# Fly to Hell (part 3)

Author: 3Timer
Tags: Death, Doe, Feline, Jackal, Otter, Wolf, Zeppelin, siamese

#3 of Fly to Hell

Promised 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.

Fly to Hell

&nbsp;

Part 3

&nbsp;

There was a palpable unease in the airship.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada could see it on faces all around her, dimly lit by electric bulbs that swung from wires overhead.&nbsp;&nbsp;A strong sense that predators were in their midst could be spotted in the eyes of the other passengers.&nbsp;&nbsp;When one was infected it would pass to another like a plague.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a slow, but steady, rising in tension that was affecting everyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Almost everyone.

&nbsp;

Valentine snoozed easily with an empty bottle on his lap.&nbsp;&nbsp;His disease-ridden lungs wheezed softly with every breath.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Before he had so rudely nodded off, Valentine had told her a string of stories of dubious content.&nbsp;&nbsp;Apparently he had studied at four institutes of higher learning, even served as a lecturer at one for a short stint.&nbsp;&nbsp;He had visited three different continents and no fewer than twelve different countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;In two of those countries he had fostered relationships with the monarchy on behalf of the university he was attending.&nbsp;&nbsp;He spent eighteen months on safari in the deep jungles on the southern side of the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was there where he believed he contracted the infection that riddled his lungs.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;The war and the disease had both taken their toll, altering the trajectory of his life.

&nbsp;

The jackal made an especially earthy snore before bursting into a convulsion of horrific coughing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bottle clattered to the floor as he dug his kerchief from his pocket.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada sat apprehensively while he painfully cleared whatever obstruction was clogging his lungs.&nbsp;&nbsp;After a minute the fit passed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Apologies, ma'am."&nbsp;&nbsp;He mumbled with a strain in his voice.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"The stewardess came by while you were sleeping."&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada told him.&nbsp;&nbsp;"She was taking orders for dinner, but she did not want to wake you."&nbsp;&nbsp;She shuffled her feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think she was afraid to."

&nbsp;

Valentine chuckled before coughing again.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Did you order on my behalf?"&nbsp;&nbsp;He asked.

&nbsp;

Ada nodded.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The chicken.&nbsp;&nbsp;I hope that is satisfactory."

&nbsp;

"Quite so."&nbsp;&nbsp;The jackal approved as he picked the whiskey bottle up off the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;He shook it, disappointed to find not a single drop left.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I can't precisely recall the last time I've eaten a proper meal.&nbsp;&nbsp;I hear tell it is a healthy thing to do on occasion."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Presently the flight staff worked their way down the aisle, handing out stacked food as they went.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hot tin dishes with battered covers along with several mismatched utensils were presented to Ada and the jackal.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since there was no table, Ada was offered a large linen sheet to fold over her lap to protect her attire.&nbsp;&nbsp;The cover was lifted to reveal a plate of rice with runny, light brown gravy dumped over the top.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada glanced over at the dish that Valentine had been served and could not help noticing it looked identical.

&nbsp;

"Excuse me, miss?"&nbsp;&nbsp;She raised a gloved paw to the stewardess.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I believe I ordered the fish."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"That is the fish, ma'am."&nbsp;&nbsp;The doe replied.

&nbsp;

The Siamese cat pushed the food around with her fork.&nbsp;&nbsp;There were chunks of something that may have once resembled a fish.&nbsp;&nbsp;She sighed and silently fretted over her situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;If she had been in first class the fish would have been whole and baked.&nbsp;&nbsp;Possibly with a lovely side of mixed greens and fruit.&nbsp;&nbsp;It certainly would not have come out of a can.

&nbsp;

Valentine had none of her hesitation, digging into his plate with the zeal of one who was starving.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada attempted to eat, but found the food to be atrocious and incredibly salty.&nbsp;&nbsp;She set it aside and dabbed her lips with a napkin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"You're not hungry?"&nbsp;&nbsp;The Jackal asked between bites.

&nbsp;

She shook her head as she folded the lap linen.&nbsp;&nbsp;"No, I don't believe I am."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"A little dinner conversation then?"&nbsp;&nbsp;He suggested.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I've been doing most of the talking and I'm starting to feel I come off as vain.&nbsp;&nbsp;In my defense you have not offered much of yourself."

