Edie

Edie

SasatheShy

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Chapter Sixteen: Blackmail

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Days passed, and those days, for Edie, had been exceptionally well. Since her wonderful night with Lavan, she’s become happier, and her changed emotions miraculously caused her food to expand. Her happiness mixed well with the ingredients, making more and more customers, including those just passing through Forter. She’d take orders morning, day, and evening. And this both pleased and astonished Tonisha and Leigh. A part of Edie’s relief was that she had not seen nor heard from Cain since that very night when he had had her for dinner. Edie was glad, too. She assumed he was busy with work, but for all she cared, he could stay busy forever. She had Lavan now.

Lavan was like Prince Charming. Edie enjoyed his warmth and company. He’d only join her in her chamber when she asked for him. He helped her in the kitchen whenever he wasn’t busy elsewhere, and he always seemed to make her feel good. He made her smile. He made her laugh. And Edie knew she was thankful.

Taking a large bag filled with leftover food and trash, Edie dragged it out through a back door. She looked around the tiny alleyway as she set down the trash. She sighed as she stared up at the sky. It was blue and brilliant. She could even feel the sun heating down on her. It made her smile, since most days lately had seemed to be chilly and gloomy. This sudden heat burst was quite nice. More people walked about, which Edie knew was a sign for more customers.

Heading back inside, Edie looked to her assistant cooks. They had really learned the recipes well. Edie was as proud of them as she was of herself. She was especially proud of Amana. The girl worked diligently, and Edie had already vowed to pay Amana some coins every week, since Tonisha didn’t pay her. Edie saw it as a good first job for Amana to start saving up some money of her own.

A light crash made Edie sigh. This she was used to. Giggling, she turned to find Amana scurrying down on all fours in order to catch a rolling bowl. The bowl landed at Edie’s feet. She picked up the bowl and smiled down at Amana. “You okay?”

Blushing, Amana nodded. She got to her feet. “Yes. I’m sorry. I tripped again.”

“Only the one bowl?” Edie asked, causing Amane to bow her head. “It’s okay.”

Amana sighed. She shook her head. “I’m so clumsy. I -- I don’t even know why you’ve hired me, Edie.”

“What?” Edie blinked. Setting down the bowl, she wrapped her arms around Amane, hugging her. She sighed. “Amana, you’re my best friend.”

“Best?” Amana gaped. She was now hugging Edie in return.

Edie nodded her head. “Even if you trip a thousand times, I know that you’re a hard worker, and that you clean up the messes you make. Hey, want to know a secret?”

Smiling, Amana peered up at Edie. “What?”

Taking Amana’s hand, Edie swung it a little, goofing around a bit. “Yesterday, when I was in here by myself, I accidentally dropped an entire can of soup all over the floor. It splashed everywhere!” Edie smiled, having made Amana gasp in surprise. “It splashed over the floor, on some of the wall, and even on me.”

“Really?” giggled Amana.

“I had to clean it all up,” Edie sighed. “It was messy, but sometimes accidents happen.”

Shrugging, Amana said, “I guess so.” She was feeling much better.

“Don’t feel bad,” said Edie. She took both of Amana’s hands, being a comforting friend. “You work so hard. I’m glad I met you and have you.”

Beaming, Amana hugged Edie again. “Mm. I’m glad, too!” She pulled away. “Well, I have some tables to clean.”

“Go ahead,” Edie smiled. She watched as Amana left the kitchen.

Sighing, Edie went back to work.

--

Amana carefully took the stairs up into the main area within Pig’s Thigh Inn. She gaped as a new crowd of people walked in, and they looked hungry. Amana went over to them, seeing the other staff members were all busy.

“Hi,” she smiled at them as they sat down. “Welcome.”

“Thanks,” said a man with scruffy white hair. “We’d like some menus.”

“Of course,” Amana bowed. “I’ll be right back with those for you.” Turning around, Amana went over to the bar counter. She went behind it and pulled out five menus for the table. It was a busy day, but it’d all be worth it in the end. She made sure to keep a smile on her face as she returned to them and handed them each a menu. Bowing a second time, she went on with some work to give them time to look through it. As she worked, she had not noticed that another customer had arrived.

Scraping his boots against the floor, Cain sighed as he looked about. He raised a brow. The inn was packed. Never in all the ten years that it’s been open had Cain seen it, well, as flourished as it was. It impressed the captain, that was for sure. He leaned against the wall, waiting for a table to empty as he took off his gloves. He did not mind waiting. He was sure he’d not be able to speak with Edie at a time like this. She’d be too busy. That very thought caused Cain to groan under his breath.

