Chapter Six
Later that same day, Doc came to see Davy. Angus had to work and had gone into the office. Jane took Juniper for a stroll around the gardens, while the two men talked.
“What a bloody mess. I’ve been and had a look, and, so far as I can see, you are going to have to pull the whole lot down and start again,” Doc said.
“Yes, that was my impression, too. The only doubt is if I want to do that,” Davy said.
“Do you mean you’d not bother to rebuild? Davy Jones’s Locker would be over and done with? Are you sure you can walk away from it? It’s been your life and your reason to get up in the morning for so long now.” Doc couldn’t disguise the incredulity in his voice.
“If this had happened a few weeks ago, you’d be correct. I would have rebuilt and carried on. Now, I’m not so sure. The club was the be-all and end-all of my life, but not anymore,” Davy said firmly.
“Yes, I see,” Doc said.
“Do you, Doc?”
“Yes. I’ve seen the way you look at each other, and it’s plain who’s at the centre of your life now, Davy. How does she feel about all this?”
“I haven’t spoken to her about it, yet.”
“You do realize that all these things that have happened have come to a head since she joined the club as a Domme?” Doc asked.
“Oh yes. That’s the reason I accepted Angus’s offer to stay here.”
“You suspected that they might escalate?”
“Yes. Oh, I never suspected they’d go as far as setting fire to the club, but I did think they’d carry on their scare campaign,” Davy said.
“I don’t think that staying with Angus is such a good idea. You’re still in Sheffield and so it’s easy for them to locate you. You have to get her away, and as soon as you can.”
“I’d come to that conclusion myself, but I’m damned if I can think where we can go. The truth be told, I’m so shocked by all this that I can’t think straight.”
“That’s obvious. Go and visit Valkyrie. She knows The Blood Red Rose Club and you both have friends there. They can find you a place to stay and when it’s all been settled and the arson solved, as it no doubt will be, then you can decide what to do. Damned if I don’t join you. I’ve booked my holidays for two weeks to start on Saturday. My locum is due on Thursday so, when I’ve shown him the ropes, I can take a train and join you. That is, if I won’t be in the way,” Doc suggested.
“That sounds like a great idea. I don’t want to alarm her, but if they’ve gone so far as to set fire to the club, then it’s obvious they’ll stop at nothing and she isn’t safe here. I don’t want to bring any trouble down on Angus and Jane either, after all they have done for us. Juniper likes Jane and Angus, too. We’d love to see you up there,” Davy said.
“Well, I’d better get back to my surgery. I have to sort out a few things before this locum descends on me,” Doc said, and left.
Well, that’s given me a lot to think about. Davy Jones’s Locker has been my life for so long. Do I want to abandon it and start all over again? If I do decide to sell the site, it will fetch a lot and that would mean a pleasant life for Juniper and me. Hang on a minute. She hasn’t agreed to take me on. Well, that’s because I haven’t asked her. If she does agree, there are very distinct advantages to being without the responsibility of running the club. What about my employees? I will speak to Prometheus and find out if he’s needing any extra staff, so that will solve that problem if he does. Mordor is a great Dom and maybe Valkyrie will want to take him on. He was going on the other day about all his Doms being attached. Mordor is free and has few hang-ups about subs, so I’ll ask Valkyrie and then he can approach Mordor directly. Doc won’t leave his practice, but he’ll be welcome in Prometheus in Chains and he can visit The Blood Red Rose Club whenever he has the chance. Here I go arranging everyone’s lives, and my own isn’t sorted out yet. Time to think of myself and my lovely Juniper. I’ll take her to Carlisle and we will see how things go from there. She hasn’t given any sign of wanting a permanent relationship, but it’s early days, and with everything that’s been going on as well as her own problems, she probably hasn’t had the time to think about it. To give her her due, I haven’t said what I want in so many words. Right, Carlisle it is, and a period of tranquility to sort out our futures.
Davy picked up the phone and dialed the number of Valkyrie’s flat. It was answered almost at once by Virginia.