&nbsp;

"I'm afraid there is not much to say."&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada said, attempting to evade him.

&nbsp;

"That is not a fear, it's an excuse."&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentine insisted.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Everyone has something to say about themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;I find it difficult to believe you are different from everyone else.&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither is it probable that you are so similar as to be unworthy of comment."

&nbsp;

"I don't understand."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Who are you, Miss Moragon?"&nbsp;&nbsp;The jackal challenged.

&nbsp;

The question made her uncomfortable and she shifted on her seat.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm... Ada Moragon, the daughter of Charles Mor--"

&nbsp;

"No."&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentine said firmly.&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's where you came from.&nbsp;&nbsp;That's who you were.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a few days you'll marry your prince and that will be who you are.&nbsp;&nbsp;Right now you are neither here, nor there.&nbsp;&nbsp;You are your own person for what I gather is the first, and probably only, time of your life.&nbsp;&nbsp;You sit several thousand feet above any who could dare lay claim to your value.&nbsp;&nbsp;So the question remains: Who are you?"

&nbsp;

Ada was flustered by his reasoning. "Are you attempting to ridicule me, Mr. Valentine?"

&nbsp;

"Quite the contrary."&nbsp;&nbsp;The canine spoke, pulling the stopper on his fresh bottle and taking a swig.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I simply desire to know the story behind this lovely female sitting across from me.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tell me something about yourself."

&nbsp;

The feline furrowed her brow in frustration.&nbsp;&nbsp;She had spent her whole life allowing others to define her.&nbsp;&nbsp;A daughter.&nbsp;&nbsp;A child.&nbsp;&nbsp;A bride-to-be.&nbsp;&nbsp;Was that all there was to her?&nbsp;&nbsp;A commodity to be passed around and taken care of?&nbsp;&nbsp;Who was she really?&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"I don't know."&nbsp;&nbsp;She admitted in defeat.

&nbsp;

Valentine was not satisfied with that answer.&nbsp;&nbsp;"If I were to rummage through your luggage, what would I find?"&nbsp;&nbsp;He asked while giving a smirk.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Besides the obvious unmentionables."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"You wouldn't dare!"

&nbsp;

"Given half a chance, I most certainly would."&nbsp;&nbsp;He assured her before following up with his reasoning for the inquiry.&nbsp;&nbsp;"A flight like this allows limited belongings, so you would bring only what you absolutely could not stand to be without.&nbsp;&nbsp;What did you bring with you that nobody else here would possibly consider?"&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ada thought for a moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not because she did not know, but because she did know and was not sure if she should share that with him.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the jackal's insistence led her to believe that he was unlikely to relent.

&nbsp;

"My travel typewriter."&nbsp;&nbsp;She finally told him.

&nbsp;

"Now that is interesting."&nbsp;&nbsp;The jackal admitted as he took a bit of food.&nbsp;&nbsp;"It changes my perspective on you completely to know that you would allot so much of your luggage weight to a writing contraption.&nbsp;&nbsp;A dress, perfume, or cosmetics might be expected, but a typewriter?&nbsp;&nbsp;That is a luxury only an author would afford."

&nbsp;

"I need it for writing letters back home."&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada defended.

&nbsp;

Valentine shook his head.&nbsp;&nbsp;"If letters were your primary concern, quill and ink would suffice.&nbsp;&nbsp;I imagine your penmanship is practiced and graceful enough not to require a typewriter to be understood.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not to mention a pen is far more intimate, a mechanically produced letter would be taken as cold by your loved ones."

&nbsp;

He set his plate aside before taking another drink and wiping his maw.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Tell me about your manuscript that you have been working so diligently on, or perhaps you would allow me to read it?"