Seeing no sign of Tonisha nor Leigh, Cain did take in a familiar face. He grinned, watching Amana taking orders. She took the customers’ menus before returning the menus to their proper place. She reminded Cain of a hustling rabbit hopping place to place, doing best to keep up with the more experienced members in the group. She was so young -- he concurred that she’s the same age Edie was when he first saw her.

Pushing off the wall, Cain watched blankly as the girl tripped. He shook his head as he walked up to her. He knelt, seeing that no one seemed to care that she had fallen. “You should try to be more careful.”

“Ooh…” Amane winced. She looked up to see who had talked to her. As soon as she saw Captain Cain’s handsome face, she froze up. “I -- I…”

“Here,” Cain said, taking her hand without hesitation. He lifted her to her feet, holding on as she wobbled into place.

“T -- thank you, Captain Cain,” she whispered.

Cain chuckled. “I see you remember me.”

“How can I not?” Amana asked, smiling. “You’re ‘the’ Captain Cain. Tonisha talks about you a lot.. Well, so does Leigh, but -- you’re this town’s hero. Forter wouldn‘t be here without you… I --” When she realized that she had started to ramble, Amana stopped and immediately looked down. “I -- I’m sorry.”

Laughing, Cain shook his head. “Not at all. Why, it makes me feel honored.” Cain looked about. “Is Edie working?”

Amana looked up at the Captain. She nodded. “Yes. She’s in the kitchen.”

“She’s probably hard at work, then,” said Cain. “I’ll come back this evening.”

“Would you like me to give her a message?”

“No, no,” Cain chuckled, putting his arms up. “Thank you for offering that, but I’ll just swing by again later. I’ll leave you to your work, then, girl. And make sure to watch your step. We wouldn’t want you getting hurt, now would we?”

Turning pink, Amana shook her head. She bowed. “I’ll be careful. Thank you, Captain Cain.”

The girl was sweet, Cain supposed. She had poor manners, but it made sense, considering her condition. Cain placed his gloves back over his hands before walking back over to the entrance. He watched Amana get back to work as he opened the door and took his leave.

Grabbing a washcloth, Amana sighed as she eyed Cain’s retreating back. “He’s so nice… And so handsome. Edie is so lucky.”

--

“Goodnight Edie.”

Looking up from scrubbing the counter, Edie waved to her female assistant. “Take care, Peta.”

As the woman left, she could be heard saying goodnight to Amana. Just then, Amana entered the kitchen. She went over to Edie and smiled. “Need help cleaning up?”

“Oh, that’d be so nice,” Edie tiredly answered. She sighed as Amana grabbed a cloth and wiped up the other side of the counter, getting out a red stain. “Thank you, Amana.”

“You’re welcome,” Amana gleamed. She looked over at Edie as she continued to wipe down the counter. “So -- guess what?”

Shaking her head while giggling, Edie asked, “What?”

“Captain Cain was here earlier,” Amana said. “He was looking for you.”

The very mentioning of that man caused Edie to freeze. She clutched the counter’s edge as she tried hard not to shake in front of Amana. Slowly, she turned her eyes on the girl as she blinked back tears. “H -- he was?”

“Yep,” Amana said. She sighed cutely. “I was heading to another table when I fell. He helped me up and asked me about you. Since you were working, he said he’d be back later.”

“Today?”

Amana tilted her head. “Yeah. He might be here any minute. Edie, are you okay?” She reached a hand out, noticing Edie’s expression had changed.

“I’m fine,” said Edie. She set down the rag she’s been using as she turned to Amana. “C -- could you…?” She paused. What she had nearly asked her friend wasn’t right. She could not force Amana to be her message carrier. She could not hide away every time she heard his name. She supposed that she had to face him again some time. “Um… Could you finish up here? I’ll go upstairs.”

“Sure,” smiled Amana.

--

Edie climbed the stairs to the front, knowing her stomach was in knots. She patted at her pine green dress, trying to rid it of the few flour stains it had collected that day. Edie had her hair pulled back, tied by a single brown string. She decided to leave it up as she opened the back door, and closed it behind her.

She looked around. Seeing no sign of Cain, yet, she took a few steps forward, deciding she’d sit at an empty table and wait. She’d wait for no more than half an hour, tops. If Cain did not show by then, then -- well, it’d be his own damn fault. She was exhausted and she didn’t smell all that appealing.

