. Once a few weeks had passed the odds of it ever coming to light were rather small. Just needed to hang on...

Esther dreaded going back to school. It meant not spending time with her mom and the past few days before school resumed again, she went to the diner every night for dinner and after, they’d go home together. At home, they would watch a movie together, and that usually meant falling asleep within the first five minutes of the movie. The past three or four nights, Esther slept in her mom’s bed with her. It was not something that usually happened but because school was out, practices were deferred until school opened again and she had more time to hang out with her mom.

Now school was opened again and Esther’s exact words were, ‘Oh sure, now it opens! Just when I got used to being home!’ To which her mom just laughed.

At school, she met up with Abby at her locker and the two of them caught up. Abby had been busy with the school newspaper and working on some things with Jaime but apparently the two of them hadn’t missed out on much.

Apparently and elaborately walking in high heels, with the occasional misstep, Mallory pushed her sunglasses over the top of her head and even threw her arms up in the air. “My girls!” She didn’t sound slurred but she sounded unusually happy. And Mallory never sounded happy, especially when she saw Abby and Esther. No, she usually greeted them with some heavy sarcasm and a roll of her eyes.

Needless to say, Esther and Abby had their jaws kissing the floor at the sight of her. She wore a deep red Burberry coat that was left opened to reveal and a cropped halter top and a micro mini skirt that defied all aspects of the school’s dress code. The heels she wore looked like hooker heels--of course she’d have those--but more importantly, she could barely walk in them.

“Mallory?” Esther asked. “Are you okay?”
“Pfft! Of course I am! I have never been better.”

Abby cupped Mallory’s cheeks and looked into her eyes. “My word, did you come to school drunk?”
“Negatory!” She giggled. “I’m really high.” She whispered.

Immediately Abby and Esther took Mallory’s arm on either side of her and escorted her inside, quickly passed Mr. Rooke--because let’s face it, there was no way to smuggle her out of school, not when it just started--and got her seated. Which meant Esther couldn’t look longingly at Harrison or say anything to him, much to her dismay. No, she and Abby were currently making sure that Mallory didn’t strip in front of the entire class or flash some private parts when they learned she did not wear panties!

This is what happens when school closes for a week! All hell breaks loose!

"Thank you all for coming back, good to see you!" Rooke announced from his desk. "Most of you anyway." There was a light snickering from some of the students. "I hope you all had a restful few days! because you might need it! I've had time to go over some lesson plan ideas, and I've got some new work for you all to make up for the lost time!" The snickers became groans, a few students putting their forehead to their desks in surrender.

"So, with that in mind, your assignment is as follows: each of you will need to pick a piece of classic literature! You will read this book, and then you will give me an essay explaining to me why it is considered classic literature! ANd when you're all finished that, I'll let you know what the last part of the project is, but not until! I don't want it colouring your choices on the book! So, start thinking it over, I'll give everyone ten minutes before we head down to the library to start looking for your book." Rooke sat down at his desk, and waved Harrison over.

"I don't think I'll be needing you to look over the students while we're down there, you can stay here or head to the other office to keep working." Rooke said quietly.
"Thanks. Oh, and by the way...you might want to look at Mallory there." Harrison replied equally quietly.
"Why?"
"She's on something. Trust me, I know the signs. Don't much care myself, but I know you've got a policy on that."
"Yeah, do as you will, just not on my time. Thanks Harrison." Harrison nodded, adn went back to the desk at the front.

Rooke gave it the alloted time before standing up.
"Okay! Everyone start heading down to the library now! He was walking past her desk, when he tapped on Mallory's. "Wait here a moment Mallory, I need to talk to you." Harrison was the first one out the door, a stack of papers in hand, heading for the lower office. Quiet, adn out of hte way. A perfect spot for him.

Abby groaned and Mallory just kind of whistled along, not really paying attention. Esther was actually excited. She was one of the few people in class who sat up, perked up and excited for this. She already had a book in mind but she wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to scour the library. The school’s library was something to behold. It was two floors, had no computers because it was a library and not a computer lab and had stacks galore filled with books, most of which had been donated over the years. No other public school in the district had one to rival. Only the private schools but who cared about them?