&nbsp;

"I didn't bring it with me."&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada informed him unconvincingly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Please," Valentine scoffed, "I've seen dead money players with a better poker face.&nbsp;&nbsp;You brought the typewriter and not the manuscript?&nbsp;&nbsp;Do keep in mind that you have to sleep sometime."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ada wrung her purse in her paws.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Is it necessary to be such a louse, Mr. Valentine?"&nbsp;&nbsp;She muttered.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The jackal took a swig.&nbsp;&nbsp;"If it gets me what I need."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ada considered that, thinking back on his tribal wife.&nbsp;&nbsp;Was it his brutishness that attracted her to him, or was he different back then?&nbsp;&nbsp;He had married her and left her.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not a notable quality for any male.&nbsp;&nbsp;Did he leave behind little Valentines as well?&nbsp;&nbsp;Offspring doomed to wander the deep jungles without a father?

&nbsp;

"Very well."&nbsp;&nbsp;She succumbed to his indecorous tactics.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Since you insist, I'm writing a novel."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Valentine motioned for her to elaborate.&nbsp;&nbsp;This was new to her.&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither her father nor mother had any interest in the fact that she enjoyed writing.&nbsp;&nbsp;They considered it an odd thing to do and certainly had no curiosity about her work.&nbsp;&nbsp;A female writing a story?&nbsp;&nbsp;How droll!&nbsp;&nbsp;Do hide this from your fiance until after you're married.

&nbsp;

Ada glanced around nervously, but nobody other than Valentine was interested in her words.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her paws twisted her purse.&nbsp;&nbsp;She considered lying to him, but he had already proven he could detect them.&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's set a long time ago in a land of magic and it's about a princess."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She began.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The princess is captured by a horrible beast, and a brave knight rescues her.&nbsp;&nbsp;They fall in love even though their relationship is forbidden."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Valentine grinned.&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're writing a romance novel?"&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Siamese was flush, she had fur covering her face, but somehow she expected that the jackal could see right through it.&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's more than that."&nbsp;&nbsp;She told him.

&nbsp;

His grin widened.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh!&nbsp;&nbsp;Now that is a delightful facet!&nbsp;&nbsp;I had no real interest in reading it, but now I simply must!&nbsp;&nbsp;How does an uptight virgin compose such things, I wonder?"

&nbsp;

"Please don't mock me!"

&nbsp;

The jackal put up his paws.&nbsp;&nbsp;"No, quite the contrary.&nbsp;&nbsp;My esteem has increased several fold!&nbsp;&nbsp;There are so few who are willing to risk delving into such subjects."

&nbsp;

Ada wasn't sure if praise from him was genuine.&nbsp;&nbsp;He might just consider it a scandalous treat about someone from a higher position.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, it was new to her and she found herself responding positively.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thank you, Mr. Valentine."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Don't thank me yet," he said with a tip of the bottle, "it might be awful."

&nbsp;

"You don't really think I'll let you read it, do you?"&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"I think you will."&nbsp;&nbsp;He told her.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think you want someone to read it.&nbsp;&nbsp;You want to let someone in on that intimate part o--"

&nbsp;

Valentine suddenly doubled over into a horrendous fit of coughing.&nbsp;&nbsp;The whiskey bottle fell to the floor, spilling most of the remainder of its contents.&nbsp;&nbsp;He yanked out his blood spotted kerchief and jammed it over his maw.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada uncharacteristically moved to assist him, but he put up a paw to signal her to stay back.&nbsp;&nbsp;He wheezed and coughed helplessly, and tears fell from his eyes from the agony.&nbsp;&nbsp;Deciding to suffer elsewhere, he got up and ducked through the curtain separating the sitting cabin from the sleeping one.&nbsp;&nbsp;He could be heard by everyone as he rushed away, presumably to the lavatory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Suddenly alone, Ada glanced around.&nbsp;&nbsp;The other passengers had witnessed his torment and were craning their necks curiously.&nbsp;&nbsp;It wasn't the eyes of the regular passengers that concerned her, it was four particular sets of eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The wolf with the terrifying facial scar was speaking with the second wolf.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two moved over to speak with the native feline and dandy otter.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was some disagreement between them.&nbsp;&nbsp;After a moment a coin was produced and they flipped it.

