{"sf1_id":1643878,"sf2_id":"3egaPKdn","title":"Fly to Hell (part 3)","author":"3Timer","words":3793,"posted_at":"2020-10-28T01:11:00.000Z","tags":["Death","Doe","Feline","Jackal","Otter","Wolf","Zeppelin","siamese"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1643878-fly-to-hell-part-3","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/3egaPKdn","image_url":"https://www.sofurryfiles.com/std/thumb?page=1643878\u0026ext=.jpg","description":"#3 of Fly to Hell\n\nPromised to a rich businessman, Ada must travel across the continent to the untamed western land in an airship. Accustomed to a life of privilege and wealth, the young Siamese cat is thrust into an uncomfortable glimpse of the commoner. To make matters worse, she finds herself in the company of a gun toting jackal with a fatal disease and a sinister grin.","content":"Fly to Hell\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nPart 3\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThere was a palpable unease in the airship.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada could see it on faces all around her, dimly lit by electric bulbs that swung from wires overhead.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A strong sense that predators were in their midst could be spotted in the eyes of the other passengers.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;When one was infected it would pass to another like a plague.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;There was a slow, but steady, rising in tension that was affecting everyone.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAlmost everyone.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValentine snoozed easily with an empty bottle on his lap.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;His disease-ridden lungs wheezed softly with every breath.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada clutched the handbag on her lap fiercely, feeling the need to hang on to something, even if it was just a useless, empty purse.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The coyote had advised her not to stare at Jack or any of his posse, that looking at them might invite a hassle, but her eyes continuously betrayed her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She would find her gaze flit over and around the heads of the other passengers, only to discover that there were eyes staring back at her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBefore he had so rudely nodded off, Valentine had told her a string of stories of dubious content.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Apparently he had studied at four institutes of higher learning, even served as a lecturer at one for a short stint.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He had visited three different continents and no fewer than twelve different countries.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;In two of those countries he had fostered relationships with the monarchy on behalf of the university he was attending.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He spent eighteen months on safari in the deep jungles on the southern side of the world.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;It was there where he believed he contracted the infection that riddled his lungs.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;It was also there where he enjoyed a \"tryst with a rather buxom native female\" as he had put it, and by local customs he was married to her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He left his jungle bride to return to his native country to finally try his paw at the career he had spent half his life studying for, but it was a short-lived career.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The war and the disease had both taken their toll, altering the trajectory of his life.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe jackal made an especially earthy snore before bursting into a convulsion of horrific coughing.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The bottle clattered to the floor as he dug his kerchief from his pocket.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada sat apprehensively while he painfully cleared whatever obstruction was clogging his lungs.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;After a minute the fit passed.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Apologies, ma'am.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He mumbled with a strain in his voice.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"The stewardess came by while you were sleeping.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada told him.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"She was taking orders for dinner, but she did not want to wake you.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She shuffled her feet.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I think she was afraid to.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValentine chuckled before coughing again.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Did you order on my behalf?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda nodded.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"The chicken.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;I hope that is satisfactory.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Quite so.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The jackal approved as he picked the whiskey bottle up off the floor.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He shook it, disappointed to find not a single drop left.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I can't precisely recall the last time I've eaten a proper meal.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;I hear tell it is a healthy thing to do on occasion.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nPresently the flight staff worked their way down the aisle, handing out stacked food as they went.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Hot tin dishes with battered covers along with several mismatched utensils were presented to Ada and the jackal.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Valentine took the opportunity to order another bottle of whiskey from the attendant, who had learned not to allow his paw to get too close to her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Since there was no table, Ada was offered a large linen sheet to fold over her lap to protect her attire.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The cover was lifted to reveal a plate of rice with runny, light brown gravy dumped over the top.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada glanced over at the dish that Valentine had been served and could not help noticing it looked identical.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Excuse me, miss?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She raised a gloved paw to the stewardess.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I believe I ordered the fish.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That is the fish, ma'am.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The doe replied.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Siamese cat pushed the food around with her fork.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;There were chunks of something that may have once resembled a fish.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She sighed and silently fretted over her situation.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;If she had been in first class the fish would have been whole and baked.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Possibly with a lovely side of mixed greens and fruit.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;It certainly would not have come out of a can.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValentine had none of her hesitation, digging into his plate with the zeal of one who was starving.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada attempted to eat, but found the food to be atrocious and incredibly salty.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She set it aside and dabbed her lips with a napkin.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You're not hungry?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The Jackal asked between bites.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe shook her head as she folded the lap linen.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"No, I don't believe I am.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"A little dinner conversation then?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He suggested.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I've been doing most of the talking and I'm starting to feel I come off as vain.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;In my defense you have not offered much of yourself.