by M W Foolster
He winces, “What the…”
She then leans into him and gently kisses him on the lips. His head spinning, he takes hold of her shoulder to steady himself. She slowly pulls away.
“So what was that for?”
“What the punch, or the kiss?”
Rolls his eyes, “Either?”
“The punch is for being a total idiot. I mean, what the hell was you playing at? And the kiss is for earlier… Needed it. Truth is, I so wanted to this morning but then Robbie disturbed us and, well, Scrawl arrived. It all got kind of crazy after that. I’m just not… Well, not used to being intimate with anybody. But doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it.”
“Look, I went too far earlier Jazz, and I am truly, truly sorry.”
Cringes as she looks almost ready to hit him again.
“Don’t you dare apologise. It was… Special. And I haven’t finished with you yet, Jason Sinclair.”
“But I thought… I really don’t understand. I… Look, sorry, I know I shouldn’t of, but I heard you and Susie talking earlier. Something about the sick fucker being a sex maniac and it not safe being around him anymore. To think I gave you that impression, am just... Look, I am so, so sorry.”
She laughs and takes his arm as they make their way towards the main lending library, both relieved to escape the still snoring Ms Scrawl.
“You are such a twat, Jason Sinclair. I should hit you again for eavesdropping, you know that. We were talking about Kouch.”
“Ohh.”
“I’ll give you, ohh.”
He stops at the doorway and faces her.
“Kouch? You’ve totally lost me. What’s he got to do with anything?”
“He like, well, accosted Susie in her flat this morning.”
“HE DID WHAT?!”
“Susie said Kouch wandered into her flat in just his boxer shorts and well, he was like, looking very excited, if you know what I mean. Anyway, he said something about her sneaking into his place and giving him a long and lingering kiss while he was sleeping. Susie told him that he is crazy but Kouch wouldn’t back off, said he could smell her scent everywhere. The crazy fuck even told her that he didn't mind that it was a man's cologne. And then he like, well, gets all frisky with her. Started touching himself an’ acting all sleazy. Then he made a lunge for her. Susie screamed. Carlo shouted up and that kind of panicked Kouch. Even then, Susie only just managed to escape him. She said he like swore at her and stormed off, and then she ran down to Carlo.”
“That’s bloody awful. Poor Susie. This day just gets worse and bloody worse.”
“Not all bad though. Is it, Jay?”
Jazz is about to walk away.
"Wait."
She looks at him inquisitively.
"What you did earlier was bloody amazing Jazz. How...?”
Puts her finger to his lips,
"My mother taught me, been told I was the youngest ever black belt in London. Unless you meant the kiss and yes babe, that was bloody amazing."
She winks at him and smiles, giving him no opportunity to answer as she walks through the door.
Several uniformed PC’s approach Jason, accompanied by a noticeably stressed Jessica. He sighs on seeing the state of the library, the wooden flooring covered in trampled books, broken furniture, discarded clothing and, much to his total disgust, blood stains. In general, he’d always enjoyed entering the main reception, so bright and welcoming, but to see it in this condition…
“Hey, Jay, you okay?”
Smiles at her,
“Yer, I’m fine Jess. And you?”
She shrugs miserably,
“This is PC Wulver and...”
PC Wulver’s colleague steps forward and introduces himself.
“Sergeant Philpott. Now I’ve already spoken with your colleagues and have been assured that all of the library staff are accounted for?”
Jason looks towards Jess, who answers for him,
“Yup, they’re all inside the building.”
“Good. And am I safe in assuming that the building will remain closed for the next few days? At the very least?”
“Sorry, I haven’t really thought about that but..." he shrugs his shoulders miserably. “But there’s no way we can open to the public.”
Feeling thoroughly depressed as the reality now dawns upon him as to what the likelihood is of the building ever being reopened. Councillor Fuker may just have got his wish.
“As for how long we'll remain closed, I just don't know, not my decision to make Sergeant.”
The sergeant nods sympathetically.
