Ripper, My Love

by Glynis Smy

  Kitty lay still. Sarah guessed she had been raped.

  ***

  A clanging milk cart told her it was morning. Kitty managed to sit upright in bed. She ran her fingers over her lips; they were sore and felt swollen. After several attempts, she opened her eyes. The light shone through brightly into her right one, and a small speck filtered into her left. The swelling was subsiding. Her mouth was parched. A jug of water was on the cabinet beside the bed. Slowly she swung her legs around and reached out. Every bone ached. She could see scratches on her hands. She drank two glasses of water and struggle to her feet. She stooped beneath the bed for the pot she knew Sarah kept there. Relieving herself, she dug her nails into her palms. Her flesh burned and she found it hard not to scream. Arthur had caused so much pain, in more ways than one.

  She cleaned herself and found a fresh gown on the back of a chair. Her legs felt like jelly as she dressed, but she needed to focus upon getting better.

  One thing had struck her as strange was the fact her father had not visited. When she sat by the window she reflected upon the conversation between Patrick and Sarah the previous day.

  Patrick had mentioned hospital, Devlin and not Seamus, and Sarah the Reverend Smithson.

  They must be injured from the fire. Father must be in a poorly state, for the Reverend to be called. If it were Seamus, it would be the priest. I must find Sarah.

  As if she heard Kitty’s thoughts, Sarah entered the room.

  ‘Well if that isn’t a sight for sore eyes. Talking of which, how are yours?’

  ‘Morning, Sarah.’

  ‘Oh, and you have found your voice. How wonderful.’

  Sarah pulled a small footstall beside Kitty’s chair.

  ‘We have to talk about things, Kitty. About the night of the fire, five days it has been. You were in a dreadful state. We thought we had lost you. Sadly, Buttons and Bows was destroyed. You cannot go back, I am afraid you have lost everything. I am so sorry.’

  Kitty stared out of the window. She felt numb inside.

  ‘I have no desire to return. I have lost more than you know, Sarah. Also, my dear friend, I get the feeling there is something you are not telling me. My father. He has not been to visit me. I heard you and Patrick talking yesterday. How badly hurt is he?’

  Sarah drew in a deep breath, and Kitty turned to face her. As she did so the truth was written in her friend’s face.

  ‘He’s gone has he not? He’s dead.’

  Sarah nodded. ‘I am sorry, so sorry. He went inside to find you and became trapped. Seamus was injured when he went in to rescue William.’

  Sobs burst from Kitty; she put her head in her hands. Arthur had destroyed all she loved.

  ‘Kitty, I am so sorry. I have no words; my heart is as broken as yours. I made arrangements on your behalf. He is to be buried alongside your mother, tomorrow.’

  A loud knock on the main door of the house made both women jump.

  ‘I will answer that and be back. There is a fresh handkerchief in the top drawer.’

  Kitty watched as Sarah left the room. Her mind was in turmoil. Arthur’s actions against her were due to her sins with James. She could tell no one. Her attacker would remain unknown. She felt the need to protect James’s reputation. To do so would also help protect her own. Her mind was a frenzy of conflicting thoughts.

  James I gave you everything yet you walked away. A fiancée to another. Why do I need to protect you? Why should I?

  Sarah tapped on the door and re-entered the room.

  ‘You have a visitor. It is James Lockwood. He went to Buttons and Bows to deliver something of his mother’s and got a terrible shock. Can you manage to come down to speak with him?’

  So you have come back to me. Now when I no longer want you in my life, you come knocking at the door.

  Kitty dried her eyes, and looked for a pocket in her gown. It was then she noticed it was black.

  She looked at Sarah and lifted the skirts.

  ‘I altered one of mine, and trimmed it for you while I sat beside you.’ Sarah said. Kitty nodded. The dress brought home how another man had changed her life forever.

  ‘I will see James and accept his condolences. I have several things to attend to, I need to face facts.’

  ***

  Each step downstairs jolted through her body. Kitty gritted her teeth against the pain. Each whimpered sigh, Sarah patted her on the back.

