A Time and Place for Us

One dead, two alive and unhappy

Hello, loves! I apologise for my absence, it hasn't been a very nice month for me as i had some family issues and I wasn't feeling like writing or reading ST. But I'm back and I hope you like the update! xxx

Four knocks on the door forced Sweeney out of his stupor. It was the sign they had agreed on, and taking one last look at the cabin to make sure everything was in set, he went to open the door.

Nellie and the man supposedly called Heirloom stood there, her expression one of barely contained glee and anticipation while he just seemed unamused. His hand possessively on her waist, gripping her bodice-covered flesh just below the swell of her breast gave Sweeney an idea of what he'd rather be doing. Nellie had not mentioned the nature of her relationship with Heirloom, only that they were past acquaintances, but judging by the familiarity with which he was touching her—it was borderline indecorous—they must know each other quite intimately.

To nobody's surprise, the green-eyed monster reared its blood-thirsty head, but Sweeney was able to reign him in. For a while, at least. Because soon, whatever relationship he had with Nellie would die and he, as always, would gladly be his executor. Such a shame his filthy blood could not spill.

One just had to take a proper look at him to know what kind of vermin he was. Lustful, dishonest, a despot who abused whatever power his wealth had conferred him to submit others he considered inferior. A man with the same stealthy malice in his seemingly serene gaze and the apparent respectability in his gait as the late Judge Turpin. Not that he had any doubts when Nellie enlisted his help to get rid of this stately home rat, but it was clear that he deserved to die. And that he would, by Sweeney's hand.

Strictly focusing on his appearance, he saw why Nellie assured him nobody would be too surprised by his death, since the man looked like he had one foot in the grave. He was scarily thin, his face gaunt and his complexion yellowing as were his slightly bloodshot eyes. Heirloom simply did not look well and as if to prove his point, he had a coughing fit as soon as they entered the cabin which had him hyperventilating and clutching his chest in obvious pain. Perhaps, Sweeney thought, he was doing him a favour by putting him out of his misery.

"Welcome, how may I assist you?" Sweeney asked with a smile once he'd calmed down. Nellie had once told him that particular smile was forced and creepy but he was certain it made his patrons feel at ease. They never refused a shave when he smiled.

"Mrs. Lovett's ladybits need a trimming" he spoke, not bothering to call her by her fake name. He must have been aware Sweeney was also in the know.

"That will be my pleasure" he said rather salaciously. Heirloom seemed to come alive with anticipation. "But for that, I can't use any of my usual razors. You see, that area is very delicate and susceptible to get... slippery while being taken care of and with these razors, we would only be inviting accidents" He turned to Nellie, who was behind Heirloom with a big grin on her face. "Eleanor, would you be so kind to go to my cabin and fetch my smaller razor? You know where they are." She replied affirmatively so Sweeney looked back at Heirloom. "In the meantime, how about some pampering, sir? A soothing skin massage? A stylish trimming of the hair, or how about a shave? Pardon my forwardness, but I detect a subtle stubble that we could tackle right this instant."

"That's why I've been telling him!" Nellie exclaimed. "A stubble shows carelessness and frankly, us lassies can do without the tickles."

A small giggle had Sweeney smirking and Heirloom rolling his eyes at her sly attempt at humiliating him. Yet before he could say anything, Sweeney doubled down on his gentle coaxing by stroking his ego. That was always the dealbreaker with men like him. "Fret not, sir. I can take care of that effortlessly, giving you the closest shave you'll ever get. Complimentary, of course, since you came here with another service in mind. It would be my honour to shave such a distinguished face."