&nbsp;

Ada realized they were flipping to see who would get to do the deed.&nbsp;&nbsp;A male's life came down to nothing but pure chance?&nbsp;&nbsp;A gamble of souls?&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The dandy apparently was victorious, which irritated the lion but he sat back down.&nbsp;&nbsp;The spectacled otter straightened his jacket and slipped on a pair of black leather gloves before walking down the aisle.&nbsp;&nbsp;What should she do?&nbsp;&nbsp;Scream a warning?&nbsp;&nbsp;Jump on the male?&nbsp;&nbsp;He walked past, raising a finger to her.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said nothing but told her everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was to stay as she was and remain silent.&nbsp;&nbsp;Behind the lightly tinted glass of his spectacles she could see his eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;She could see what he really was under all the fancy clothing.&nbsp;&nbsp;A killer all the way to the core.&nbsp;&nbsp;She dared not impede him as he brushed through the curtain.

&nbsp;

"You'll thank us for this, ma'am."&nbsp;&nbsp;A voice startled her.&nbsp;&nbsp;She turned back to see that Riverboat Jack had taken a seat across her.&nbsp;&nbsp;How could he have gotten so close without her noticing?&nbsp;&nbsp;Why, oh why would Valentine get on the bad side of such people who could walk without being heard?&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"He's very frail and going to die anyway."&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada pleaded.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Must you kill him?"

&nbsp;

"This is what he deserves."&nbsp;&nbsp;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."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The stewardess approached, taking the dishes to the cart.&nbsp;&nbsp;"S... shall I clean up for you, sir?"&nbsp;&nbsp;She asked, indicating the spilled whiskey at their feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Jack put his feet up on the seat next to Ada.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Get to it."&nbsp;&nbsp;He told her.&nbsp;&nbsp;The doe hesitantly got down on her knees and started to wipe the floor with a rag.

&nbsp;

The wolf looked back at Ada.&nbsp;&nbsp;"What is it to you, anyway?"&nbsp;&nbsp;He asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;"A man like Valentine ain't worth one of your fancy gloves.&nbsp;&nbsp;If'n he lives or dies, what do you care?"&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ada clasped her paws on her lap.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Jack furrowed his brow.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Don't quote that Jesus shit at me.&nbsp;&nbsp;I ain't buying it."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"No, I don't suppose you would."&nbsp;&nbsp;She sighed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The male was as stupid as he was terrifying.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada looked out the window.&nbsp;&nbsp;The clouds below were passing with quiet indifference, glowing in the moonlight.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several small spots of light, possibly fires of scattered homesteads, could be made out through them.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the distance there was a storm brewing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lightning flashed, but thunder never reached through the din of the airship.

&nbsp;

"I only believe in what I can see."&nbsp;&nbsp;Jack said, glancing down at the stewardess on her hooves and knees.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her tail was up and frightened.&nbsp;&nbsp;She let out a muffled bleat as his paw fell on her rump.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Or what I can take."&nbsp;&nbsp;He rubbed his paw over the doe's bottom.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ada shot him a stern look.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Stop that!"&nbsp;&nbsp;She scolded.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"I ain't hurtin' her."&nbsp;&nbsp;The wolf said.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Asides, she's nothin' but a grazer anyway."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Stop that right now!"&nbsp;&nbsp;The Siamese insisted.

&nbsp;

Jack narrowed his eyes at her.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Or what?"&nbsp;&nbsp;He asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;"What are you gonna do?"

&nbsp;

"Are you even capable of being a gentlemale, or is that something beyond your abilities?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada challenged.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He scoffed at her.&nbsp;&nbsp;"What?&nbsp;&nbsp;Like Valentine?"&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Mr. Valentine is despicable," Ada admitted, "yet I much prefer his company to yours."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

That put a burr in Jack and he stopped molesting the doe.&nbsp;&nbsp;The stewardess quickly fled the scene with the empty bottle and rag in hoof.&nbsp;&nbsp;The wolf leaned forward and the feline could smell the heavy stink of him over all the other vile fragrance of the airship passengers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Do you really wanna know about Valentine?"&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"No."&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada said firmly.

