Lethal Habit - Chapter Four

Chapter Four

Nadine decided to look for a place to live, instead of spending it all at the Dorchester. She saw a place for rent on the internet that looked promising in Hackney, just north of London. She paid it a visit and thought it would be perfect. The price was right, so she put down a deposit and moved in the next day. After she got settled, she took a walk to explore the neighborhood. As she rounded a corner, two young thugs approached her.

“Hey lady, whatcha got in that handbag?”

“Nothing you’d be interested in.”

“Well, let’s take a look, you never know.”

“Leave me alone.”

“You know we can’t do that.”

“Fuck off.”

“Listen to that. She’s got a mouth on her. I think we better teach her some manners.”

The one doing the talking moved closer and started to grab her bag and she kicked him hard in the shin as he fell and cried out in pain. The other one decided to step in, and as he approached, she kicked him in the balls and broke his nose. They both lay on the ground in agony.

“If I ever see you guys again, you’ll be spending six months in a hospital and if I see you after that you’ll be sleeping in the morgue.”

She walked on, heard their screams and smiled to herself.

With her bank balance quickly diminishing, she had to get some kind of job or find a rich benefactor. Her thoughts turned to Erik. He seemed like a good candidate, but she didn’t want to grow dependent on someone and lose herself in the process. He would be a means to an end. He could help launch her career and she would give him the pleasure of her company. She saw it as the quickest route to success and wasn’t about to let the opportunity go to waste. She decided to call him.

“You’ve reached Erik. Please leave your name and number and I’ll get back to you when I have a free moment.”

“Erik, this is Nadine, the girl you met at the restaurant. I thought I’d take you up on your offer and get in touch. Have a nice day.”

She bought some groceries and headed back home thinking of what she’d have for dinner when her phone buzzed.

“Hello.”

“This is Erik.”

“Oh, hi there.”

“What are you doing now?”

“I’m about to have dinner.”

“Listen, I was wondering if you’d like to meet me at a private club. There’s dancing and a wide variety of interesting folks.”

“When did you have in mind?”

“How about tonight?”

“I can’t. I’m meeting an old friend.”

“When is good for you?”

“I’ll be free the day after tomorrow.”

“Perfect. I can arrange to have you picked up if you’d like.”

“I’ll just take my own ride.”

“Okay. If this is your cell, I can text you a reminder and give you the address.”

“That’s fine. Gotta run.”

“Talk soon. Goodbye Nadine.”

She thought she played the conversation well - not appearing too anxious but showing a mild interest; just the thing to make him want her more.