The Pledge Chapter 7e

“Yes of course. I know why you're doing it and it's working perfectly. He loves you, so do I.” Jack kissed the top of Ziggy's head.

“Already? Hell I'm good.” Ziggy smiled widely. “For shit's sake, even his shadow's gibbonish. Hello Eric.” She turned round to see the old creep in person.

“Eric don't start here.” Jack said darkly. “Alex is over there. No crap.”

“Isn't this cozy?” Eric sat down with them.

“Well it was. What do you want?” Ziggy looked at her half brother.

“I want you to back off, Ziggy.”

“You don't say.” Ziggy heaved.

“No one expected you to become his lover. You're in too deep.” Eric lectured.

“Bugger all business of yours.” Ziggy replied. “If I wasn't going to back off when I wasn't his lover, I'm hardly going to now that I am, am I? Logic never was your forte, Eric.” Ziggy said patiently.

“You probably won't believe this, but I do care, just a tiny bit, what happens to you.” Eric said and Ziggy snorted loudly. “Lavinia couldn't give a rat's arse, she hates you. I'm not Lavinia.”

“No you're her right hand kiss arse, you always were.” Ziggy turned to face Eric squarely. “You know what's really incredible about all this? I don't even know what you're telling me to back off from! The fact that Lavinia wants her claws in him, and that child, is enough for me. That's caring, Eric. That's all the motivation I needed and it worked out great for me. The reason I'm with Jack now is a result of the pure and good reasons I went to him in the past. You said you care what happens to me? Don't start now, you never did. I don't need your care, Eric. I have someone right here who cares about be, because I care about him.”

“It's that unconditional caring that's going to get you hurt, Ziggy.” Eric sighed. “You can't undo this, and you can't fight it. How big will the wrench be now, compared to a week ago? I'm your brother Ziggy. I remember the belts, the whips, the fists, as well as you do. I remember hiding you in drawers, cupboards and with my own body to save you a stick across your back. We all got that, Ziggy, all three of us. It's well known that violence perpetuates from parents to children and it has done in Lavinia. She's exactly like mother, you know she is. Who's needed the most influence over the years, Ziggy? Who's needed the stability to counteract the insanity? You? I don't think so.”

“You drove me out of my community, Eric. You all did. You saw me on a hut on France Lane before I bought Hallow Break.”

“You had to leave, she'd have killed you otherwise.” Eric shook his head. “And you couldn't come back. The psychosis she'd have unleashed on the folk here would have been unthinkable. She hates you, Ziggy. You wouldn't join the majority and she despises you for it. She needs me to keep her on the right side of sanity.”

“So she's a loony.” Ziggy shrugged. “Are you going to tell me anything new? So she needed you more that I did? Well nothing's changed there then, has it?”

“The wrench that's bound to come from this will cripple you, Ziggy. It'll destroy you and you'll never pull through it. Go back to Hallow Break and leave it be.” Eric said wearily.

“How about .... no!!” Ziggy said flatly. “It actually means more to me that I'd like to admit that you took the time to come and see me now. It's too little, too late. You sided with the greed, the misplaced power and the sheer numbers. Don't use Lavinia's screwed up head as an excuse, it was your choice. I have what I want.” Ziggy pointed to Jack. “If you do care anything for me, tell me why she wants them.”

“I can't.” Eric shook his head.

“That much eh? OK. Warning heard, not heeded. Bugger off.” Ziggy stood up and Jack struggled to his feet in a daze alongside her.

“Bernard Pallister is dead, Ziggy. This is how it will be if you fight on their side.” Eric pointed at Jack. “Get out, Ziggy, and get out quickly.”

“I think you should go.” Jack stepped forward when he saw Alex running over. “Ziggy will be fine with me. I'd never let anything hurt her, your ugly insults included.”

“That's the least of her worries, and yours.” Eric spun round and almost fell over Alex. “Don't get too comfortable, you're ours.”

“No chance, you old creep.” Alex ran behind Jack.

“Well said, son.” Jack put his arm round Ziggy, and held Alex's hand. “Leave my family alone, Eric.” Ziggy and Alex both turned round at the same time and stuck two fingers each up at Eric.