#i love you jake | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

julesthoughts · 2 years ago

Text

Before The Lies

Chapter 8

A/N: "Before the Lies" is the prequel to "Trap of Lies" started by @babeczka415. You can find the other chapters here.

Each chapter is written by these amazing writers: @babeczka415, @paigenoelchas-blog, @duskwoodgirl4life, @raemae17

⚠️Warning: prostitution, murder, drugs and alcohol ⚠️

She walked the foggy streets with a heart as heavy as lead. She was alone and her instincts were all screaming to turn around and call off the mission. Everything in her resisted this operation, but she ignored it. She kept walking in the direction of her destination, the lair of a disgusting man who only spreaded injustice. A wind blew through the wet trees and the rain broke from the leaves and fell down on Janice, causing goose bumps on her skin. She may be the best of the White Nights, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t terrified , at the end of the day she was only human. That fear in her threatened to break out, but she squashed it like a beetle under her shoe. She kept walking, with a false confidence in her stride that she didn’t feel, when a fox chasing a mouse ran across the path bringing her stumbling to a halt.

She sighed and spoke to herself, "Even nature tries to stop me."

Just as her instincts were winning her internal battle, a shot rang out from far away. The fox from earlier ran timorously back into his hiding place and whimpered softly. Janice turned to face the shot and saw a thousand birds flee the area from the trees. All the birds fled from the horrific event. She shook herself and started walking again. Again and again she was stopped, whether it was by a wild animal living out its nightlife or whether it was a branch that fell to the ground.

Mother nature didn't want her to go there.

"I have to do this! Please understand that!" she whispered into the wind. She didn't know who she was speaking to, whether it was nature, the universe, or her own mind. She only knew one thing, she was alone. She felt almost lost, knowing she might not come back to her beloved son, Jake. She turned around one last time to take a look at her hometown.

Duskwood.

There was nowhere to hide, as the city lights burned.

That's why the villains' hideouts were never found in the city. It would be far too easy to find them there.

Another shot rang out, and by reflex she reached into the slit on the right side of her skirt and felt her gun under her garter. If Arthur found out that she stole his gun for this mission, no, he wouldn't find out. In fact, she knew she probably wouldn't need a gun at all, but that wasn't why she stole it.

She wanted something of him with her.

From Arthur.

So she wouldn't feel completely lost and alone.

She listened to the rush of water from the river beside her to steady her mind. The owls sang their songs and she listened to them with a smile as she walked on with firm steps. After she finally got rid of all negative feelings she went on.

What was she willing to lose?

She covered her wounds from the past, but underneath them a million voices in her head screamed, "Stop, now!" but she didn't listen. She tore herself from her peaceful life for this mission. She left all the thoughts for her loved ones at home so she could focus on the mission alone.

She came closer and closer to the unfamiliar building. With a pounding heart, she entered her enemy's territory and climbed over the fence that surrounded a cozy brown shack. Before attempting to enter the cabin, she snuck a look around the property.

At the entrance hung a wall lamp, in which a candle was close guttering out. The walls were very dark wood and ivy snaked up one of the square windows. In the reflection of a window she saw a flame blazing from a nearly burned out candle. To the right of the building were several carriages with horses.

This was no ordinary bar.

This was a whorehouse.

In the backyard, she heard two men arguing loudly.

"Why did you shoot her twice?"

"She was pregnant by me! You know what happens to married men who sleep with a prostitute!"

"Maybe you should have just held back, you miserable bastard! And how could you be so sure that she's pregnant by you, huh?"

"She was new here and I was her first guest."

"You are disgusting! Cheating on your loyal wife who would die for you. You should be punished with death!"

The man drew a pistol and pointed it at the married man. Janice decided to move from the scene. She had to concentrate. Just as she was about to enter the bar, a shot sounded, goosebumps spread over her skin. The poor woman had to die because of this disgusting man's horniness. She shook her head, said an inward prayer for the poor woman, and finally entered the bar.

Arriving at the bar, she heard the moaning of different women from different little rooms. No one seemed to mind, which was no wonder given how drunk all the men here were. She saw a man paying a prostitute, before they disappeared into a back room.

