The Laughing Man, Book Two: Goner

Chapter Three

"-not bad. Not bad at all." The familiar sound of Mr. J's rough voice pinged in her ears. "I guess quality is the real mark of the rich."

Slowly, Harley's eyes fluttered open, attempting to focus. She was groggy, feeling the effects of the drugs in her system. It took her a moment to remember why. The gunshot, Mr. J, the hospital, Thomas. With the memory, the pain came crawling back, settling itself inside, her oldest friend. She could barely contain the pleasure that accompanied it, her body wanting so much more. But she could feel the weakness inside. Too tired, too tender to move, or even lift her head.

"Indeed it is, sir," an unknown voice said, British accent. "Is that all, sir?"

A sound escaped her lips against her will and Mr. J's eyes swung towards her for a moment. Next to him stood the stiff figure of another gentlemen, formal suit, long hair tied back. Looked to be in his forties, regal but something subservient about him. Then his appearance clicked in her mind. It had been years but Geoffrey didn't look much older than she remembered. Thomas' butler. Which meant she was inside Thomas' home. The fog was beginning to clear her mind.

"Yeah, go away," Mr. J said to him, clapping the butler genially on his upper arm. Geoffrey winced at the gesture before scuttling off to his duties.

Stuffing some piece of food in his mouth, Mr. J walked over to her. She tried to smile at him. "Hey there, Mr. J."

He said nothing, chewing as he removed a sheet that lay over her body. Harley was completely naked under the sheet and the realization hit her that she didn't even know what day it was. Same night, next day? She could smell the coppery scent of blood, reeking from the bandage that Mr. J was scanning. Without a word, he scooped her up into his arms, eliciting a squeal of surprise from her. And he was walking her through a door. A bathroom. Suddenly, she felt how full her bladder was. Mr. J knew her needs too well.

He sat her down on the toilet and turned the other way as she did her business, staring at the large shower stall. "Should get us one of these."

The bathroom was a real work of art. The walls an antique green color, splashes of a gold leaf design decorating the upper half. The shower stall that had Mr. J's attention was massive, enough for five people to fit in comfortably. Clear glass doors and a beautiful stone motif that made her agree with her lover. A jacuzzi hot tub adjoined it, smaller but two people could easily swim in it. Next to the elegant stand alone sink was a large armoire that likely held towels and other bathroom sundries.

When she finished, she attempted to stand up. Her legs were too weak to support herself, though, and she collapsed back down, relishing the pain that coursed through her. Mr. J turned, with an annoyed look. "Jeesh, Harley. I just got you patched up. You want to break your stitches so soon?"

"Sorry, Mr. J," she said, meekly, wrapping her arms around him as he lifted her up again.

"At least have the courtesy to let me break them."

It made her smile. "I'll be more careful."

Harley was better able to appreciate the bedroom the second time around. Muted grey swept the room, the matching antique feel from the bathroom with gold script lining the tops of the walls. The ceiling was vaulted into a round, giving a circular feel to the room despite its square shape. Another armoire against the wall with the door, a rich cherry wood. Matching nightstands on either side of the four poster bed. Walk in closet, bookcases, flat screen TV on the wall, the works. Only a princess was worthy of this room. And that, she was not, in any way.

Mr. J laid her back down in the soft bedding, covering her again like a child before touching her face gently. Even when injured before, he never treated her with any kindness. It was strange, out of character. And extremely suspicious. "What's going on?" she asked with narrowed eyes. "You're never this nice."