Once Mr. Rooke gave the word to head on over to the library, Esther grabbed her things and she and Abby were about to help Mallory and quickly slip her away without Mr. Rooke’s notice but he noticed alright.
“Good luck Mal.” Abby muttered.

Mallory just smiled lazily. “Good luck to you Abs!”
“Don’t call me that!” Esther dragged her out but saw Harrison heading away.
“Hey I will meet you at the library.”
“Bom-chicka-wow-wow.”
“Nose down Abs.” Esther stuck her tongue out at her. Abby just glared before heading to the library.

Esther hurried up after Harrison. “Har--Mr. Trenton, wait up!” She called out and made her strides quicker until she was walking alongside him. “Hey. I know you’re busy but I was wondering if sometime after practice this week you wanted to...um...hang out?” She couldn’t outright say ‘let’s fuck,’ because that wasn’t her at all. But she would also like to get to know him too, clothes on, and not just have sex all the time. Not that it wasn’t great but perhaps there could be more to know?

Mallory sat back and raised her legs up on the desk and stretched, clearly without modesty or inhibition. “What’s up Mr. Rooke. You’re looking dazzling right now.” She tilted her head. “It’s like you have diamond nargles dancing around your head.”

Harrison was most of the way down the stairs to get to the main floor, when he heard part of his name, and then his 'title' as long as he was in the class. And there was only one person that called him that outside of the class. He turned to look at Esther as she came closer. He copped a cocky smirk, leaning on the railing of the stairs, and looking at Esther. She was a few steps above him, and it gave her the rare moment of looking straight on into his eyes without having to look up.
"Looking to 'hang out', are you? Like we did last time?" he asked her a little more quietly. The hall wasn't busy, there was no one around them for the moment, but Harrison didn't really think Esther would be appreciative to him announcing that they'd been fucking to everyone. He wasn't hiding it, but he didn't have to advertise either.

Rooke cocked his head, listening to her, running everything through his mind as she spoke. He nodded, getting a good look at her. He went and shut the door before coming back to sit on a desk near her.
"So. Mallory, you know I'm pretty easy going, but I don't have a lot of patience for people who come to my class stoned. But putting that aside, I'm more curious as to why you came in stoned. It's not really been your M.O. so far." He said quietly.

A sudden rush of color flushed to her cheeks and she cleared her throat, trying her hardest not to smile but failing miserably. “I-I mean we could. Or we could do things clothed.” She cleared her throat, forcing herself not to speak too loudly. Though the halls weren’t busy, she was sure people in this school waited for a chance to hear some passing gossip. Because once things started, they spread like wildfire.

“B-But if that’s not really your thing, you know getting to know people you f--you slee--you do...then we can just hang. Like...we have been.” She looked down, hugging her English textbook to her chest. Was she really asking Harrison to have sex with her? Wow, she didn’t think she was trying to do that, or chase him. She just wanted to spend time with him. But at the same time, if he just wanted to have sex, she wouldn’t pass up on that. Because in her mind she’d still be spending time with him. Which really, that was all she wanted. Clothed or not.

Mallory’s smile slowly faded and she rested her head on her shoulder, looking at nothing in particular. Even high, she could let the facade wilt. Sure, being high made things easier but she still had to fake a lot of it. Though by faking it, she just made it more obvious that she was high. But perhaps that’s what she was trying to do. Not to advertise that she was high but to advertise that something was wrong. So someone would notice. Not to fuck her. But to just...see.

“It makes living less painful.” She said softly, her gaze reaching him. “I know you don’t like drugs Mr. Rooke. But this is the only way I can…” She trailed off, her gaze leaving him to stare at nothing again, but this time in some kind of thought. That even with the opiates, she was trying to make the gears in her brain work. It took a bit more effort since she was easy to distract like this. “This is the only way I know to make the pain go away. It’s really horrible pain. And the drugs...they make it go away. The way that Advil or Tylenol do. But better.”