It wasn't long before she was approached by a man. He offered her money and wanted to satisfy himself on her. He held out money to her and, not waiting, started kissing her neck. When she took the money from him, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a side room. He smelled of drugs, alcohol, and his eyes were slightly red. He was an easy target and she would pound him with questions.

As he locked the door behind him with the key, he turned to Janice, pushed her onto the bed behind her and climbed on top of her. He kissed her all over and ran his hand up her skirt, but faltered when he felt her garter and the gun on it.

"You are not a whore," he stated, looking at her with wide eyes.

"You guessed it, and now I want answers," she ordered while he was still lounging on her body. He didn't move, forcing her to bang her head against his. While both moaned in pain, she didn't let it stop her for long and kicked his crotch hard. He pulled away from her and jumped up, clutching his hand to his crotch, hissing in pain. She stood up, taking advantage of his vulnerability and flipped his body over with his back to the bed and kicked him in the stomach, dropping him onto the bed. She immediately mounted him and squeezed his hands under her knees while he pressed his lip tightly up in pain. She smiled softly at him and he swallowed hard, realizing his situation.

"First question, what kind of wine did you drink?"

"Wha- Why are you asking me such a weird question?"

"Answer me," she commanded.

"Red wine!" He blurted out.

"There you go, very simple. Next question, what drugs did you take?"

"I didn't do drugs!"

She laughed mockingly. "Oh my dear, you can smell from miles away that you've been on drugs. So, I'm listening!"

"Who the hell are you?"

"None of your business. Answer me."

"I can't believe I'm asking this, but will you sleep with me in exchange for answers?" He asked.

She smiled softly at him. "But of course." She kissed him as a promise, he hummed deeply.

"Fine." He sighed. "It was the drug Madak. Happy now?"

"Not quite yet. Who are the drugs from?"

"By God's blood, I can't answer this!"

"Why not?"

"Because I don't know!"

She eyed him critically and noticed that he was only telling half the truth. She put her right hand around his neck, squeezing and getting closer to his face, so close that she could feel his disgusting breath. She heard him swallow hard and knew he was scared.

"You better tell me what you know."

"What if I don't?" He asked with a smug look on his face.

She squeezed his neck so tight that he couldn't breathe at all. His eyes flickered, but just before he could pass out, she let go.

"Again?" she asked.

He shook his head in panic while coughing and gasping for air miserably. After an eternity, he was breathing normally again, but still coughing occasionally.

"Answer my question right now."

"I bought it from a strange man near the wharf. I really don't know more!"

"Good." She smiled. "Any last words?"

"What is with our deal? I will give you answers in exchange for sex with you!"

"I don't remember signing anything. I feel sorry for your wife." She glanced at his hand, which was wearing a wedding ring on his ring finger. "But if she hears that your body was found in a whorehouse, she won't care."

"I am so sorry Cecilia," he sobbed.

"Too late, darling." She choked him with both hands and put a pillow on his face. She finally felt him collapse lifeless under her. She climbed down from him and searched him for money, taking it. He wouldn’t be needing it any more.

She heard voices from outside the door. Apparently the owner of the bar found this room too quiet. Janice ran to the window, opened it in no time and climbed out. When her shoes sounded on the wood of the terrace, she immediately ran to the other side of the yard where the horses and carriages were standing. She freed one of the horses from its carriage, climbed into the saddle and rode into the night, letting the darkness swallow her.

Panic broke out in the bar because Janice had murdered a corrupt businessman without knowing it. There was no trace of Janice. The last thing the bar owner heard was the horse's hooves on the gravel.

-----------------------

Janice rode through meadows, fields, gravel roads to finally arrive at her destination. The Wharfs. She got off the horse and miraculously the horse stayed for her. Janice was just good with animals and apparently she had already found a new friend. She gave the horse an apple from a nearby apple tree, stroked its muzzle, and said goodbye.

As she ran down the slope to the docks, she already heard several voices. She crept behind a large wooden trestle, crouching on the damp ground as she listened.

"Is this seriously everything you got for me?" A deep male voice asked heatedly.