“A dreadful business but the streets are now back under our control. And that was very courageous of you, to risk your life in saving that woman.”
Jason can barely manage a smile.
“We will require statements from all of the library staff at a future date but I won’t take up any more of your time today. However, if you’d all be so kind as to provide PC Wulver with contact details?”
Seeing that he’s still clearly distressed, Jess touches his arm tenderly,
“I can do that, Jay.”
Having caught sight of Susie in amongst a large group by the main entrance, he thanks Jess before moving towards them. But then he spots the two detectives. Really isn’t up to dealing with the pair of them again, not today. Swears under his breath on realising that the portly DI has now seen him. Jason half-heartedly raises his hand in acknowledgement. The less than friendly DI points at his eyes before poking a finger at Jason, leaving him in no doubt as to the fact that their earlier conversation is still relevant. Susie and the other campaign action group leave the building, closely followed by both the detectives. He’ll just have to catch up with her later.
Barely able to conceal his smirk, Robbie beckons an extremely reluctant Jason across to the Reception.
“Jay, this is the heroine who saved you. Meet Katrina.”
Once again, Jason finds himself peering up into the eyes of the blue eyed giant.
“I… Hmm. Thank you so much.”
“You est one lucky motherfucker, yes? If I was no here, your bollocks would be fried up in fire big time. So me lets you smack my todger in the thanks and we est all the real happy tossers. Yes.”
She bursts into raucous laughter and thumps him on the back, but in so doing, sends him hurtling towards Robbie. Robbie is the quickest to react and ducks instinctively. Jason goes sprawling straight over him and crashes heavily to the ground. Now laying on his back staring up at her, he barely has time to groan in pain before his shirt is grasped in a powerful grip and he’s yanked to his feet.
“You est a serious fuck up, yes English.”
Katrina stomps away from him and exits the library, Robbie locking the doors behind her. Jason grimaces, he can still hear her roaring with laughter even though she’s marching off down the high street. And it doesn't help that everybody in the library is now in hysterics. A flustered, and somewhat niggled Jason throws Robbie a scathing look.
“Bloody hell, Robbie, why did you call me over?”
“Well, to thank her of course.”
“Why…? Yes okay, I get that but... Ohh, never mind. And does she have to talk to me like that? It's bloody embarrassing.”
Robbie grins,
“Not her fault, Jay. She could barely speak any English when she first arrived across here. Remember signing her up to the library. Some athlete too, represented her country at Shot Put. Now, where was she from? Damn it, should remember. Sorry, am rambling. Anyway, to cut a long story short, she got a job in the builder’s yard down by the common so am assuming that the guys in there were all very considerate and helped her to learn to speak English.”
“That would certainly explain it. But she can’t go around talking like that, somebody should say something.”
“Be my guest, Jay.”
Tammy appears with his coffee, her face lighting up with a smile as Jazz and Jessica explain what had just happened. Handing Jason the hot drink, she
teases,
"So what's all this about you having pulled then, Jay? A blonde right?"
"Ha, bloody, ha. You lot are all so bloody hilarious."
Jess, Jazz, Robbie, the boys, and even Deidre all explode with laughter. Having gone scarlet, a crotchety Jason flashes them all a filthy glare before storming off towards the stairwell. Yells over his shoulder,
“Look, I’m feeling like crap and need to go clean up. But am so pleased that I have kept you all amused.”
Bending over a smashed book trolley, Tammy picks up a loose metal wheel from amongst the wooden remnants. Struggling to keep her emotions in check, she looks around at the dozens of damaged picture books littering the entrance to Children's library. Covers torn, loose pages fluttering around, she sighs heavily and turns to Jazz.
"Man, it is a mess. Don't reck we are gonna be able to save many of them. Can't believe those bastards would trash the place. It don't make no sense, you know."
"Nothing about this makes sense, Tam. But I will find out why that Knarlswood crew came over. Swear, is more to this. Look, can I talk to you in confidence?"
Grabbing hold of Tammy's arm, Jazz leads her towards the stairwell.