"Clothed, eh? You might have to look into wearing a skirt more often if you want it clothed." Harrison pointed out with a wink. Still, he did listen to her. And there was a side of him that wanted to blow her off, They'd fucked a few times, that was all. But Esther wasn't a bad person, she was...interesting. He'd looked over assignments from her, adn it was the reason he'd brought her down into the office that first time. So really, what was the harm?

"You know I could probably be persuaded. I'm usually here a bit later than most. Come find me some day, we'll eat or something. Pretty sure we can find something to do." He told her, that smirk never leaving his face.

Rooke actually smiled a little.
"I don't like drugs in my class Mallory. I wasn't always in my forties you know, I've had some history." He point out. He heard her out. And then he let out a sigh. He moved a little closer to her. "But it's not working, is it? Or we wouldn't be having this conversation if it was." Rooke heaved out a sigh. "This...this isn't a solution Mallory. Take it from me, I've been there."

And naturally, she blushed harder. She looked down at herself for a moment. She wore jeans. She always wore jeans. She wore shorts in the house, not minding that her bare legs showed. For color guard practice, she tended to wear yoga pants so only her lower calf and ankles showed and even not really her ankles because she wore socks. She was a lot lighter than she used to be and she still didn’t like to show much skin. Interesting…

“Well...if I could find a skirt I liked that didn’t make my legs questionable, I’d wear one.” Although she could see the appeal and she may have to get over her insecurities and wear a skirt to school one day. Maybe she’d do it soon before it got too cool. Blow everyone’s mind and by everyone, mostly Mallory and Abby. They all said she’d never wear a skirt. She was too afraid.

“Okay cool. I’ll find you after one of my practices.” She said softly. Though she didn’t like the idea of being all sweaty and gross around him, it was the only time she was on campus late enough. She didn’t want to wait for him. That seemed...pathetic and way too desperate! “Okay bye.” She waved and beat an awkward and hasty retreat, nearly tripping over her foot. She would have fallen too if she didn’t catch herself. That only made her walk away faster, hoping he didn’t see.

“I didn’t do drugs in your class Mr. Rooke.” She said with flamboyant emphasis on the word ‘in.’ “I didn’t bring any drugs with me either.” She clarified. “I’m not stupid.” She mumbled, a small smile cracking onto her face, and not forced either. “But...it makes everything so much better. My mom takes it. It does wonders for her. So surely it does something right, right?” She asked, looking at him. “If it works for her, it would work for me. And all week it did.” She nodded her head. Her eyes felt heavy now.

Yawning, she slid down further in her seat, her legs still reclined on the table. “I’ll sleep now. This was a good chat Mr. Rooke. We should do it again tomorrow. Certainly a lot better than this English stuff." She yawned again and closed her eyes.

Harrison withheld any sound of amusement from Esther's retreat. There ws a word he'd heard his sister use once before, and it seemed apt. Adorkable. He'd never really seen the point of the word, not before now, but he had to admit it seemed apt. He kept an eye on her as she left his line of sight before he started moving off again. There was more to her than just her nervous awkwardness, he new that, he'd seen it, and in more ways than one. It'd be interesting to see how things went since she was looking to spend time with him. He ahd to admit it'd been along time since there'd been a woman that had not only wanted to spend time with him outside of bed, and even longer since he'd been interested in entertaining that notion with one. Truly a time of changes!

Rooke sighed.
"No, you are not stupid, but you're not doing anything terribly smart by coming in to class obvious on something. I'm pretty laid back, GOds know I wasn't a saint when I was your age. But there's a lot of other staff that won't see it like I do. So here's what I'm going to do for you Mallory. I'm going to sign you out, adn send you home. You're going to sleep this off, and come back tomorrow. Without drugs in your system. And we'll see where you sit then. Because if you're getting ready to pass out, I'm concerned that you're getting close to ODing, and that will kill you Mallory. So help me. Help me help you." He asked her, no note of accusation or judgement in his voice.