“Hello, Virginia. This is Davy, is Valkyrie there?” Davy asked.
“Oh, hello, Davy. Yes, he is. I’ll just get him for you,” she said and put the phone down. In a couple of minutes, Valkyrie came on the line.
“Hello, Davy, how are you?”
“Not too bad, as it happens, but we are having a bit of trouble down here and I need your help.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that, I’ll do anything in my power to help. What’s the trouble?” After Davy had explained about the incidents leading up to the club’s being burned down, and eventually the destruction of it, Valkyrie was silent for a minute or two.
“My God, you have been in the wars. I’m glad no one was hurt. I can offer you and Juniper this flat for as long as you like. In fact, Virginia and I are all but moved out. We bought the house next door to Salvador and his family, so the flat will be empty. It has some basic furniture and I’m sure we can find bits and pieces to tide you over. When can you get here?” Valkyrie asked.
“We can leave today, but probably it will be better to set off tomorrow. There are things I have to see to. I want to get her away as soon as possible, but I don’t want to seem to be running away,” Davy said.
“Very well, we’ll expect you tomorrow. Give me a ring when you set off. My best to Jane and Angus. Tell him I’ll give him a ring in a day or two with the new phone number and address. See you both tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Valkyrie. It means a lot.”
“Get away with you, I’m delighted to be able to do it and only wish it was under different circumstances. Safe journey. Bye for now,” Valkyrie said.
“Bye, see you tomorrow,” Davy said and hung up.
Now all I have to do is convince Juniper, without scaring her to death. That’s not going to be easy.
* * * *
Juniper loved the garden, especially the deck with its loungers and tables. Her sharp eyes didn’t miss the rings attached to them and she smiled. Jane smiled back at her. There was no need for words. They strolled down the lawn to the stream at the bottom of the garden, and then they turned to look up at the stone-built house. It was a beautiful sight. The garden was an oasis of peace after so many days of worry.
“You’re so lucky to live here, Jane. It’s a beautiful house and the setting is magnificent,” she said and she knew she hadn’t managed to keep the envy out of her voice.
Jane smiled as she said, “Yes, I am.” Then she turned to Juniper, and taking her hands, she looked into her eyes.
“You’ll have a home of your own one day. I’m sure you will, and it could well be sooner than later,” she said sincerely.
“I do hope so. I want to settle down, but I still haven’t come to a decision,” Juniper said hesitantly.
“Well, the destruction of the club is a horrible thing, but some good may come out of it if it gives you time to consider what you want to do.” Jane released her hands and they strolled on for a while. Suddenly, there was an interruption to the peace.
“Juniper,” Davy called as he strode down the lawn toward them. Juniper looked at him. He was looking relieved. Now what? He seems happier than he did before. I wonder what Doc had to say to him.
“Juniper. I have something to ask you,” he exclaimed. His eyes were alight and he smiled at her.
“What is it, Davy?” she asked.
“I’ll leave you alone to talk,” Jane said. “I’ll put the kettle on. Come to the kitchen when you’ve finished for tea and cake,” she added before turning on her heel and walking to the house.
“What is it, Davy?” Juniper asked.
“I have just been on the phone to Valkyrie. He and Virginia are moving and he’s offered us his flat at the club for as long as we want it. What do you think?”
Juniper’s heart leaped. Do I want to go back to The Blood Red Rose? I do. I can’t wait. What of Davy, though? His life is here. His club’s been destroyed and he will want to rebuild it. He can’t do that from Carlisle. Does that mean he doesn’t want me? No, he said Valkyrie offered us the flat.
“Don’t you want to stay here in Sheffield? What about the club? You can’t rebuild from Carlisle,” she said.
“I know. I haven’t made up my mind if I am going to rebuild or not. I am getting too old to do all that over again. I may take the money and retire early.”
“Are you sure? That would mean they’d won.”
“No, they haven’t won. If I decide not to rebuild, I can do other things with the rest of my life,” Davy said.
