The expression on Teddy's face made Grace sick to her stomach. As if she could read his mind, she saw visions of him groping her body, slobbering and sucking on her breasts...oh, what a horrific picture! Stiffening her resolve, she entered the room and replied in a direct tone. Good day to you sir, I understand you have a note from Norman, I would like to have it, if you please. Teddy, excited to conclude the business side of this transaction, moved from behind Grace and controlled his urge to stroke her behind. Well now, how about you sitting yourself down and we have a nice little chat? Grace could see this wasn't going to be simple and may have to resort to drastic measures. I really don't have time, if you would kindly give me what is mine, I'll be going. Oh, now, is that anyway to treat your kind friend? I think not my dear. You had better sit yourself down and listen. Teddy holds out a chair and beckons Grace to sit, leering and tongue licking his chapped lips. Feeling like she could vomit, Grace slowly moves to the chair. Attempting to keep the conversation pleasant and non-threatening, she sits down. Thank you sir. Yes, well...isn't this nice. Teddy, cautious not to spook his lovely guest, returns to the other side of the desk and sits down. His chair is ratcheted up as high as it will go, but he is still lower than the beautiful and delicious blonde woman. Undeterred by this, he pours himself another brandy. Would you care for a snort my dear? No thank you, I don't drink spirits. Ah, too bad. Taking a healthy swig, he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. I find that some libation helps with a lady's inhibitions; it's easier to discuss deals, if you get my meaning. Grace doesn't comment and that silence seems to encourage him to push the topic further. Your friend made several promises, when we set up the deal, and I need to collect on a couple. A sickening grin spreads across his face and the excitement he was concealing, began to ooze like a festering sore. His mind wandering, from consuming half a bottle of brandy, he had visions of just how he was going to collect his payment from Grace; these thoughts excited him so that his pants became constricted.
Realizing she had to act quickly, Grace got up and moved to behind the desk in a swift, fluid motion. Teddy, thinking Grace understood and was ready to pay up, he relaxed in the chair and started to turn her direction. Grabbing the swivel desk chair, she pushed it forward with a turning thrust; the force trapped him between the edge of the desk and the back of the chair. Seizing a metal letter opener from the desk, Grace presses it to Teddy's neck and getting as close as she dares says, Here's my deal dearest Teddy. I won't stab you in the neck, with this dull blade, if you give me the note I asked for. Should you decide otherwise, I can take the note after you bleed to death...which would take only a few minutes when I sever your carotid artery. Now, wouldn't you prefer to go on enjoying your brandy and find a willing partner for the evening? You...you can't be s-serious?! I can yell for help and then you'd be caught. True, but when I press on your throat here, your vocal cords are temporarily parallelized. Teddy tries to choke out a scream, but only his mouth flaps open and closed. Fearing for his life, he digs out the note and with shaking hands, passes it to Grace. Throwing the letter opener to the far corner of the room, she quickly exits and rushes down the hall. Pushing through the throng of patrons, she sees her objective and heads to the door. Teddy comes to the side of the bar and getting his voice back, yells, Stop her, she is a thief! Pointing at Grace, the crowd turn in her direction and a couple men go after her. Hiking up her skirts, she takes off running as fast as she did down the dirt track around her house. No one could catch up with her then and now wasn't going to be the exception. Dashing through the dark streets of Whitechapel, Grace feels a freedom she almost forgot...I don't have to be afraid!