Esther caught up with Abby in the library, finding her in the stacks among the newspapers. Figures.
Upon seeing her, Abby held up a newspaper with a rather scandalous header. “Do you think newspapers count as literature?”
“That may be a good question to ask Mr. Rooke when he gets here.” Esther nodded. Figuring she may or may not receive a good grilling from her notorious cub reporter best friend, she made to turn and slip away but Abby grabbed her elbow.

“Not so fast Miss Young and Scandalous.” She grinned.
“Here it comes.”

“You and Trenton.”
“Mr. Trenton.”
“Oh come off it, Martin. He’s only a few years older than us. He’s not old like Mr. Rooke.”
“Hey, Mr. Rooke looks good for a man his age. Mr. Espinosa is the same age and he looks like a balding pug with a big beer gut.”

“Esther!”
“What? It’s true! You were the one that said!” She whispered.
“I didn’t think you would repeat it, ever!” Abby laughed. “Now stop avoiding the topic at hand. Give me the scoop. It won’t end up on the front page, I promise.”


“Oh thank you Madame Reporter.” She grinned. “I just asked him if we could hang out.”
“Naked?”
“No. Like hang out, talk, get to know each other.”
“Naked.” Abby grinned.
“Abby!” Esther laughed. “I’m going to go find a classic. You’re too much for me.” She honked her nose and then went over to the classic literature stacks.

--

Her eyes fluttered open, catching the almost tail-end of Mr. Rooke’s Dr. Phil moment and she nodded her head slowly. “Fine.” She drawled out. “But if I hate myself tomorrow more than I do right now, because I won’t be high, I blame you.” She even punctuated that statement by pointing at him, as if it wasn’t obvious enough since he was the only other person in this classroom with her. “Can I go home now?” She dropped her legs off the desk and stood up, nearly falling over because she did stand up too fast. She wasn't trying to be pissy or bitchy. She was just tired. She was cranky. And she was so high that she wasn't sure if she liked that Mr. Rooke was caring enough to talk to her about this or not.

Rooke only nodded.
"Sure. I'll accept that." As she half staggered getting up, he rest a hand on her shoulder, light pressure, enough to steady ehr where she was. He withdrew the hand just as quickly. There was a hornets nest at work here, and he knew it. There were at least a dozen ways this could go wrong for him, but frankly, he was more concerned about getting Mallory helped than he was about repercussions. He pulled his phone out, and called a cab, bringing it tot he school. He checked the records he had on hand, seeing Mallory's address, and making sure that the cab was going to be a direct trip home for her, and nothing else. He didn't need Mallory going winging off into the city to get into trouble. More trouble.

He led her out of the building, and all but poured her into the cab, paying the driver in advance before sending him on his way. The driver seemed a good man, understanding that this was a very specific task on this trip. Rooke sighed, went back into the building. It was a short trip to make sure the office registered Mallory as excused for the day. And then it was the very simple task of getting down into the library to manage the madness that was his English class.
"Everyone finding their book?" He called to his class.

Harrison was smiling as he went through the papers. There was a certain level of pride that he had in making sure the work was done right. Rooke had told him to mark honestly. And that meant Harrison wasn't pulling any punches. There was a large pile of failures, and a much smaller one of passes. There were going to be some unhapy students coming soon he figured.

Mallory nodded her head slowly, not even feeling his hand on her shoulder. Her entire body was numb which was how she wanted it to be. After last week with the entire football varsity team, her body ached for days. This was the only way she knew how to make that pain go away. And now she was so afraid to feel that kind of pain again, she didn’t want to stop the Oxy. That and the mental pain she felt. She liked Blake. She liked him a lot. And he only liked her to trick her so that the entire varsity team could have their way with her. And in the moment, she wanted it. But there was that empty feeling inside of her when all was said and done. She wasn’t able to get over it well.

Once she was put in a taxi, she rested her head against the window, had one leg crossed over the other and she looked like she was in distress but like she was also just really happy to finally sleep. She didn’t remember when she got home. Neither did she remember the kind taxi driver actually helping her inside. Seemed like he was either a genuine man or he didn’t want to be held liable.

