A TWIST OF FATE
Chapter Forty-Four
Jack lay awake in the dark. He was
comfortable in his warm bed, listening to the snores of Fabri. The meal and
wine lay heavy in both their stomachs: they had managed little conversation
before Fabri had fallen asleep. But Fabri did have to be up for work tomorrow,
Jack had reminded himself. He had agreed to get up too and go on the delivery
cart with him, to keep him company. But sleep eluded him.
He took the watch from under his pillow. Although he couldn't see it, he could
feel its silky smooth finish and hear its rhythmic tick. Like Rose's heartbeat.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
He remembered every detail of what she was wearing. The kiss he had stolen. He
wasn't so sure that he regretted it now. Rose didn't seem too upset.
But she is another mans wife.
Jack heard Fabri's voice in his head. It didn't matter to him that she was
married to another man. That man was cruel and mean. He didn't deserve Rose and
probably didn't even know her. Like he knew her. The conversations they had
about art and Europe. Did she ever share those things with Hockley? Did he even
care?
But he can make you disappear.
That was true. His hired thugs had already had one go at him. They would
certainly have another if Rose continued to see him. This had to be resolved.
Rose would have to leave Hockley or he would have to walk away. And that was a
thought he didn't like.
"Jack, wake up" a voice stirred Jack from his peaceful sleep. A
strange voice. Where was he? A sudden panic made him open his eyes and sit up
suddenly, startling Fabrizio.
"You OK?" he asked concerned.
"Yeah, yeah" replied Jack rubbing his eyes. "I forgot where I
was for a minute. What time is it?"
Fabri laughed. "Its half passed five." He watched Jack groan and fall
back onto the bed. "You wanted to get up with me! You can stay here."
"No," sighed Jack. "I'll get up and come with you. Such a shame
you have to spend your last day as a single man working at this un godly
hour."
"Ha, but I have responsibilities now. Anyway, I have to finish loading the
cart, so you have time to get dressed. I have some bread and ham and cheese for
you to eat on the way. Missing breakfast gave you another half hour in
bed!" Fabri punched him softly and made his way back to the yard. Jack
struggled out of bed and threw cold water onto his face to wake him up. He
muttered to himself about how mad he must be to be up at this hour. But he
grinned joyously to himself that he was there with Fabri the day before the
wedding. It gave him great comfort that to know there was stability in his
strange, world.
He dressed quickly, ran his fingers through his hair and ran down the stairs.
"I can't believe I'm excited about going on a bakers cart at the crack of
dawn" he laughed to himself.
Down in the yard, the cart was loaded ready to go. Jack seated himself up on
the front and was joined by Fabri who handed him a little cloth bundle. As the
cart jerked forward, Jack open the parcel to find his breakfast, which he
tucked into hungrily.
As the cart rocked its way down the road, Fabri talked constantly of his plans.
They had been given the old rooms above Maria's uncles restaurant which they
had done out ready. Maria had been given a job at the restaurant, helping in
the kitchen or as a waitress. Fabri could work when it was busy, but he was
hoping it wouldn't be too long before he could be there full time. It would
mean he would see more of Maria and not have to make the journey across town in
the morning. He spoke of his mama, that he wished she were well enough to
travel and that she may one day to come America, or that one day he could
afford to tickets to go and see her. It was a lot of money and wanted
desperately to have enough money to support Maria so she didn't have to work.
All the hopes and dreams of a man about to married.
At each stop, Jack helped Fabri and was introduced hurriedly to people who
asked who he was. Most of the customers gave notes and cards of good wishes to
Fabri and some gave him little gifts, bottles of wine or little wrapped boxes.
Fabri was overwhelmed by the generosity of his customers.
"So what is happening tonight?" Jack asked.
"Benito has closed the restaurant. Invited guests are coming for a small
meal, a little music and a little wine!" laughed Fabri. "Always wine,
never beer."
"You'd better not have too much, or you'll have a bad head tomorrow"
replied Jack.
"Same goes for you" laughed Fabri " I need you to have a clear
head tomorrow!"
As the cart rocked through the streets, Jack had an uneasy feeling. He put it
down to excitement and nerves about the coming big event. But could it be
something else?