James looked at the stack of files on his side and sighed heavily. “I think I will just call it a day.” He replied. “You’re leaving?” Kroy asked. “Might as well. I promised Iris I would take her out for the evening.” He replied. “Your anniversary isn’t for a few more months. What is the occasion?”
“I know you are already aware of the baby debates. Well tonight I will be stepping over enemy lines.” Kroy started to laugh. “Giving in? Can’t take the no squeezing policy can you?” James shrugged. “No, more like fraternizing with the enemy. I am going to charm her with my charismatic personality. . .and let her down easy.”
“You’re going to tell her the truth after you get her in bed right?” He smirked. “Actually I am hoping I can sweet talk her into changing her mind.” James remarked. “We are talking about the same woman aren’t we because there is no way you have enough charm to convince her out of having children.” James moved in closer. “She can be broken. I have done it before, and I can do it again.” He smiled.
“Where are two going anyway?”
“We’re going to have dinner at Goddards and then maybe a play or something.” He murmured. “You are going to pay for that one. James, my friend, you will be sleeping on the davenport tonight.” Kroy gloated. “We’ll see about that.”
“Well, I will be right here doing your paper work while you are in the dog house.” James rolled his eyes. “I am telling you, this baby thing will be nothing but a happy memory this time tomorrow.” He said. “Keep telling yourself that.” Kroy remarked.
~~~
James and Iris were coming out of Goddards. He pulled her close to him, putting his arm around her waist gently. “What’s gotten in to you? Just a few nights ago you didn’t want to touch me at all?” Iris asked looking up at him with adoring eyes.
“I don’t know, just felt like being romantic.” he muttered. “Does this mean you have made a decision?” She asked. One look into her angelic brown eyes and he found it impossible to say anything. She was so hopeful, her hearts desire was to finally start a family.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.” James took her aside. As he was about to break the news, a man knocked Iris over, snatching her pocketbook. James looked up to find them running swiftly down the block.
James lifted her up off the ground. “Are you okay?” he asked. “I am fine, but he took my pocketbook.” Iris replied dusting herself off. “Stay right here!” James went rushing off after him. “It’s not important, Jimmy!” She shouted to him.
He didn’t seem to hear her as he rounded the corner. “Well, I am not going to stand here like a helpless victim! Wait up, James!” Iris ran down the street, trying her best to catch up with him.
James followed the man down an alley. Sounds of laughter filled the passage. He could hear them tinkering around on the piano. The pub across the way was having a great time singing Irish drinking songs.
Knight made his way down the passage quietly. “You can come out now! Whoever you are, you’re messing with the wrong man! Just give back my wife’s pocketbook and we’ll call it even!” He called out. He looked up at the surrounding buildings and around the alley, but there was no one in sight.
The passage was silent, but James still listened intently. Coming from directly in front of him, he heard someone breathing faintly.
“Who’s there?” Suddenly shots rang out, before James knew it, bullets were whizzing past him. One of them wounding him. He fell to the ground almost lifelessly. The last thing he heard was footsteps sprinting away.
When Iris found him he was laying on the ground, attempting to shout for help. With her heart filled with fear, she ran to his side. Iris knelt down on the cold, wet, ground and cradled his head in her lap.
“James, please don’t die on me. If anyone needs you I do.” Tears rolled down her cheeks, trickling down on to his forehead. James’ blood covered her hands as she shrieked out for help.