Curled up on her side on the bed, she thanked the driver, pointed to her wallet on the bedside table and told him to take all the money. And to leave a note saying she had given him all that money so she didn’t freak out in case she didn’t remember. Being already paid for, and taking pity on the drugged out girl, the taxi driver complied but didn’t actually take any money and instead, he left a number for a drug abuse center. As if that would actually make her happy when she came to.

--

Seeing Mr. Rooke come into the library, both Esther and Abby made their way over to him, concerned looks on both of their faces, even as Abby was clutching to a few newspaper like they were her life supports or safety blankets. “Is Mallory okay?” Esther asked.

Rooke fixed both girls with a look that showed that he was not fooled nor particularly impressed. But there was no anger in it either.
"No. And I'm quite certain you both know that already." he said flatly. Then his gaze softened. "I sent her home to clean herself up. And tomorrow we'll see how she's doing, and if I need to do anything else about it." he hesitated a moment, looking around briefly to make sure no one was around to overhear him. "I'm keeping this off the books for now. I don't want her to go down for drugs on this. So keep it quiet, and try to be there for her since she's likely going to be unhappy on her return tomorrow."

Harrison smiled, and felt his phone ring. he pulled it out, adn then froze. He rarely got calls from Gideon, and they were always important in one way or another. He answered.
"Yes sir! What can I do for you?" He asked.
"Easy there lad. Simply put, ye need to come an' see me down here soon. Got somethin' that needs takin' care of, and ye be the lad fer it." Gideon said with what Harrison could picture was a smile on his weathered face.
"All right. I can be there in a few hours? Once I'm done at school?"
"Aye lad. That be fine." There was a click, adn harrison knew that the call was over. He looked down at the phone, curious now. Gideon wanted something, adn wasn't talking about it. This was...curious. And that was seldom good.

Both girls looked immediately guilty because they hadn’t said anything earlier. They didn’t want to get Mallory in trouble and they were just hoping they could get her through the day if they were at her side. Or at least through this first class before possibly smuggling her home. Mr. Rooke beat them to it.
“Done.”
“And done.” Abby added. “On a less depressing note, Mr. Rooke I was wondering if I could use a newspaper for this assignment?” She asked hopefully. “I found a great headline.” She held the newspaper up and once again looked hopeful, a big, sweet smile on her face.

Esther just snorted and chuckled to herself. “Excuse me. You’re on your own for this one Abs.” She patted her friend’s back before going to sit down. She took a highlighter out and highlighted some quick quotes in the book. She knew where to look.

--

“I’m bored with you. Go home.”
“But--”
“Go. Home. Now.” Heidi bit out. She lay on flat on her stomach, a cigarette in one hand, her eyes glued to the television. She had easily and clearly dismissed the girl and felt no need to look at her to further punctuate her demand.

Dressing, the girl left, a bit sour in her mood and pouting. Only once she heard the front door of her flat shut, did she get up and reach for her phone, dialing a number. “Come over.” Was all she said before hanging up again. Twenty minutes later came a knock to her door and she opened it, smiling a more pleased smile at who was presented before her. “Now open the coat.”

The girl obeyed, untying the sash that held the deep red trench coat closed, revealing a completely nude body underneath. “Now that’s more like it. You may come in. I want you to go upstairs, take the coat off and lie down on the bed. Your legs should be extended, your body raised a little bit, lounging back against the pillows and headboard and lift your right knee. Oh, and untie your hair. I want to see your hair draped over one shoulder. You choose which one. You have one minute.”

The girl dashed off up the stairs.
“And keep your heels on!” Heidi called in an afterthought.

One minute later, Heidi returned to her room and found the girl exactly the way was ordered. She finished her cigarette and exhaled slowly, a slow smirk forming on her face. Now she wasn’t bored.