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm afraid there is not much to say.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada said, attempting to evade him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That is not a fear, it's an excuse.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Valentine insisted.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Everyone has something to say about themselves.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;I find it difficult to believe you are different from everyone else.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Neither is it probable that you are so similar as to be unworthy of comment.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I don't understand.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Who are you, Miss Moragon?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The jackal challenged.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe question made her uncomfortable and she shifted on her seat.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I'm... Ada Moragon, the daughter of Charles Mor--\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Valentine said firmly.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"That's where you came from.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;That's who you were.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;In a few days you'll marry your prince and that will be who you are.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Right now you are neither here, nor there.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;You are your own person for what I gather is the first, and probably only, time of your life.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;You sit several thousand feet above any who could dare lay claim to your value.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;So the question remains: Who are you?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda was flustered by his reasoning. \"Are you attempting to ridicule me, Mr. Valentine?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Quite the contrary.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The canine spoke, pulling the stopper on his fresh bottle and taking a swig.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I simply desire to know the story behind this lovely female sitting across from me.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Tell me something about yourself.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe feline furrowed her brow in frustration.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She had spent her whole life allowing others to define her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A daughter.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A child.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A bride-to-be.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Was that all there was to her?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A commodity to be passed around and taken care of?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Who was she really?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I don't know.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She admitted in defeat.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValentine was not satisfied with that answer.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"If I were to rummage through your luggage, what would I find?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He asked while giving a smirk.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Besides the obvious unmentionables.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You wouldn't dare!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Given half a chance, I most certainly would.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He assured her before following up with his reasoning for the inquiry.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"A flight like this allows limited belongings, so you would bring only what you absolutely could not stand to be without.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;What did you bring with you that nobody else here would possibly consider?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda thought for a moment.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Not because she did not know, but because she did know and was not sure if she should share that with him.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;However, the jackal's insistence led her to believe that he was unlikely to relent.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"My travel typewriter.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She finally told him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Now that is interesting.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The jackal admitted as he took a bit of food.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"It changes my perspective on you completely to know that you would allot so much of your luggage weight to a writing contraption.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A dress, perfume, or cosmetics might be expected, but a typewriter?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;That is a luxury only an author would afford.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I need it for writing letters back home.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada defended.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValentine shook his head.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"If letters were your primary concern, quill and ink would suffice.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;I imagine your penmanship is practiced and graceful enough not to require a typewriter to be understood.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Not to mention a pen is far more intimate, a mechanically produced letter would be taken as cold by your loved ones.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe set his plate aside before taking another drink and wiping his maw.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Tell me about your manuscript that you have been working so diligently on, or perhaps you would allow me to read it?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I didn't bring it with me.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada informed him unconvincingly.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Please,\" Valentine scoffed, \"I've seen dead money players with a better poker face.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;You brought the typewriter and not the manuscript?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Do keep in mind that you have to sleep sometime.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda wrung her purse in her paws.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Is it necessary to be such a louse, Mr. Valentine?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She muttered.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe jackal took a swig.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"If it gets me what I need.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda considered that, thinking back on his tribal wife.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Was it his brutishness that attracted her to him, or was he different back then?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He had married her and left her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Not a notable quality for any male.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Did he leave behind little Valentines as well?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Offspring doomed to wander the deep jungles without a father?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Very well.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She succumbed to his indecorous tactics.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Since you insist, I'm writing a novel.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValentine motioned for her to elaborate.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;This was new to her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Neither her father nor mother had any interest in the fact that she enjoyed writing.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;They considered it an odd thing to do and certainly had no curiosity about her work.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A female writing a story?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;How droll!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Do hide this from your fiance until after you're married.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda glanced around nervously, but nobody other than Valentine was interested in her words.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Her paws twisted her purse.