“Yes, you can, but do you really want to do other things?” I’m sure that there’s more that he isn’t telling me. What else can there be? Why would he want to go to Carlisle now? He won’t want to look as if he’s running away, but they aren’t after him, or at least they weren’t. Ohmygod, it’s me. He’s giving it all up for me. I’m not worthy of such a sacrifice. I can’t let him do that.
“Davy, I can’t let you do this for me,” she said, and she was amazed at the stunned, hurt look that came into his eyes. “What is it? What have I said? Why are you looking at me like that?” she said.
“I thought you cared for me. I thought that what we had meant something to you. It seems I was mistaken,” he said sorrowfully as he turned away. Damnation, what have I done? I’ve hurt him and he’s taken it the wrong bloody way. Men! I can’t let him go now.
She put out her hand to catch hold of his sleeve.
“Davy, please don’t go. I didn’t mean it that way. I don’t want you to think you have to give up all you’ve worked for because those idiots are after me. It’s your life’s work and I can’t let you sacrifice it. It would always come between us. I’m not worth that. There must be another solution. Davy, please.” She held onto his sleeve as she spoke. At first, he resisted, but as her words went home, slowly he turned.
“Don’t ever say you aren’t worth my sacrifice, if indeed it is a sacrifice. You are worth more to me than any club. I will do anything to keep you safe and in my life,” Davy said.
Juniper was speechless. She hadn’t expected him to speak out like this. She knew he cared, but she’d thought it was a transitory thing and would end eventually. She’d never forget him, but he’d move on. Now he was saying he wanted her in his life permanently. Her heart soared and all she could say was “Davy, oh, Davy,” over and over again. He scooped her up and into his arms. He kissed her long and deeply until her senses reeled.
“So you will come to Carlisle with me?”
“Gladly. I’m not easy staying here anyhow. If those fools find out where we are, they may do something else. I would hate to bring trouble down on Jane and Angus,” Juniper said, and she wondered why he chuckled. She must have looked puzzled because he hastened to explain.
“I said that very thing to Doc. I didn’t want to say it to you because I wanted you to come with me for positive reasons, not to avoid adverse consequences for Jane and Angus,” he said and she laughed.
“Speaking of Jane, we need to tell her, and didn’t she offer tea and cake? I’m suddenly very hungry,” Juniper said.
* * * *
The next day as Davy loaded their meagre possessions into the car, his heart was light. I ought not to be so happy. After all, my cub has been destroyed and I’m leaving my home and my friends. Juniper is worth all that and it’s no sacrifice. We can spend some time together with no responsibilities dragging me away from her, so we can see how we get on. We can get to know one another and I can find out if I can be happy working for someone else. I haven’t done that for years. I have my own ideas and my own way of doing things, and who knows if I can work with Valkyrie at his club? It’s time to find out.
There was no more time to think as Juniper came downstairs accompanied by Jane and Angus. They said their farewells and promised to keep in touch, and then Davy settled Juniper in the front seat and made sure her seat belt was fastened. He got into the car and waved good-bye as they drove under the canopy of beech trees and toward the road to the north. It would take about three hours for the journey. Davy took the M18 and joined the AI, then continued north past York, and Leeds to Wetherby. North of Wetherby, at Scotch Corner, he turned onto the A66. Davy made a detour, and they had lunch in Richmond in the main square.
“The fish and chips here are some of the finest in Yorkshire,” he said. They enjoyed a pot of tea and slices of brown bread and butter. The meal was served with mushy peas, and he was pleased to see Juniper eat with a hearty appetite. They went for a stroll around the market town after lunch, and then they were back on the road. The A66 crossed the Pennines through some spectacular country and some of the views were breathtaking. Leaving County Durham, they entered Cumbria and soon were dropping down to Penrith, where the M6 led to Carlisle.
They arrived at the Blood Red Rose Club at two and Valkyrie came out to meet them.