Rooke looked at Mallory, adn his face lit up.
"A newsparper? Why hadn't I thought of that Abigail?" He mused aloud. He snapped his fingers. "Oh! Probably because a newspaper is not actually literature, let alone classic literature! So it doesn't actually qualify as an eligible piece of material!" He shifted, his face going serious, but more sympathetic. "I know you're hung up on journalism Abby, but this particular class is not what will let you scratch that itch with the class work. Take media studies with me next year. You can play with all your journalistic toys then. But until then, you will need a classic literature piece. Which you should get Esther to help you pick out, because otherwise I'll pick one out. And you might not like what I choose." He warned, but softened the gesture with a smile.

For a moment, she actually believed that he would accept it. Her face lit up when his did and by his exclamation, she had this decision in the bag! And then she realized it was sarcasm. Abby felt stupid. How did she not catch that! One would think she would have considering she was friends with Mallory…Her cheeks actually turned a little red and she cleared her throat. “Thanks Mr. Rooke. I’ll consider your class next semester.” She realized it came off as sarcastic but she couldn’t help it. He started it…
“I’ll ask Esther.” She mumbled, turning away--not defeated but not really excited about the assignment anymore--and went to sit beside Esther.

“He said no.” She frowned.
“No way! The man is crazy! Anyone could see that the newspaper is classic literature!”
“I know! But--” Damn it! “You two suck.” She mumbled as Esther began to laugh. “Can you help me find a book?”
“Sure, come on.” She was thankful that she could find Thomas Hardy’s Tess book. She didn’t think it would be in the school’s library because of the darker themes it possessed but she was glad it was in stock. It’d be right up Abby’s alley.

“Tess of the uber...uber...uber---villes?”
Esther giggled. “Tess of the D’urbervilles. It’s a classic by Thomas Hardy. Darker themes. Explores interesting relationships. And just as you like, the ending is not happy.”
“Oh! Wonderful! Thanks Esther. You’re the best.”
“I try.” She shrugged.

--

After the girl in the trench coat left, Heidi took a shower and got ready for the day. After showering, she applied her make up. She wore very little, just enough to enhance her natural beauty, cementing it with the harlot red lipstick that made everything pop since she was very fair in skin tone, almost porcelain. It was like a color splash with the way the eye makeup brought out her icy blue eyes and the red lipstick popped. She dressed in a pleated short dark gray skirt and paired that with a stunning silk blouse, choosing nude pumps to complete the entire look. She was very put together.

All of a sudden her phone buzzed and she looked at the lit up screen. It was a text from Gideon. Very short, simple and concise. Even in text, his tone was demanding and she couldn’t help but read it in her mind with his accent attached to it.

Pub. 4 PM. Don’t be late.
“Thanks Gideon.” She spoke to herself in a sing-song tone. She glanced to the clock. It was almost time. By the time she collected her things and stepped out of the flat, she saw Áedán’s car outside. She blinked her eyes. At least he was punctual!

But he was one of her favorite men. Gideon was someone she kissed up to. Someone she actually feared. Harrison was someone she fantasized about but hated. And Áedán was a man she actually liked. So she actually smiled in her greeting. A real smile. Not an icy smile of distaste or a sarcastic smile or a salacious grin--one she saved for whichever woman she was about to do. An actual smile that made her seem human, youthful and not like the ice queen she portrayed herself to be. “Nice to see you again, Áedán. How’ve you been?”

Áedán was patient in his waiting. The car was comfortable, and it was a fine day. He had to window open, letting the breeze through. City air wasn't the freshest, but it was better than letting the car heat up and baking him in it. Heidi was out in good time, so that he could take it reasonably easy in getting to the pub. He was not blind to the way she looked, much different than when they'd first met. It did make her look like an actual person, and not just someone that was trying to make it in the underworld, a mask.
"Fair to decent lass. Keepin' meself busy, and makin' sure that nothin' untoward happens to me lass here." He pat the dash as he said hte last, making sure she knew he was talking about his car. He made a turn, bringing them into the Docks proper. "I trust ye been keepin' yourself outta too much trouble then?" He asked her as they were approaching the pub.