Nervously twirling her fingertips together, Edie kept her eyes focused on the front door. She started to head over to a small table, but was stopped by Tonisha’s sudden voice.

“Edie,” Tonisha called, making Edie turn around to face her. “What are you doing up here? Everything all right?”

“Yes, everything’s fine,” Edie answered. “Just -- Amana told me that Cain came here earlier looking for me. He was supposed to come back some time around now, I guess.”

“Cain?” Tonisha gaped. Crossing her arms, she gave Edie a sly smile. “Well, he must have been quite busy lately to leave you stranded.”

Gaping, Edie shook her head. She looked down. Her body was warming up. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Tonisha shook her head, but that smile never left her lips. She rubbed Edie’s shoulder gently. Just by Edie’s reaction, Tonisha knew that the cook already knew what she had meant. “I have a small mess to take care of upstairs. I’ll be back down in a little while to lock the door. Okay?”

“Sounds good,” Edie said. Once Tonisha was gone, Edie turned her attention back on the front door. No one was coming in. It was too late for ordering. Edie’s restaurant business was closed for the night, but men could still come in for alcohol and a good time.

Unsurely, Edie made her way over to the small, circular table near the door. She also made sure to be seated far from some men still in the place. Luckily, a woman was entertaining them. Once seated, Edie leaned back a bit. She sighed agitatedly as she peered down at the clean table. A small, melting candle was alit in the middle. One of the small menus was also on the table. Edie picked it up and opened it. She smiled a bit, seeing the selection of meals that she had come up with. The first time she saw the menu, Edie nearly burst into tears. It had started out as nothing but a long, ugly brown parchment with her scribbles, but then Tonisha took it and had it written up nicely. Edie pondered if Cain had had anything to do with it, since he was rich and could afford to copy one menu into many. The very idea made Edie frown. She set the menu back down on the table and crossed her arms.

At that moment, the door opened. In stepped Cain, making Edie sink her body best she could. She stared up as she watched him wipe his boots. He was wearing a long black coat over his uniform. He wiped at small white flakes, making them float to the floor. It was snowing lightly outside. Some flakes rested even in his hair. He brushed at it with his hand before looking around. He almost didn’t notice Edie sitting there, thinking she’d be downstairs. As he got a better look, he grinned as she slowly sat up.

He was not expecting to see her sitting there. But it was a nice surprise. He moved over to her as he took off his gloves. “May I join you?”

Thinking about it, Edie nodded her head hazily. She knew he’d sit down, either way. She held still as he took the opposite stool. Scooting in, he placed his gloves on the table before looking at her.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered, causing Edie’s shoulders to tense. Her eyes had focused on his chin. But his comment made them lower just a tad. “You are a bit dirty, though.”

“Rough day,” she said bitterly.

Cain raised a brow. His grin broadened as he leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs and knees. “I understand. I had come in earlier…”

“I know,” Edie interrupted. She looked into his eyes, now, prepared to act brave. “Amana told me.”

“She did?” he questioned. “Well, that was nice of her to inform you, though I had assured her it was no big deal. So then, you waited up for me? Is that it?”

“Something like that,” Edie said. “I -- wanted this to be quick.”

The deliberate rudeness Edie hinted was angering Cain greatly. He kept himself under control, however, knowing that she was doing so intentionally. He did not blame her, though. He’d allow her to try and rattle his chain. No one messed with him. Surely, he would not allow her to.

Fixing his stool, he further leaned in. He placed his arms on the table as he smirked. “This won’t take long. Actually, I wanted to share with you my -- reasoning for being away for so long.”

“Reasoning?” Edie asked, showing she was curious, somewhat.

“Yes,” Cain said. “You see, I went and visited with Kelli.”

Edie’s ears perked. Her eyes widened. No -- he couldn’t had. “W -- what?”

“I saw Kelli,” Cain went on. “After you told me a little about her, I knew I wanted to meet her. So, I went and saw her.” He could see that Edie was shaking. He knew that she was upset by his shared news.

“You…” Edie started. She bit her bottom lip. “Why? Did you hurt her?”

“Now why would I hurt her?” Cain pondered. He chuckled as he tapped his fingers against his leg. “I simply wanted to learn more about you.” Cain knew he had struck gold as Edie gasped.

Leaning forward a bit, Edie shook her head while trembling. She kept her eyes on Cain, not wanting to look away. Her body was feeling warm again. She tried ignoring it as her lip quivered. “W -- why?” Sniffing, she tried to glare at him, failing miserably. “W -- why are you doing this? Why -- why do you w -- want to know about me so badly?”

