JETHRO’S ACE OF HEARTS

a thirteen-part story, EXCLUSIVE to Trapped By Monsters

story (c) Sam Enthoven / illustrations (c) David Melling, 2009. All rights reserved.

(Click here for previous slices: First ; Second ; Third ; Fourth ; Fifth)

-Sixth Slice-

When Jethro awoke, some seven hours later, the first thing he saw was himself – or rather, the reflection of his disembodied head looking back at him from the mirror above the slab. I believe this startled him: his eyes widened for a moment until he realised this was only an illusion cause by the hospital gown, which covered his body right up to his chin.

‘Splendid!’ he heard from the other side of the room. Perhaps Jethro also heard the steps coming closer, the click of steel toe-caps on concrete. ‘You’re right on time,’ continued Mr Theophilus, closing his pocket-watch with a soft snap. ‘Not too late, and not a moment too soon. You should regain the power of speech right about… now.’

‘Wh- Where am I?’

‘The guest room of my humble abode, dear boy. Where I always receive my visitors. And…’ A flash of awkwardness crossed Mr Theophilus’ face. ‘Well, I’m afraid I have a confession to make. You remember I told you I knew the truth about Jack the Ripper?’

‘Yes?’ said Jethro.

‘I lied. I’m sorry old chap, but there it is.’ Mr Theophilus pulled up a chair by the slab, and sighed. ‘To be honest, I’ve always been baffled as to why the man still attracts so much attention. No one knows who he was, that’s true – but why do we still care? His crimes seem so cruel: so brutal and, well, so pointless. Whereas I, on the other hand, am a specialist.’ He paused, relishing his favourite line:

‘…A heart specialist.’

-Click here for Slice Seven-