The Pledge Chapter 2d

“Taxi for O'Connor!” A voice shouted from somewhere close to the doors.

“Oi! I mean yes!” Jack took a deep breath and noted in relief that the small bar was almost empty so he didn't show himself up too much by tottering to the exit. “Fourteen Charles Road.” He collapsed into the back seat of the taxi. As the vehicle was reversing out of the carpark, Jack saw a tiny figure standing between the rows of cars, her long hair tied back in a braided plait. Her again? Were all the locals here weirdos? Actually, where had the taxi come from? Jack couldn't remember booking one. “OK. Enough, you drunk.” He shook his head. “Home and sleep.”

“Jesus!” Greg burst out laughing when he saw Jack reeling in through the front door.

“I know. Don't ask.” Jack muttered. “Can you go check on Alex please Greg? I don't want him coming down and seeing me like this.”

“No problem.” Greg looked at his friend. “Are you OK? You don't sound as drunk as you look.”

“I don't know.” Jack headed for the sitting room while Greg went to check on Alex. He was certainly feeling much better than he had earlier and that awful dizziness was lifting.

“He's fast asleep. What the hell have you been drinking?” Greg was back, and looking at Jack trying to get his shoes off.

“Two pints of beer, I swear.” Jack exhaled loudly. “I think someone spiked my drink, Greg. Two pints, that's all. I was fifty times worse than this in the pub.” He rubbed his temples as the numbing, white fog in his head, cleared a bit more. “I don't remember much about it really. I hope I didn't make an arse of myself.”

“Should I call the doctor?” Greg asked in concern.

“If it hasn't worn off after I've slept, I'll phone him myself. It was so weird, Greg, like hallucinations. Lavinia Stark smiling at me. She was wanting something from me, or wanting me to go somewhere ... I don't really remember.”

“Right. I'm staying here tonight. No buts, shut up. If you're ill during the night then there's no one here except Alex.”

“I would appreciate it.” Jack nodded.

“I'll lock up. You get up those stairs.” Greg steered Jack through the door and pointed him towards the stairs. “Jack? You didn't bring anyone home did you?”

“What? No of course not, I came home in a taxi ... blonde girl? Denim jacket?” Jack lunged for the door.

“Jack? You didn't reel in here and forget about her did you?” Greg said in surprise. “She's off down the road now, she's gone. I'll get after her.”

“No, it's fine Greg. I've seen her a few times hanging around, that's all. She was in the carpark. Oh sod it, my poor head. Thanks Greg. I'm going to bed.” Jack trailed up the stairs, flopped onto his bed and blacked out completely.