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She considered lying to him, but he had already proven he could detect them.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"It's set a long time ago in a land of magic and it's about a princess.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She began.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"The princess is captured by a horrible beast, and a brave knight rescues her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;They fall in love even though their relationship is forbidden.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValentine grinned.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"You're writing a romance novel?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Siamese was flush, she had fur covering her face, but somehow she expected that the jackal could see right through it.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"It's more than that.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She told him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHis grin widened.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Oh!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Now that is a delightful facet!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;I had no real interest in reading it, but now I simply must!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;How does an uptight virgin compose such things, I wonder?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Please don't mock me!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe jackal put up his paws.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"No, quite the contrary.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;My esteem has increased several fold!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;There are so few who are willing to risk delving into such subjects.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda wasn't sure if praise from him was genuine.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He might just consider it a scandalous treat about someone from a higher position.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;However, it was new to her and she found herself responding positively.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Thank you, Mr. Valentine.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Don't thank me yet,\" he said with a tip of the bottle, \"it might be awful.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You don't really think I'll let you read it, do you?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I think you will.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He told her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I think you want someone to read it.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;You want to let someone in on that intimate part o--\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValentine suddenly doubled over into a horrendous fit of coughing.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The whiskey bottle fell to the floor, spilling most of the remainder of its contents.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He yanked out his blood spotted kerchief and jammed it over his maw.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada uncharacteristically moved to assist him, but he put up a paw to signal her to stay back.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He wheezed and coughed helplessly, and tears fell from his eyes from the agony.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Deciding to suffer elsewhere, he got up and ducked through the curtain separating the sitting cabin from the sleeping one.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He could be heard by everyone as he rushed away, presumably to the lavatory.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSuddenly alone, Ada glanced around.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The other passengers had witnessed his torment and were craning their necks curiously.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;It wasn't the eyes of the regular passengers that concerned her, it was four particular sets of eyes.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The wolf with the terrifying facial scar was speaking with the second wolf.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The two moved over to speak with the native feline and dandy otter.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;There was some disagreement between them.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;After a moment a coin was produced and they flipped it.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda realized they were flipping to see who would get to do the deed.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A male's life came down to nothing but pure chance?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A gamble of souls?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe dandy apparently was victorious, which irritated the lion but he sat back down.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The spectacled otter straightened his jacket and slipped on a pair of black leather gloves before walking down the aisle.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;What should she do?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Scream a warning?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Jump on the male?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He walked past, raising a finger to her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He said nothing but told her everything.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She was to stay as she was and remain silent.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Behind the lightly tinted glass of his spectacles she could see his eyes.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She could see what he really was under all the fancy clothing.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A killer all the way to the core.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She dared not impede him as he brushed through the curtain.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You'll thank us for this, ma'am.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A voice startled her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She turned back to see that Riverboat Jack had taken a seat across her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;How could he have gotten so close without her noticing?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Why, oh why would Valentine get on the bad side of such people who could walk without being heard?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"He's very frail and going to die anyway.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada pleaded.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Must you kill him?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"This is what he deserves.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Jack told her, the scar on his face twitching and glistening under the shadow of his hat. \"As much as it tickles me to imagine him wastin' away in a bed of his own piss and shit, someone like him should be put down proper like.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe stewardess approached, taking the dishes to the cart.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"S... shall I clean up for you, sir?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She asked, indicating the spilled whiskey at their feet.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJack put his feet up on the seat next to Ada.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Get to it.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He told her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The doe hesitantly got down on her knees and started to wipe the floor with a rag.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe wolf looked back at Ada.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"What is it to you, anyway?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He asked.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"A man like Valentine ain't worth one of your fancy gloves.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;If'n he lives or dies, what do you care?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda clasped her paws on her lap.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJack furrowed his brow.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Don't quote that Jesus shit at me.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;I ain't buying it.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No, I don't suppose you would.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She sighed.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The male was as stupid as he was terrifying.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada looked out the window.