Knowing he had won this conversational battle, Cain decided to answer her in a whisper. “You know why.”

Scared, Edie stood to her feet, ready to run. The stool she had been sitting in fell backwards, hitting the floor hard as she turned to leave. However, she had not moved fast enough. She gasped as Cain’s hand grabbed her wrist. His own stool fell as he stood and moved in front of her. The two men and woman looked over at them, stunned. Cain would not deal with them. He kept hold of Edie as he looked down at her.

“It’s not nice to leave without a goodbye,” he whispered.

“Let go,” pleaded Edie.

“No,” Cain smiled. “I wasn’t finished talking to you, Edie.”

“Edie?”

Stiffening, Cain let go of Edie. He turned, seeing Lavan standing there behind him.

She sighed with relief. “Lavan.”

“What’s going on?” Lavan asked. He stepped forward, eyeing Cain. “What are you doing here?”

Cain glared at Lavan. Such a nuisance. “That is not your concern, sweeper.”

“It is if Edie’s upset,” Lavan declared.

The two quarreling made Edie feel queasy and headachy. She groaned as she stepped in front of them. Making her back face Cain, Edie lightly pressed the palms of her hands against Lavan’s chest. She looked up at him, showing that she was about ready to cry. That face made Lavan stop arguing.

“Lavan, please,” she whispered just low enough for Cain not to hear. “I’ll handle Cain, just -- go wait for me downstairs?”

Stunned, but understanding, Lavan nodded. He gave her a quick hug, wanting to stab at Cain somehow. He knew he had done well, for Cain was starting to turn red with anger. Turning, Lavan left them as he went through the backroom to wait for Edie in her bedroom chamber.

“Humph,” Cain snorted. He eyed Edie as she faced him. “He’s a bit protective of you.”

“He worries,” Edie said.

“Why?” Cain demanded, more than asked. He stepped closer to Edie, wanting to touch her cheek. He was extremely shocked when Edie sniffled and peered down. Her act even caused the captain to step back a bit. “Do you -- like him?”

Keeping quiet for a few seconds, Edie wiped at her nose before answering. “And if I do?”

“I -- see…” Cain drifted. Standing straight, he fixed his coat. He smirked slightly as he turned around and grabbed his gloves. He started to put them on as he looked back at her. “Well then, it would appear that I have some competition.”

Edie looked up at Cain, dumbfounded. His continuous urge to be a part of her life made Edie furious. A part of her was certain that his constant stalking should frighten her; however, a part of her was almost honored. This is what disturbed her. No matter how many times she saw him, she could not fully stand up to him. She somehow felt that she’d never rid herself from him.

“I -- it’s late,” she soon whispered. “I’m tired. I should get to bed.”

“Of course,” Cain said. With his gloves on, he reached out to touch her. He wouldn’t hold back, now that he knew Edie liked another man. He touched her left cheek, being gentler than ever before. He grinned as Edie’s eyes closed shut, and as she shuttered against his touch. “I will see you again, Edie. And sooner, this time. I promise.” Leaning down, Cain took a chance as Edie’s eyes stayed closed. He pecked her opposite cheek.

Her reaction, he was used to. She backed away as her eyes shot open. She hugged herself as she gave him that soft, adorable, puzzled stare. He returned the stare with his own eerie one. He even bowed his head, further experimenting with her emotions.

“Goodbye,” he said softly. He turned on his heel and took his leave.

Edie released a held-in breath of air, fighting off a sudden heat aching to take over her body. She was afraid, for she knew this strange feeling. It’s familiarity made Edie think back to her brief time with Cain when he had had her for dinner. Then, it was merely a speck, but that measly speck expanded into more in the kitchen, and then, it was caused not by Cain, but by Lavan. The moment Lavan had arrived, claiming he had been worried about her, Edie’s feelings changed. And when they kissed, and her body warmed and tingled, she knew she cared for him.

Now, just a hint of what she had felt then was creeping its way back into her mind. It began freaking out her body. Her knees wobbled as she shivered almost uncontrollably.

“It’s not possible,” she whispered, bowing her head. “It’s not.”

Concluding that her body was lying to her, Edie thought of Lavan. He was waiting for her. He could make her unwelcome throbbing go away. She wanted him to. She’d prefer it if he did.

She’d not allow Cain to haunt her.