"I'm sorry, but you're not the only one buying from me."

"You can not be serious."

"I am serious,” he said in a calm but menacing tone.

"Next time you'll give me double!" He almost yelled.

A large fist came crashing down on the box behind which Janice was hiding. She flinched, but quickly gathered herself and regulated her breathing again. She couldn't allow herself to lose control now. She took a quiet deep breath and closed her eyes for a second to steady her pulse. Seconds later she heard the deep voice that seemed to belong to the boss again.

"Do you have any of the latest drug, at least?"

"Yes, the drug to make someone unconscious."

"Very good. That will help me with some problems," the boss almost cheered.

Suddenly there was an awkward silence. So awkward it was almost dangerous. She heard the seller slip away and quietly ride his horse away. After the horse's hooves had stopped in the distance, only the splashing of water could be heard. Normally she would love and enjoy that sound, but right now there was no time to relax. A man came running down the slope with a hand signal that shocked the boss.

When Janice tilted her head back, she saw the boss's chin. He stood directly in front of the box and looked towards the slope. She pressed even more against the heavy box and made herself as small as possible, not moving an inch. She even stopped breathing. Her situation worsened when the man finally told the boss what was going on.

"We found a carriage horse up the hill, but without a carriage. The pairs of lines were cut. We're assuming someone stole the horse to get here."

"This is not good. Keep your eyes open!" He kicked the box, making Janice flinch again.

Just as he was about to look down, something distracted his attention and he walked away from the box. She exhaled in relief and snuck deeper into enemy territory to eavesdrop.

Her heart was pounding in her chest, so loud she feared everyone would hear.

"Angus what the hell are you doing here?" The boss asked.

Angus…

Jake's father…

What was he doing here?

Those were the thoughts that flew through her head. She felt the tears pool in her eyes and silently ran down her cheeks. He had lied to her. Angus lied to her. She thought he had always been honest with her, but she seemed to have been wrong. Everything she had suppressed on her way here overflowed like a full keg and big tears fell on the floor. Even though the two were no longer together, it hurt to know that he lied to her without batting an eyelid.

No matter how hard she fought against it, her heart ached. She loved someone new now, but their love was forbidden. She didn't love Angus anymore, but it still hurt her.

She let her emotions control her and made a fatal mistake.

"Angus…" She whispered loud enough for everyone to hear it.

The man in question snapped his head at her, eyes wide and a flash of concern. He still loved her, his eyes gave him away. Angus' heart was beating fast and burning tears pooled in his eyes, but he blinked them away. Unfortunately, the boss noticed that his eyes were directed elsewhere.

The boss turned and caught her eye. He saw her and she saw him. Angus was like a copy of him. The jet black hair, those piercing blue eyes and that damn sharp jaw.

Without a doubt this man was Angus' father.

12 notes · View notes

julesthoughts · 2 years ago

Text

Before The Lies

Chapter 2

A/N: "Before the Lies" is the prequel to "Trap of Lies" started by @babeczka415. You can find the other chapters here.

Each chapter is written by these amazing writers: @babeczka415, @paigenoelchas-blog, @duskwoodgirl4life, @raemae17

*******************

"Come on, Jake. Let's go home while Maebelle rests."

Jake turned to Mae again to make sure she was okay. She gave him a weary nod, but he saw an honest smile. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, pushing him towards the exit. He let his mother guide him, and together, they left the house. Despite the incident, he was in a very good mood.

"You're in a very good mood today," remarked Janice, Jake's mother.

"Of course! I got to spend the day with Mae," he said cheerfully.

He saw her just giggle and obviously happy for him even though she was so tired. Janice took her son's hand and together they walked through town to buy food for the evening. As they walked past the flower stand, Jake couldn't help but say, "Look mama! These are the flowers Mae always stops at. Can't we get her that for her birthday?"

She smiled and squeezed his hand lovingly, "Of course, sweetheart." She only said this to calm him down. She knew that Mae was far too young to take care of such flowers as they required a lot of attention.