"I kissed him, Tam."
"You did what?"
Jazz, with a smile on her face,
"Jay. I kissed him. Took the initiative and just went for it."
"When?"
"Just now. In the Children's library."
"What? With all of this like going on? And Scrawl laying in there. Are you like crazy, sis?"
"Maybe, but it just felt right, Tam."
"I don't get it myself, Jazz. I mean, sure he is like a cool guy, but he's way older than you. And he has like got two kids and what with you knowing Cathy. You sure about this, sis?"
Seeing the disappointment in her friend's eyes, Tammy quickly changes her stance.
"But hey, what do I know? You go for it girl."
"Look, Tam, I am surrounded by all that macho bullshit day in an’ day out on the estate, and it bores me. I know that sounds bad and sure, there are a few real nice guys but is like most of them only want to get into my panties, you know? Jay is just like, so different. And sure, I understand that you don't get it but he makes me laugh. And he listens to me, Tam. We can sit and talk for hours and he really listens to what I am saying, you know. I so love his company, truth is always have. And I need this. His marriage is over, you know that, Cathy is seeing somebody else and there is no way they will ever get back together. And now I have, like, got this opportunity, I swear I am going to take it."
Tammy thinks that it must be love because it sure as hell can't be lust, not at his age. And not with the emotional baggage he brings with him. But all things considered, they are both her friends. She should be pleased for them. But what about Selena? Should she tell Jazz about her? Probably not, after all, Robbie had said it was a total disaster and over before it had even started. Perhaps Jazz deserves this chance. Just wants to see her happy.
"Gotta follow your heart, sis. Damn it girl, that why you was looking at that book earlier? Just what are you like planning to do to him?"
They both burst into a fit of giggles.
"Hell, no. Well not really. Skimmed through and some of it was, well, interesting. But am telling you, Tam, some of those positions look impossible. You really think anybody would even attempt them?"
"I dunno, sis, but would most likely end up in hospital if they tried."
Jason stands staring at himself in the toilet mirror. God, as if didn’t look bad enough earlier. Probably doesn’t need a Halloween costume for later, bears a striking resemblance to a zombie. But at least his head has stopped itching. Splashes water everywhere as he attempts to wash the blood off his hands. Are now grime free, but look raw, the knuckles on his right hand badly grazed. A rapping on the toilet door. Can't he even have a pee in peace? Opens it, albeit it reluctantly, and finds Jazz standing there with a determined expression. Pushes him back into the toilet, locking the door behind her.
"We have unfinished business, mister."
"Have you seen the state of me, Jazz? I am a total mess. And after this morn…"
"Shut up."
"But..."
Before he can finish, her finger is on his lips,
"Schhhhhh."
She pushes him backwards. He has no choice but to sit down on the toilet. Feels the flimsy white seat slide perilously beneath him, but it’s not as though he didn't know it was loose. Stares up at her. Gulps. No longer looking nervous, let alone hesitant, Jazz returns his gaze, her delectable almond eyes now smouldering with passion. He feels completely mesmerised by this stunningly beautiful woman now stood front of him. Long sexy black eyelashes. Soft, rosy lips slightly parted, so alluring. Long black hair cascading down the side of her face and swept down around her shoulder. Flawless golden skin. A flimsy white blouse clinging to her, emphasising the contours of her perfectly rounded breasts.
He whispers, "You really are beautiful, Jazz."
She smiles. Hoists up her figure hugging skirt, well what's left of it, long silky legs now straddling him. He hardens immediately, closes his eyes. She gently kisses his eyelids, his cheeks, his forehead, runs her tongue along his lips. He goes to kiss her but she pushes him back. Her lustful eyes cruelly teasing him. Lips now pressed against his neck, her teeth then playfully nibble on his ear lobe. Takes hold of his hands, moves them to her waist, moving her hips rhythmically, her crotch rubbing against his. She pushes down harder on hearing him groan with pleasure. Feels his body tensing with anticipation. She licks his lips playfully before thrusting her tongue deep into his mouth, running it along his teeth, circling, exploring. She draws back, gently sucking on his tongue, her lips moving backwards and forwards along its tip. Still straddling him, she stands, leans forward, runs her nails along his leg. She feels herself throbbing, her silk panties damp in the crotch, a frenzied, overwhelming desire pulsating in her groin. She must have him inside her and now, her body screaming with desire.