  ‘Keep going, it will be healed soon enough.’

  When they got to the bottom, Sarah stepped ahead and before opening the door, she stroked Kitty’s cheek.

  ‘We will get this visit over and have a talk in private. I will leave you to talk with James, and slip to your fa-Patrick’s- to give it a bit of a clean.’

  Kitty nodded. She took a deep breath as they moved into the room.

  James stood up, stared at her and Kitty could not deny what she felt. Although she still loved him, today his smile did nothing to cheer her. Their past was the past. Violence and death had been her punishment. She could not risk James any longer. Theirs was a dangerous love. Her feelings had changed towards him. He could not be trusted; he had lied to her about his engagement. Toyed with her and fed her false promises.

  ‘Kitty. When I heard the news, I could not believe it. I am sorry for your loss. My condolences.’ James moved towards her, but she stepped back.

  ‘Thank you, James. It was thoughtful of you to come. I appreciate it. Sarah informs me my father is to be buried tomorrow; sadly I have been suffering from the result of the fire, and have only just been told of his death. Sarah will give you the details, for I do not have them yet.’

  ‘William was a good man. I will miss our discussions-a good man.’ He shook his head, a sorrowful look etched across his face. ‘Kitty, about the evening of the ball, I...’

  ‘James. I have no desire to discuss that evening, or any evening we shared. Forgive me, I must sit.’ She moved to the chair nearest her, and winced as she sat down.

  ‘You are in so much pain. Forgive me for disturbing you. I could not stay away.’ He lowered himself onto the chair opposite. Kitty sat in silence. She watched his face, absorbing the last time she would see it. Every dimple and crease etched into her memory for life.

  ‘James. I told you the night of the ball. I no longer wish to see you. Losing my father and my business is all I can cope with at this present time. The attacker took...’

  James jumped to his feet.

  ‘Attacker? You were attacked? Sarah never said. The bruises, your lip, did he do that to you?’

  Kitty tried to fight the tears but failed. Her body shook with sobs. When James put his arms around her shoulders she reacted. Flinching she pushed him away.

  ‘Leave me. Please just leave me. It is not meant to be. You belong to another.’

  James took a step back; he put his finger under her chin and raised her face. Kitty turned it away from his.

  ‘There is more to this, Kitty. What happened? Who attacked you? Why?’

  Kitty wanted him to leave but knew he would not go without an explanation. She opted for the truth.

  ‘I have something to tell you and you are not to interrupt me. I am serious James. I need you to sit down, and listen. No interruptions, just listen. This is between you and me. You must swear not to tell anyone. Promise me.’

  ‘This sounds serious.’ James held up his hands when she went to speak again. ‘Yes. Yes, I promise.’

  Kitty relayed the events of the night; she left nothing out, except the name of her attacker. When she had finished, she broke down in tears.

  He held out his arms to her, but she did not attempt to go to him. He stood with his hands out, and then dropped them to his side.

  ‘Do you have any idea who your attacker was?’ His voice broke with emotion.

  ‘I am sorry James; I cannot talk about it anymore. I need you to leave. I am not even sure why I told you. I am vulnerable to tears now, and you caught me at a weak moment. Please, James, leave.
’

  She stood before him with her head held high. She ran her tongue over the cut lip. James moved toward her, and she moved her arm down as she tried to ward him off. He stroked her lip; she flinched and turned her head away. She needed him to leave before her resolve broke.

  ‘Pity sake, Kitty this is serious. You have to do something about this. You cannot just stand there and calmly tell me you have been raped. Then just expect me to walk away.’

  ‘Please keep your voice down. Respect my wishes. We have no future.’

  ‘If only I had visited you that night. I could have saved you from this ordeal’

  The whine of self-pity in his voice was the last straw for Kitty.

  ‘James, this is not about you, or your needs. This is not about what you could have done, or what others will do or think. It is about me, what I want. I cannot continue sleeping in my bed with you. I will never, ever lay with another man again. I am finished. When trust is taken away from you, it destroys the soul.’