Everything was squared away, the work handed in for his other classes, and Rooke had his stack of marked papers. All was well. Harrison flagged a ride down from a friend, and was off to the docks. He walked the last part of the trip, knowing that most people didn't really want to enter the docks directly without a damned good reason. Bad things had happened there, and were likely to keep happening. The only solace that Harrison had was that he was one of those bad things to most people. As Harrison approached his destination, he could see a flash of light hair, and he felt his lip twist in a snarl of disdain. Not many people with hair that shade, and even fewer riding around in classic cars. And as said car pulled up tot he pub, he knew he was going to have to deal with Heidi. Again. The day just got better.

Heidi immediately knew he was not referring to her. If she had a car like his, she may devote all her time and energy to keeping it safe and in tip-top condition as well. To that, she could only smile and nod her head. “Lovely to know that things will never change when it comes to men and their cars.” She teased.

She shrugged a little bit. “Depends on what you define as trouble.” She said softly. “Women certainly need to stop being such a bore. It is not difficult to understand orders.” She sighed softly, as if put out. Honestly she was. She had gone through three women today. The third one was the only one that had taken her instructions and demands to heart and presented herself perfectly. Though it was enjoyable, it frustrated her that third woman really was the charm.

“But I suppose that’s really nothing in comparison to actual trouble.” She said softly, looking back at him. As they pulled up to the pub, she saw who was getting out of a car and her face did that thing where something displeasing just crossed the features. Tension. If there was a vein in forehead erect enough, it would be throbbing against her skin. “Though it appears trouble came early today, for it has just been brewed.” Harrison Trenton. The loathe of her life. Trouble brewed indeed. Tall, dark and handsome with a smug smirk that she looked forward to slapping off his face one day. Just after she got him beneath her. The very thought sickened her.

Harrison kept moving, getting close tot he entrance, and nodding over at Áedán.
"Hey Aid. How's it going?" Harrison asked.
"Passable day lad. Ye here fer the boss?" Áedán asked.
"Yeah, called me. You know what's going on?"
"Nay lad. I be a mushroom."
"Kept in the dark and fed shit? Gods, I know that feeling." The two men gave a brief smile of amusement. Harrison turned to look at Heidi.

"And what brings you by? Did Gideon decide that the guys needed some low rent entertainment today?" Harrison asked her with a sneer. Áedán didn't speak, simply folding his arms. Heidi was a big girl, and he had little doubt that she could handle herself passably well in this case. He knew that Harrison had gotten one over on her recently, but he wasn't going to step in adn deny her a chance to build herself back up a little.

Heidi walked over, swinging her purse over her shoulder. Her icy gaze locked onto Harrison as he and Áedán chatted freely and easily. A perfectly arched eyebrow rose slowly, finding the entire situation far too peculiar. And then she was addressed and she could only muster a small lift her lips at the corners, a slight smile. “Possibly. Or perhaps he’s finally taken in my request and partnered us on something together. Ought to be spicy.” She quipped, her eyebrows waggling a touch before she continued on her way to the pub. That went well. Though she reckoned that was only the tip of the iceberg there. She had a feeling that something a little more wicked would transpire. Especially if it turned out that she and Harrison were really going to be partnered up together. That would be...disastrous.

Harrison actually blinked. Was that actually true? Was Heidi pushiung to work with him on something? If so, why? She hated him and the feeling was certainly mutual. He'd have beaten Heidi with a pool cue until she had detached retinas for two bucks. Still, nothing was going to get done by standing around outside. He and Áedán went inside. Murphy and Conner were both there, permanent fixtures at the bar as far as Harrison could tell. Murphy just gestured towards the back room.

Gideon was on his feet already, looking like he was sizing up the pool table, deciding if he wanted to rack the balls. WHen Harrison and Heidi entered, instead he just leaned on the table.
"Young 'arry. Good of ye to come." Gideon started. Harrison just shrugged.
"You asked sir. So here I am." Harrison answered.
"Aye." Gideon tossed him a set of keys. Harrison caught them, and looked at the keys.
"Um...sir?"
"Ye need to not be bound to others to get around lad. Ye take the car the keyes are for. And ye might be needin' tha' fer the task I've for ye." Harrison nodded.

