Chapter 67

Back in my room at the French House, I stretch out fully clothed and think back over the night. When The Man had gone I had time to talk to Babs. ‘Why?’ I asked, ‘Did she stay with him when he shows no respect for her, hitting her in public and all?’

She replied that, ‘If I didn’t notice she had started it, by slapping him in public. He is a big man around town, with a reputation to keep up. He had to retaliate.’

I am not sure of the logic of this. It shows a brutish nature. He could have just laughed it off, shown more savoir fair. I wanted to know more about The Man and his influence in the town, but she was either ignorant of the facts or too cagey to spill the beans. After my second set, she had gone, so I was non the wiser. Now all I had to do was decide my actions for the next few days. I like it here on earth at this time in it’s history, but how much will my being here influence the future. I have already advanced the time line of jazz piano by a decade. I suddenly remember that Fats is resident at the Reno Club on Fifth, that should be my visit. There is the sound of a key scratching in the lock but I have hooked the handcuffs around the doorknob and a convenient hook in the wall by the door, so Madame Victoria will have to be disappointed today. I fall into a deep sleep.

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I awake with the sun low on the horizon and the sound of water filling the bathtub. The sound of female humming also comes from the bathroom. I am still fully dressed. Madame Amie appears through the steam.

‘Ah you are awake, mon petite chaux. Quick get undressed before the water freezes, you smell like a smoked haddock.’

My attempt to keep her out with the improvised door chain obviously didn’t work.

‘How did you get in?’

‘Why, through the door in the bathroom, Monsieur. I have the key to everything.’ I let her undress me and lead me to the tub. I have to admit this sort of room service is not unpleasant.

‘I leave you to soak and I come back to soap you. I take your clothes to be cleaned, no! You have others?’

I sink down into the water as she leaves by the barred door tut tutting as she removes the cuffs.

I am still dozing in the tub when the door opens and I feel a hand on my arm. I raise it to be soaped, but instead of the soft hands of Amie, I am roughly hauled out and stood facing the wall with my legs spread.

‘I thought it was you, you fuck.’ Says Doil.