  Kitty turned her back on him. She hoped James would take it as an indication to leave.

  He pulled her back around to face him again. She winced when he gripped her shoulder, and he quickly released his hands. He raised them towards the ceiling in a gesture of despair.

  ‘Dammit woman, this is about me. It has destroyed what we had. You talk about trust. I am suspicious now. You do know your attacker; there is something in your eyes. Tell me Kitty, please tell me.’

  ‘Trust? You talk about trust. You, who took me to bed with promises of a future together, then had the audacity to parade a fiancée on your arm. You made me feel like a nobody, a nothing. I trusted you to love me for all time, but you could not. You are no better than the rapist. No James, you cannot have it all ways.’

  ‘I think it is best that I leave. Words are being spoken, that we will regret. I will return tomorrow when we have calmed down. There is a lot to think about.’

  Kitty reached out and placed her hand on his arm. She pleaded with him, her voice softer now.

  ‘James, you must promise me; promise me that you will not repeat what I have told you. If you love me, leave me what little dignity I have left, please.’

  ‘I will speak with no one about what happened to you. I will however, make enquiries about who might have been seen hanging around Buttons and Bows. Arthur might be able to help; he might be able to sniff out a few details for us.’

  Kitty reacted to what he said, before she realised what she had done.

  ‘NO. Arthur is not to be involved.’

  She noted that James had registered her panic. ‘The evil bastard. It was him. He came at you did not he? Tell me. He found out you knew what was in his bag. He attacked you, took what you would not give. That sick...’

  Kitty stood as tall as she could. She realised she had told James the identity of her attacker. She did not tell him that it was not the reason why she was attacked. There was no point adding to the already volatile situation.

  ‘I would appreciate it if you tamed your language and left. I repeat myself when I say; you are not to mention this again. Nor are you to interfere and contact Arthur. I will deal with it, in my own time and in my own way. Now please show me respect and leave. It is for the best. For both of us.’ Kitty moved towards the front door and held it open. She gave him a weak smile.

  ‘Goodbye James, please go home. Honour your promise. Please have no concern. I will manage with Sarah and Patrick at my side.’

  James shifted from one foot to another. His body tensed.

  ‘I will leave with sadness in my heart, Kitty Harper. Forgive me for my faults and failures. I hope you find happiness beyond your sorrow. I will not attend your father’s funeral. You do understand?’

  ‘Yes James, I understand. Now go, before Sarah returns. Thank you for-for, well, thank you.’

  James inclined his head, and left the cottage.

  Kitty struggled up the stairs. She needed to hide away; to speak with Sarah would be far too hard now. She peeled back the bedding and removed her shoes. A saddened Kitty climbed into the bed and curled into a tight ball. There were no more tears to fall, just a broken heart and thoughts to keep her company.

  Chapter 30

  Rage and Revenge

  James took a deep breath as he left the cottage. His mind tried to make sense of what he had just heard. His heart broke for what Kitty must have gone through. He felt helpless, inadequate. He should have been there to protect her. Now he must track Arthur down, the man deserved to suffer. He had to be destroyed for what he had done. James’s temper was at full height and his Jack the Ripper had come alive, but tonight it would not be a woman who suffered at his hands.

  Revenge was very much on his mind, despite what Kitty wanted from him. This was a promise he was not going to keep. James decided the best place to start looking for Arthur would be at the alehouse they often used.

  ***

  Arthur had seen James enter Sarah’s cottage. Despite knowing he needed to get away, he still had the urge to follow his partner. He heard Kitty had survived, and had mixed feelings. Now James had visited Kitty, he would no doubt find out the truth. Sarah had left the couple alone. Just the thought of Kitty lying in James's arms stirred up the anger inside Arthur. He felt helpless, frustrated, and lost within a myriad of emotions. He turned heel and headed for home. There was no longer a reason for him to stay. He would only be standing in an alleyway for hours. Arthur knew the relationship between him and Kitty was finished. He also knew it was time for him to finish his one with James. Jack the Ripper had to be laid to rest. Arthur could manage to satisfy his needs alone. Tomorrow he would leave town and find new places to work.