--

What dumb luck. Verity felt the fire in her rising as she glanced about Cain’s empty bedroom. She was sick of eating alone. She was sick of Cain’s continuous absence. Once, some time ago, Cain being away from time to time would not bother her. But now, it was different. Now that she knew there was this Edie lurking about in Pig’s Thigh Inn, Verity knew she needed to act on this. Though she’s not even met Edie, Verity already knew that she hated the woman. She had the feeling this woman was humping her man behind her back.

It wasn’t right.

Sighing, Verity clawed at Cain’s desk, running her long fingernails against the polished wood. “The bitch… If only Tonisha didn’t know my face. I’d go in there, and have a good talk with this -- Edie… If only there was a way to get at her.” Verity sighed as she sat down in Cain’s chair. She shook her head. “I don’t even know what she looks like.”

“Perhaps I can be of assistance?”

Gasping, Verity quickly got out from the captain’s chair. She turned, thinking it was Cain, but when she saw the pig-faced Hyatt, she angrily sneered. “What the fuck? You startled me.”

“My apologies,” Hyatt laughed. He put his hands up as he walked over to her. He looked her over as he licked his fat lips. “Mm… I just couldn’t help but overhear your little dilemma, Verity.”

“And what’s it to you?” she questioned.

“It just so happens that -- I know Edie,” Hyatt grinned.

Verity raised a brow at the man. She crossed her arms, causing her breasts to squish together. “Do you?”

“Yeah,” he said. “And, uh -- I could help ya.”

Sighing, Verity rolled her eyes. She knew that there had to be a catch, but she decided to entertain the man for now. “Oh, Hyatt, that’s so sweet of you.”

Opening the left satchel on his uniform coat, Hyatt pulled out a rolled weed. He placed it in his mouth as he lit a match using Cain’s desk as his fire starter. He blazed his weed, taking a huge drag before letting the smoke flow from his nostrils. Verity waved her hand in disgust, coughing as some of the smoke flew into her face. She placed a hand against her hip as Hyatt started circling around her.

“I’m here to serve,” he grinned. “But, uh, you’ll have to do something for me, of course.”

“Why Hyatt,” gasped Verity sarcastically, “Are you -- threatening me?” She growled as his large, chubby hand clasped onto her left breast. He gave a good, firm squeeze.

“If you give me what I want,” he whispered, “Then I shall give you all the information you need on Edie.”

She pondered this, for she was currently stuck on information. Grinning, she faced Hyatt. Her left strap fell halfway down her shoulder as she wickedly smirked up at him, showing off her beautiful, deadly face. “I do want to know about her, but it’s not enough. What I want I’m not sure you can give me.”

“Name it,” Hyatt dared.

Chuckling, Verity took Hyatt’s hand. She led him over to Cain’s bed, throwing him down onto it. If Cain would not accompany her for the night, she supposed this silly fat man would do. Besides, even if he was blackmailing her, she had the upper hand. She’d give him his sick pleasure, but she’d rid herself of some trash along the way.

Lifting her left leg, Verity forced her barefoot against Hyatt’s large bulge. She pressed hard, making him hiss. He kept his ground, though. He moaned. He put his weed out against his coat before tossing it to the floor.

“This Edie is the threat,” Verity whispered. “She was Cain’s personal guest. I want to know everything you know about her, Hyatt. And besides that, I want you to help me organize my plan.”

“A plan, eh?” Laughing, Hyatt leaned back as she got over him. “Very well. Shoot.”

As she lowered her dress, Verity leaned her head back, and licked at her glossy lips. “I want you -- to get me in to see Gil and Bo.”

Hyatt gaped. His eyes did bulge, but mostly due to the enormous breasts bouncing before him. “Gil and Bo? That’s -- a big thing to ask. Those men were some of the best Cretchens ever! But they pissed off Cain, good, and are locked away in his prison. Why do you want to talk to them? They‘re more fucking dangerous than me!”

“It’ll be worth your while, if you can do this for me,” Verity cooed. She leaned down, rubbing her breasts in Hyatt’s face. As he latched onto her left nipple, she faked a moan as she sighed. “They do not scare me. And what I will offer to them is surely to please them.”

“An offering, eh?” Hyatt laughed as he jiggled her breasts. “What sort of offering?”

“A gift,” Verity grinned. “A special gift.”

Laughing, Hyatt placed his face between Verity’s breasts. He moaned happily as he slobbered over them. “That, I can do. Anything else?”

“Yes,” Verity sighed. “Somehow, someway, you have to get me this Edie.”