“Come inside and meet Virginia,” he said, leading the way back into the club. Davy had only been here once before but he remembered the striking décor and the heavy scent from the deep-red roses arranged in vases in the alcoves.
“Virginia, this is Davy,” he said as a striking woman in her fifties came forward to meet them. Her ample curves were well suited to the clingy dress she wore in a deep shade of bronze. Her hair was well cut and as she moved under the lights, it shone and glinted with red highlights.
“Juniper, how nice to see you again,” she said as she kissed her cheek. She offered a slim hand to Davy and shook his with a firm handshake. “I’m so pleased to meet you in person, and not just hear you voice on the phone. Valkyrie has told me so much about you. I only wish it was under more pleasant circumstances. I’m so sorry your club was destroyed, but I am glad that no one was injured.”
“I’m very happy to meet you, too. I hope we haven’t rushed you out of the flat,” Davy said. He found her very easy to talk to. He had never seen Valkyrie so smitten by a woman.
“No, we’ve moved into the house, but you know how it is. If you aren’t obliged to move out by a certain date then the last bits and pieces take forever,” she said. “Come upstairs. You know the flat, Juniper, but you will be wanting to put your things away and see what else you need to make you comfortable,” she added as she led them to the stairs.
Valkyrie had been correct. There was sufficient furniture to be going on with. They could add extra items as and when they felt the need of them. It was comfortable, and someone had cleaned and polished the whole house. Davy could smell the wax polish and it reminded him of his childhood and his house-proud mother.
“Juniper and I will make some tea. We left you a supply of groceries and some food in the fridge, but as I didn’t know what you like to eat, Davy, it’s a bit limited. You’ll be able to do some shopping in the next few days,” Virginia said.
Davy and Valkyrie sat down and Davy told him in greater detail what had occurred.
“You did the right thing. You can’t risk their finding out where you were staying and doing damage there. It’s unfair to Jane and Angus. Juniper will be more settled away from it all. Now you can tell me to mind my own business, but I’m going to ask. What is there between you two?”
“If you’d asked me that two days ago, I’d have had to say I wasn’t sure. This trouble has brought things to a head. I want her in my life and she wants the same. We still have a few things to sort out. I can’t tell you much about her background, or what caused her to be the way she is, because she told me in confidence,” Davy said.
“No, I don’t want to pry, but if she’s opened up to you that’s the main thing. Is she still
being a Domme?” Valkyrie asked.
“So far as everyone outside our home is concerned, she is a Domme and has never been anything else. I’m easygoing on that score. If she wants to be a Domme in the club, then that’s what she will be,” Davy said. Juniper and Virginia retired with a tray of tea and biscuits and the talk became general, until Valkyrie and Virginia had to leave to open up the club. Davy and Juniper chose not to visit the Blood Red Rose Club that evening, but agreed that they would be there the following evening. When the door closed behind them, Davy took Juniper in his arms and cuddled her close.
“Let’s go and put our stuff away, and then we can investigate what they have left us for dinner. We can watch TV after dinner until it’s time for bed,” Davy suggested.
“Mr. Jones, you have some very good ideas,” Juniper said.
After half an hour’s work, the few possessions they had were put away and they prepared a simple meal of baked chicken breasts and vegetables. They ate it in the kitchen with a bottle of white wine that they had found chilling in the fridge. There was a selection of ice creams for dessert, then, after clearing away, they took their coffee into the living area. They turned on the TV and sat cuddling on the sofa. It wasn’t long before coffee and TV were forgotten. Davy’s arm was around her shoulder. He could smell her perfume. The scent, combined with her sweat from the exertion of unpacking and preparing the meal, intoxicated him. His hand cupped her breast and he began to tease her nipple. She wriggled into a more favourable position for him, and he growled in appreciation. He knew how that aroused her and sure enough, as he tweaked and caressed her swollen bud, the scent of her arousal assailed his nostrils. She removed his hand from her breast.
de Lune, Clair - Davy Meets His Match [The Blood Red Rose Club 4] (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 7