Jake just enjoyed the walk home with his mother. She has always preferred to walk than take a carriage. She was a nature person, she loved the fresh air and enjoyed the beauty of nature. You could also see that she loved nature. She had a different charisma about her. It couldn't be described, you had to have seen it for yourself to understand it. It was as if mother nature had given birth to her.

Jake thought back to Mae and how they played together. He was always happy after every meeting with her. He couldn't help but grin. He admired her for never letting a challenge stop her. And even if the challenge failed, she didn't take it to heart and tried again. The best example was that weeping willow. She climbed up that tree so many times and she had fallen down so many times. But that didn't stop her from doing it over and over again because she enjoyed it. He was snapped out of his train of thought when his mama stopped. They had arrived at the bakery.

She bought some bread and the baker looked at him with a big grin, "I see the bread from before was tasty."

Jake nodded vigorously, hoping to get some more, but unfortunately there was no more bread to be given away. He accepted his fate and they continued on their way. When they got home, Janice brought the bread into the kitchen and came back to Jake in the entryway.

"What do you think if we go for a little walk?"

"But mama, you look so tired. Don't you want to get some rest?"

"Seven years old and worried about his elderly mother, but you're probably right,” she shook her head in disbelief.

"In my eyes you are not old. But what can I do in the meantime?"

"You can continue reading your book if you want. You find it fascinating."

Jake's eyes sparkled with happiness and his mother went to her bedroom to get some rest. He grabbed the book that was lying on a side table and sat down on a chair in the kitchen to continue reading it. He looked at the cover of the book, "Paradise Lost by John Milton," he read out loud. He knew the title by heart now, but he loved this book.

He was only seven and could read better than other children his age, but he still struggled. Most books were all written in Latin but not this one. He was stuck on a sentence and tried to read it again and again. He gave up the sentence and moved on to the next one, he would ask his mama later.

“What matter where, if I be still the same,

And what I should be, all but less then he”

He sighed and continued.

“Whom Thunder hath made greater? Here at least

We shall be free; th' Almighty hath not built

Here for his envy, will not drive us hence:

Here we may reign secure, and in my choyce

To reign is worth ambition though in Hell:”

As he looked at the clock, he realized that it had taken him three hours just for those few sentences. It was already getting dark, and he decided to wake up his mama. He quietly opened the door to her bedroom, and she was in bed, but she wasn't sleeping. She was just resting.

"Mama? It's getting dark already, do you want to eat?"

"Oh sure, how could I have forgotten supper. Give me five minutes."

Smiling and with a growling stomach, he walked back into the kitchen. He saw the bread on the kitchen counter and had trouble resisting the temptation to bite into it. His eyes were huge, and he admired the fresh, delicious bread. It still smelled freshly baked. He looked for a knife in the kitchen and found it. But before he could use it, someone took the knife from his hand.

"Let me do this, you'll only hurt yourself,” his mama said.

She cut two slices for each of them, and she poured herself a glass of wine and Jake got a glass of water. His mouth was watering as she cut the bread, he couldn't wait. When the first slice was cut, his hand scurried onto the counter, and he stuffed the entire slice into his mouth. Janice laughed out loud and looked lovingly at her son, who at the moment looked like a squirrel with a mouthful of nuts.

He hummed in delight and happily hopped around the kitchen. After he finally managed to chew the bread and swallow it down, they both sat at the table and ate their supper peacefully. After they ate, his mother noticed that his book was still open.

"Are you having trouble reading something? Your book is still open."

"Yes, I wanted to ask you if you could read me the two sentences. I skipped them for now."

He showed her the lines he couldn't read, and she read them aloud to him.

“The mind is its own place, and in it self

Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n.”

Something was weird hearing those words out of her mouth. She was always a happy person, and such dark lines just didn't suit her. As she closed the book and put it aside, she smiled proudly at him.

"I'm proud of you, you're already so much ahead of other kids your age,” she said proudly. "I think it's time you went to bed."

Jake shook his head but caught himself yawning. He gave up and his mother put him to bed.

She gave him a motherly kiss on the forehead and stroked his jet-black hair. "Do you want to see how Maebelle is tomorrow?"

He just nodded, grinning, as he fell asleep.