  A movement in the street ahead caught his eye. The walk and stature of the man moving away from him, was familiar. It was James; he had not stayed with Kitty. Curiosity got the better of Arthur.

  She did not tell him. If she had he would still be there, comforting her; I would. Now’s my chance to finish him. Where am I? Right, the street looks quiet. Carefully Arthur, take it steady.

  It did not occur to him that James might know of his involvement with Kitty's rape. His mind had become so warped and vile; he gave no thought to the outcome of this meeting.

  His words were short and breathy when he caught up with James. He tried to keep his voice as jovial as possible, when he was close enough behind him. The hatred he felt for the man was begging to be let loose, but he dare not show it.

  ‘James, what are you doing in this neck of the woods? It is not ideal walking weather for the time of year.’

  ***

  James stopped walking. The sound of Arthur's voice resonated around his head. It ached with pain from the tears he had shed while walking away from Kitty. The last thing he needed was a conversation with the man who had ruined everything for him. He swung around to face Arthur. His voice was low and threatening as he grabbed the man by the throat. He dragged him against a wall and pinned his body against it. There was no way for Arthur to fight back. James had the solid muscles of an ox.

  ‘What's going on? What is the matter James? It is me, Arthur.’

  ‘You bastard. Kitty told me what you did. You have destroyed her and I am going to destroy you. Her face is a mess and goodness knows what you have done to her mind. You might have been kinder if you had killed her. William died and you raped her. I cannot believe you raped her just because she saw a bag of your bloody tools under a table.’

  ‘I do not know what you mean. William died? Tools? What tools? I wanted to marry her I would never hurt her. Did she say I did? I cannot believe it. She lied.’

  His whining voice and the fact Arthur had said Kitty had lied, was the last straw for James. He lurched forward and pushed harder against the throat of the man he hated with all his might.

  ***

  Arthur could not speak; his voice box and windpipe were trapped within the grasp of a madman.

  His body was still pinned tight against the wall, his hands by his
side. With slow deliberate movements, he reached into his right hand pocket. He carried a small knife at all times for various reasons, and one of them was for moment such as this. Criminals in the East End did not always take kindly to questions from newspaper reporters. He could feel the sharp blade and manoeuvred the handle into his hand. Slowly he withdrew it. He kept his eyes focused on the face in front of him; he kept James as distracted the best he could. He kicked out again, and James relaxed his grip a fraction. Arthur took his chance and with one swift movement, the knife found its victim. Arthur rammed it as hard as he could into the side of James upper body. There was a hissing and gurgling sound, and James slumped forward. The man’s hand fell away from Arthur's neck and he took large gulps of air, he could feel the blood rushing back to his face. It made him feel giddy for a few seconds. His lungs hurt and he still could not move. He inhaled a large breath and then took smaller shallow ones. When his breathing was back to normal and he no longer felt faint, he moved his feet, and tried to move. James body slid down his own. The weight kept him pinned against the wall. With effort, he pushed it away. James lay in a bloodied heap on the floor. Arthur looked around, but the street was clear and he could walk away unseen.

  When he looked down, his gut reaction was to run, but something kept him from doing so. He grabbed his knife and wiped it on James’s coat. Flashbacks of Brady and the regret of not looking further into the depths of a dead body ran through his mind. He had seen the organs of women, now was his chance to look inside James. The body was much bigger than he was; he knew he would not be able to carry him away. He did a quick check of the street they were in and spotted an alley a few feet away. He pulled James along the ground, the bloodstains were minimal, and he had seen worse on the floor after a pub fight. They should not draw attention should any one pass by. He worked quickly. He cut in sections and made brief notes. He was in his element; this was a glory moment for him. He had eliminated a rival and now had the chance to learn from his trophy.