Mr Lusk

'Mr Lusk, Mr Lusk. It's always Mr Lusk this, Mr Lusk that. Why can't they leave me alone?'

Jack tilted his head slightly, 'Are you finished?'

Mr Lusk raised an eyebrow at his companion. They were seated in the main sitting room. Around them were chairs, some empty, some filled. The smell of disinfectant was strong and pungent.

'Well', prodded Jack.

'You have no idea do you?' Mr Lusk replied. He leaned back in his chair wishing he still had his pipe. It had been years since he had last tasted tobacco. He missed its aroma. He missed the feel of his pipe between his fingers. The warmth it exuded. At the moment it was only a minor annoyance. Given time he was certain he would kill just for a puff on a pipe.

Jack was a well built man. He had worked in dozens of different jobs, from dockworker to engraver. It meant that he was both physically strong and dexterous. Everything he undertook he did to the utmost of his abilities. Which is why he found it amusing to listen to Mr Lusk's constant complaining. Didn't the man realise how well off he was?

'Now look here my good fellow I have a fair understanding of your situation and,' Jack paused. He racked his mind for the right words to say. 'And I think you're overstating it quite a bit.'

'Damn right,' Mr Lusk said.

It wasn't the answer Jack had been expecting. Steam billowing out of an ever reddening face maybe. Acceptance of the fact, never. Well that was just like Mr Lusk. Gripe about how the world was out to get him, then simply admit he had been exaggerating. The man had a way of creating mountains out of mole hills. At least he recognised the fault he had.

'So what are we going to do about it?' Mr Lusk shifted on his chair. As he did it scraped against the bare floor. A harsh screech came from across the room in reply. 'Humph.' Mr Lusk didn't like to be interrupted by the others. There were times he didn't like it when Jack butted in. But Jack he could tolerate. The others were rabble. Mr Lusk often wondered why they were allowed to stay.

'We,' Jack quizzed. He noted who had interrupted Mr Lusk and made a mental note. He seemed to recall it was the same person as yesterday. Constable? Was that his name? Jack wasn't sure but it sounded familiar. Well, John, Bob or whatever your name is, Constable, that wasn't a polite thing to do.

'Humph,' Mr Lusk coughed into his hand. He had seen Jack's wandering eyes and knew that usually meant that he was getting off the subject. 'As I was saying.'

Jack turned back to his companion. Constable could wait for now. The important thing was to sort out Mr Lusk's problem. If it was really a problem. Jack didn't think it was as bad as Mr Lusk made it out to be. His over exaggeration couldn't be missed. But that wasn't what Mr Lusk was going on about.

'Well,' Jack said. 'What I'd like to know is where did you get this we business from. Last time I looked it was your problem, not mine.'

'Typical.'

'Typical of what?' Jack asked.

'Of you. First you drag me off on your little venture then when things go wrong you leave me in the lurch. And now you deny you have any responsibility in this matter,' Mr Lusk said. He hoped Jack could solve this dilemma because he didn't think he could by himself.