"What's going on then?" Harrison asked.
"Are ye familiar with a man called Tug?" Gideon asked. Harrison nodded.
"Yeah, a two penny thug. Run the muscle side of the Pin's operation. Why?"
"Ye need to sort the man out." Harrison was quiet.
"Gideon, if you're asking me to kill him-"
"Nay lad. Just rough him up proper. But ye are goin' to need a way into his place." Gideon looked past Harrison to Heidi. "An ye lass, are goin' to do this fer me. Get young 'arry to Tug, and then out again. How ye go about this is up to ye."

Walking into Gideon’s office, Heidi crossed stood in a relaxed stance. But the more Gideon talked, the more tense she felt, and for good reason. The discussion did eventually lead into why she was there. And then the ball dropped. A perfectly arched eyebrow rose and her face almost screwed into displeasure all over again, though she refrained from actually showing it. The only giveaway was the way her nostrils just slightly flared.

She’d only been kidding outside to bust Harrison’s balls. She didn’t actually expect to be working with him on something! Let alone getting him in and out of an operation! Exactly what kind of skills did Gideon think she actually had where she might be able to pull this one off? Although that might have actually been the point…

“Super.” She gave Harrison a pointed look before sizing him up with her icy gaze. “I’ve been waiting to see him fold his bulky frame into a tight...orifice.” Her lips twitched at the euphemism she did not mean to conduct. This could either be really fun or really bad. Heidi couldn’t milk this entirely. All “Harry” had to do was say something to Gideon and he’d likely do more permanent damage to her face this time, that not even a plastic surgeon could fix.

“Come on Harry, let’s be on our way. Don’t dawdle now.”

Harrison felt his heart sink a little. This was really happening. He was being sent to rough up Tug. It was like being asked to rough up a bear. Tug had been hired muscle for a long time. He wasn't smart muscle, but he was good at it. Harrison was a fair hand in a scrap, but he wasn't sure exactly how he'd fare against someone like Tug. When he heard Heidi nattering at him, he didn't move.
"Sir, I'm not sure this is a great plan. How is she going to get me to Tug? I mean, if we take him at home, we have to go through probably fifteen of his goons, and I'm not that good. Help me here sir." Harrison said calmly, though there was a serious edge to his voice. He wasn't planning on getting himself killed for something like this.
"Do ye trust me lad?" Gideon asked quietly. It was a loaded question.
"Yes sir, that's why I'm asking. You're not the kind of person to throw assets away, and maybe I'm flattering myself to consider myself an asset." Gideon smiled.
"Nay lad, ye not. Speak to Murph on yer way out. He have what ye need." Harrison nodded, now taking his leave from Gideon.
"Come on Heidi. No sense waiting around here."

"Murph! Talk to me about Tug! And gimme a beer." Harrison said as he sat beside Conner. Murphy nodded, and poured a pint for Harrison. "And might as well get the lady something too. Put it on my tab." Harrison jerked his thumb at Heidi as he spoke. Murphy looked at Heidi, no real judgement or regard to it other than a bartender loking for direction.

She? She?! Her head craned in his direction slowly, like a doll that suddenly came to life. Only she didn’t wear some angelic innocent smile that was downright creepy. No, she just looked like she was ready to claw his face out with her one hundred dollar manicure. Naturally of course, she didn’t.

Granted, Harrison did have a point. How was she expected to get him to Tug? What the hell kind of name was Tug? The only thing she had at her disposal was her icy charm, not so winning smile--she hardly did it so it had more ice than charisma--and her...wits. Though considering her performance last week, she could maybe get away with that. Men might still be impervious to a woman’s body. Maybe Tug would be too?

Nodding to Gideon, she walked out with Harrison and took a seat on one of the barstools at the bar, placing her purse in her lap. She nodded to Murphy, clearing her throat. “A shot of your strongest, please.” She’d need it. Not just to work with Harrison but in case she actually did have to...use her body in some way. Was that really all Gideon saw her as? A body to be used to distract while the men took care of the real business? She felt like a whore.

But an expensive whore, she thought to herself, the very thought enough to cheer her up, oddly.