Bang... Bang... Bang on the toilet door.
A male voice shouts,
"Jay? Jay you in there?"
Jason whispers in desperation, "We could just ignore it."
Resting her head on his shoulder, she whispers,
"I just don’t know. It might be important, babe, you best see."
She could cry. How many more times? She stands, steps back quickly, and adjusts her skirt. Unfortunately as she does so, her legs catch the toilet seat which, along with Jason, slides forward and crashes heavily to the floor.
Winded and disorientated, in excruciating pain having hit his elbow on the toilet as he fell, Jason attempts to clamber to his feet.
“Jay? Jay, you ok in there? Could you please open the door?”
"YES! Just a minute."
Jazz now has her fist in her mouth, tears forming in her eyes as she stares at him, battling to conceal her laughter. He grasps hold of the sink in an attempt to pull himself to his feet but slips on the wet floor, smacking his knee hard against the sink basin.
“Shit... Fuck... Fuck.”
Jazz, tears streaming down her cheeks, is almost doubled up and can barely contain her giggling.
Bang... Bang.
"Jay, what are you doing in there?”
"Yes, just a minute."
His elbow and knee now throbbing painfully, Jason attempts to compose himself as he partially opens the door, and peaks out through the gap. Jazz hides behind it.
Tammy's brother, one of the twins, is stood there gazing up at him.
"What is so urgent, Lewis?"
"Robbie told me to find you. Said it is really important. Are you ok?"
"Bad stomach"
"Oh. You got the squirts?"
Jazz splutters loudly with laughter from behind the door. Lewis looking horrified, backs away sharply.
"Man... You got it seriously bad, Jay."
Jason feels his face reddening,
"Where is Robbie?"
&
nbsp; "In the staff room. Shall I tell him you are coming?"
More muffled laughter. Jason pokes Jazz hard in the ribs.
"Yep, tell him to give me five minutes."
"Deffo. Laters Jay."
He closes the door, briefly resting his forehead against it before turning to Jazz. She is now doubled over, clutching at her stomach, cackling hysterically. She goes to say something to him but can't speak, tears rolling down her cheeks as she cries with laughter. Jason sighs, tells her to meet him in the staff room when she’s ready. She doesn't answer, just raises her hand as an acknowledgment. Now walking down the corridor and feeling extremely pissed, he can still hear her laughter in the background.
Jason storms into the staffroom to find an agitated Robbie pacing the room, Jess and Tammy both sat together sobbing, Lewis and Leroy stood in the corner whispering to Deidre. His heart now in his mouth, Jason looks at Robbie.
"What's wrong?"
With red tear stained eyes, Robbie shakes his head,
"Fuker is what is bloody wrong. The bastard has just made an official announcement. Following today's unprecedented disturbances, the library will be closed indefinitely. That's it, Jay, we are finished."
Slumping down heavily into a chair, Jason can barely speak, fighting back his own tears.
"And Scrawl?"
"She's gone. Mumbled something about not feeling well and stumbled out. And good riddance if you ask me. Useless bitch."
"But have we been officially informed?"
Robbie shakes his head.
A barely audible Jess answers.
"Nope, but Fuker made the announcement on national television, the local news hon, and so no going back on it. There is a team of council security officers upstairs securing the building right now. We have been told to vacate the library within the next hour and we are all to take a weeks paid vacation. We'll receive written confirmation within the next few days."
"Security officers? From the council security team in Knarlswood? Got here quick, didn't they?"
"Yup. What are we going to do, hon?"
Unable to answer her, Jason stares at the floor, Robbie smashes his fist against a metal locker.