&nbsp;

"Well, I'm gonna tell ya anyhow."&nbsp;&nbsp;He said.&nbsp;&nbsp;"My brother caught him cheating at cards and the bastard killed him for it.&nbsp;&nbsp;When I tried to get satisfaction, instead of facin' me legitimate he caught me with my pants down.&nbsp;&nbsp;Literally.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was partakin' the services of an improper female when in bursts Valentine."&nbsp;&nbsp;Jack pointed to his face.&nbsp;&nbsp;"He did this to me, but the whore didn't get away so lucky."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"It don't end there."&nbsp;&nbsp;Jack continued.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Back in Silverbreach he broke a barkeeper's nose simply for tellin' him he'd had too much.&nbsp;&nbsp;When the sheriff went to arrest him... shot him dead.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Fall Creek he ravaged a lass.&nbsp;&nbsp;A right decent young female like yourself.&nbsp;&nbsp;Got her pregnant.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fled town instead of doin' his duty and marryin' her.&nbsp;&nbsp;She offed herself not long afterward.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hung herself in the apple orchard where the deed happened."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Jack sat back.&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's just the stuff I know about.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rumors... well, they would make your tail curl."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"All that and you can't be bothered to kill him yourself?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada accused.

&nbsp;

Jack shook his head.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't care how he dies anymore, just that he dies.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sooner the better.&nbsp;&nbsp;By who's paw don't matter."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Out of the corner of her eye Ada could see the crisp jacket of the dandy otter.&nbsp;&nbsp;In his gloved paw was a dagger that he was wiping blood off with a kerchief.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jack picked him up in his peripheral as well and grinned at Ada.&nbsp;&nbsp;A vile looking grin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Is it done?"&nbsp;&nbsp;The wolf asked.

&nbsp;

"Is this cur bothering you, ma'am?"

&nbsp;

Riverboat Jack stood up like his tail had suddenly combusted.&nbsp;&nbsp;His eyes wide with disbelief and his paw flying to his useless, unloaded pistol.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Valentine!"&nbsp;&nbsp;He gasped.

&nbsp;

The jackal nodded, pushing back the very stylish bowler hat on his head.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not only was he wearing the otter's hat, jacket and gloves, but the shaded spectacles rested on his nose too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Jack."&nbsp;&nbsp;He acknowledged the wolf.&nbsp;&nbsp;He turned to Ada, who's eyes sparkled at him, and tipped the hat with a bow of his head.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Miss. Moragon.&nbsp;&nbsp;Seems we've all met again."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Jack looked past Valentine before glancing back at his other two compatriots, who were also standing in alarm.&nbsp;&nbsp;They were too far away to be of any use to him.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Where's Bill?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Jack asked.

&nbsp;

"Oh, I know what you're thinking, but he was very much alive and kicking last I saw."&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentine said.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of course, I imagine he's made it to the ground by now."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"You were sick!&nbsp;&nbsp;We all saw!&nbsp;&nbsp;You could barely stand!"&nbsp;&nbsp;The wolf accused.

&nbsp;

"I'm feeling much better now."&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentine said with a smirk.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Although I am deeply wounded that you sent him considering I baited that hook especially for you."&nbsp;&nbsp;The jackal eyed the wolf's paw on the butt of the revolver and twirled the dagger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Do you want to do this right now in front of everyone, or may I have my seat back?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentine asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Jack eased his way past him, keeping a wary eye on the dagger.&nbsp;&nbsp;"This doesn't mean nothin'."&nbsp;&nbsp;He told him.&nbsp;&nbsp;"This ain't over!"&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"By no means!"&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentine said.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I expected nothing less."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Jack fled up the aisle, trying his best not to look cowed, and Valentine took his seat across from Ada.&nbsp;&nbsp;He continued to polish the blade of the dagger while grinning at her.&nbsp;&nbsp;She cast her eyes downward.

&nbsp;

"I'm glad to see you're not injured."&nbsp;&nbsp;She said to him.&nbsp;&nbsp;He only nodded his appreciation and continued to clean the blade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"I would think a name should have some meaning, don't you?"&nbsp;&nbsp;He suddenly asked her.

&nbsp;

Ada shook her head in confusion.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"If a fellow goes by the name "Bootknife Bill" one should expect to know where he keeps his knife."&nbsp;&nbsp;The jackal reasoned.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I suppose "Small-of-the-Back Knife Bill" doesn't have the same ring to it."