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The clouds below were passing with quiet indifference, glowing in the moonlight.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Several small spots of light, possibly fires of scattered homesteads, could be made out through them.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;In the distance there was a storm brewing.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Lightning flashed, but thunder never reached through the din of the airship.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I only believe in what I can see.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Jack said, glancing down at the stewardess on her hooves and knees.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Her tail was up and frightened.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She let out a muffled bleat as his paw fell on her rump.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Or what I can take.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He rubbed his paw over the doe's bottom.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda shot him a stern look.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Stop that!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She scolded.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I ain't hurtin' her.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The wolf said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Asides, she's nothin' but a grazer anyway.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Stop that right now!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The Siamese insisted.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJack narrowed his eyes at her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Or what?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He asked.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"What are you gonna do?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Are you even capable of being a gentlemale, or is that something beyond your abilities?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada challenged.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe scoffed at her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"What?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Like Valentine?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Mr. Valentine is despicable,\" Ada admitted, \"yet I much prefer his company to yours.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThat put a burr in Jack and he stopped molesting the doe.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The stewardess quickly fled the scene with the empty bottle and rag in hoof.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The wolf leaned forward and the feline could smell the heavy stink of him over all the other vile fragrance of the airship passengers.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Do you really wanna know about Valentine?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada said firmly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, I'm gonna tell ya anyhow.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"My brother caught him cheating at cards and the bastard killed him for it.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;When I tried to get satisfaction, instead of facin' me legitimate he caught me with my pants down.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Literally.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;I was partakin' the services of an improper female when in bursts Valentine.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Jack pointed to his face.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"He did this to me, but the whore didn't get away so lucky.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It don't end there.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Jack continued.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Back in Silverbreach he broke a barkeeper's nose simply for tellin' him he'd had too much.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;When the sheriff went to arrest him... shot him dead.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;In Fall Creek he ravaged a lass.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A right decent young female like yourself.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Got her pregnant.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Fled town instead of doin' his duty and marryin' her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She offed herself not long afterward.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Hung herself in the apple orchard where the deed happened.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJack sat back.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"That's just the stuff I know about.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The rumors... well, they would make your tail curl.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"All that and you can't be bothered to kill him yourself?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada accused.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJack shook his head.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I don't care how he dies anymore, just that he dies.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The sooner the better.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;By who's paw don't matter.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nOut of the corner of her eye Ada could see the crisp jacket of the dandy otter.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;In his gloved paw was a dagger that he was wiping blood off with a kerchief.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Jack picked him up in his peripheral as well and grinned at Ada.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;A vile looking grin.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Is it done?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The wolf asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Is this cur bothering you, ma'am?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nRiverboat Jack stood up like his tail had suddenly combusted.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;His eyes wide with disbelief and his paw flying to his useless, unloaded pistol.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Valentine!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He gasped.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe jackal nodded, pushing back the very stylish bowler hat on his head.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Not only was he wearing the otter's hat, jacket and gloves, but the shaded spectacles rested on his nose too.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Jack.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He acknowledged the wolf.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He turned to Ada, who's eyes sparkled at him, and tipped the hat with a bow of his head.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Miss. Moragon.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Seems we've all met again.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJack looked past Valentine before glancing back at his other two compatriots, who were also standing in alarm.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;They were too far away to be of any use to him.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Where's Bill?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Jack asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Oh, I know what you're thinking, but he was very much alive and kicking last I saw.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Valentine said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Of course, I imagine he's made it to the ground by now.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You were sick!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;We all saw!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;You could barely stand!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The wolf accused.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm feeling much better now.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Valentine said with a smirk.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Although I am deeply wounded that you sent him considering I baited that hook especially for you.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The jackal eyed the wolf's paw on the butt of the revolver and twirled the dagger.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Do you want to do this right now in front of everyone, or may I have my seat back?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Valentine asked.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJack eased his way past him, keeping a wary eye on the dagger.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"This doesn't mean nothin'.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He told him.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"This ain't over!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"By no means!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Valentine said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I expected nothing less.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJack fled up the aisle, trying his best not to look cowed, and Valentine took his seat across from Ada.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He continued to polish the blade of the dagger while grinning at her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She cast her eyes downward.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm glad to see you're not injured.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She said to him.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He only nodded his appreciation and continued to clean the blade.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I would think a name should have some meaning, don't you?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He suddenly asked her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda shook her head in confusion.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She couldn't help but notice that he had a twitch that started at the corner of his mouth, and his paws were shaking more than normal as he dropped the dagger into a pocket.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"If a fellow goes by the name \"Bootknife Bill\" one should expect to know where he keeps his knife.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The jackal reasoned.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I suppose \"Small-of-the-Back Knife Bill\" doesn't have the same ring to it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm sure I'm not following.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She told him.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValentine waved off the inquiry.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Never mind.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He tossed aside the spectacles.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"He was blinder than a bat.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;No wonder he used a knife.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He mumbled, his voice starting to sound weak.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He looked around.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It seems I've misplaced my whiskey.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Could you be a dear and call the stewardess?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBefore long Valentine had another bottle in paw.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;When he passed his coins Ada could tell it was only with great effort that his paws did not tremble.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He tipped the bottle, gulping nearly half of it.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Mr. Valentine?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada asked.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Are you well?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You don't suppose they'll fall for another bluff, do you?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He asked her, grimacing at the strong spirit and wiping his mouth across the sleeve of his new jacket.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I really don't know.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"There's a room back there.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Valentine told her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"A private room for the staff.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Not like the sleeping bunks that only have curtains, a room with a door that can be locked.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;There's also a bed in it and a sink with running water.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAgain, Ada was confused.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"What are you suggesting, Mr. Valentine?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Miss. Moragon, I'm terribly sorry to impose, but I desperately need you to swoon over me.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;The jackal instructed.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"As if you were the princess in your story and I the gallant knight.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;After that I need you to accompany me to the room.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Surely you jest!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada said with shock.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Mr. Valentine, I'm happy you're still alive, but I'm not that happy!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;What kind of female do you take me for?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe spoke firmly but there was a quake in his voice.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I realize this is a great imposition, but you are the only one on this ship in a position to assist me.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;If you do not I will be dead within the hour.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm not going to fall for that!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She said to him haughtily.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"I know males try these tricks, you can take care of it yourself!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I would, but I can't quite reach.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Valentine said as he opened the jacket.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe shirt underneath was wet and stained with deep red.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;It was only being stemmed by his old shirt tied snugly around his waist.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Ada realized that all of the blood, even what he had cleaned off the knife, was his.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Put your paws down and wipe that look off your face!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He hissed at her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda dropped her paws and gulped.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She didn't know much about anatomy, but the location of his injury looked incredibly bad.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"My God!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She muttered softly.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"If they catch wind of this they will come at me like sharks.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He told her as he closed the jacket and buttoned it.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"Even if they don't, this will kill me without your help.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAda closed her eyes tightly.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;This was all too much!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She didn't know this male and didn't owe him anything!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Certainly not her dignity!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He's dying anyway and those that want him dead have good cause for it!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Let it happen!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;It's no business of hers!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She has a wedding to go to and a husband to prepare herself for!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She took a deep breath and opened her eyes.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Why, Mr. Valentine!\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She declared with a smile as she slid from her seat over to his.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"You are such a fine male specimen!\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Tell me how you vanquished that ghastly villain!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That's a little thick, isn't it?\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He muttered to her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm a writer, not a thespian.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;She grumbled back through grinning teeth while tapping a finger on his nose playfully.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Noted.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;He said to her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\"And thank you.\"\u0026nbsp;   \n  \n  \n\n","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1643297-fly-to-hell-part-2.json"}