&nbsp;

"I'm sure I'm not following."&nbsp;&nbsp;She told him.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Valentine waved off the inquiry.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Never mind."&nbsp;&nbsp;He said.&nbsp;&nbsp;He tossed aside the spectacles.&nbsp;&nbsp;"He was blinder than a bat.&nbsp;&nbsp;No wonder he used a knife."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He mumbled, his voice starting to sound weak.&nbsp;&nbsp;He looked around.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"It seems I've misplaced my whiskey.&nbsp;&nbsp;Could you be a dear and call the stewardess?"

&nbsp;

Before long Valentine had another bottle in paw.&nbsp;&nbsp;When he passed his coins Ada could tell it was only with great effort that his paws did not tremble.&nbsp;&nbsp;He tipped the bottle, gulping nearly half of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Mr. Valentine?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are you well?"&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"You don't suppose they'll fall for another bluff, do you?"&nbsp;&nbsp;He asked her, grimacing at the strong spirit and wiping his mouth across the sleeve of his new jacket.

&nbsp;

"I really don't know."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"There's a room back there."&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentine told her.&nbsp;&nbsp;"A private room for the staff.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not like the sleeping bunks that only have curtains, a room with a door that can be locked.&nbsp;&nbsp;There's also a bed in it and a sink with running water."

&nbsp;

Again, Ada was confused.&nbsp;&nbsp;"What are you suggesting, Mr. Valentine?"&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Miss. Moragon, I'm terribly sorry to impose, but I desperately need you to swoon over me."&nbsp;&nbsp;The jackal instructed.&nbsp;&nbsp;"As if you were the princess in your story and I the gallant knight.&nbsp;&nbsp;After that I need you to accompany me to the room."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Surely you jest!"&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada said with shock.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mr. Valentine, I'm happy you're still alive, but I'm not that happy!&nbsp;&nbsp;What kind of female do you take me for?"

&nbsp;

He spoke firmly but there was a quake in his voice.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I realize this is a great imposition, but you are the only one on this ship in a position to assist me.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you do not I will be dead within the hour."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"I'm not going to fall for that!"&nbsp;&nbsp;She said to him haughtily.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I know males try these tricks, you can take care of it yourself!"&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"I would, but I can't quite reach."&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentine said as he opened the jacket.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The shirt underneath was wet and stained with deep red.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was only being stemmed by his old shirt tied snugly around his waist.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ada realized that all of the blood, even what he had cleaned off the knife, was his.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Put your paws down and wipe that look off your face!"&nbsp;&nbsp;He hissed at her.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ada dropped her paws and gulped.&nbsp;&nbsp;She didn't know much about anatomy, but the location of his injury looked incredibly bad.&nbsp;&nbsp;"My God!"&nbsp;&nbsp;She muttered softly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"If they catch wind of this they will come at me like sharks."&nbsp;&nbsp;He told her as he closed the jacket and buttoned it.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Even if they don't, this will kill me without your help."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ada closed her eyes tightly.&nbsp;&nbsp;This was all too much!&nbsp;&nbsp;She didn't know this male and didn't owe him anything!&nbsp;&nbsp;Certainly not her dignity!&nbsp;&nbsp;He's dying anyway and those that want him dead have good cause for it!&nbsp;&nbsp;Let it happen!&nbsp;&nbsp;It's no business of hers!&nbsp;&nbsp;She has a wedding to go to and a husband to prepare herself for!&nbsp;&nbsp;She took a deep breath and opened her eyes.

&nbsp;

"Why, Mr. Valentine!"&nbsp;&nbsp;She declared with a smile as she slid from her seat over to his.&nbsp;&nbsp;"You are such a fine male specimen!&nbsp;&nbsp;Tell me how you vanquished that ghastly villain!"

&nbsp;

"That's a little thick, isn't it?"&nbsp;&nbsp;He muttered to her.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"I'm a writer, not a thespian."&nbsp;&nbsp;She grumbled back through grinning teeth while tapping a finger on his nose playfully.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"Noted."&nbsp;&nbsp;He said to her.&nbsp;&nbsp;"And thank you."&nbsp;

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/3egaPKdn

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