The sting

The Sting

She was standing with the traffic lights on red waiting to cross; wearing a tight black skirt just above her knees, a red top

with a low cut neck showing the swelling of her breasts and high heels that clattered when she walked. Suddenly her 

mobile rang. She knew immediately who it was. 

‘Well, did you get it?’ A male voice asked.

‘Yes, and with no strings,’ she replied with a smile.

‘How much?

‘One thousand pounds.’

‘Well done! You are really getting good at this. Did you have to make him any promises?

‘What sort of promises?’ She retorted.

‘You know what I mean.’ She could hear him sneer.

‘No! Of course not, you know I wouldn’t.’ She said in a low voice. 

‘OK who are you seeing next?’

‘John! I am meeting him at the Black Horse pub.’

‘Right, do your best, keep me posted,’ and he rang off.

The lights changed and she walked rapidly across the road her heels making a 

click! clack! on the stone pavement. It was getting dark and the street lights were beginning to go on. she shivered and drew her 

scarf more tightly around her neck.   Crossing  the road, she  made her way to the Black Horse Pub about a mile away.          Twenty 

minutes later she opened the heavy swing doors and entered the darkened space with the bar at the far end. She stood allowing 

her eyes to accommodate to the gloom and then spotted him sitting near the window. He had seen her and waved and she 

joined him.      ‘What are you drinking?’ he asked standing up as she sat down. He gave her a peck  on both cheeks. She smiled.                                                                                                

‘Something soft,’ she replied.   He looked at her, her dark brown eyes, her high cheeks and soft kissable mouth. 

He could feel himself falling for her.

How have you been?’ he asked looking deeply into her eyes and taking her hand.

‘Not bad, could be better,’ she replied looking down at her drink.

What’s the trouble? Can I help? He asked leaning forward.

‘Oh, its nothing, I really don’t want to talk about it, it depresses me so much.’

‘Come on, it can’t be that bad?’

‘Oh yes! It can, in fact I am getting rather desperate.’ She said looking down at her drink clasped between her two hands

‘Come on, tell John all.’ He said in a child like voice 

‘OK,’ she said in a low tone.

‘I am in serious debt. I can’t pay the rent and I am in danger of being evicted.’  

She began to cry. (This is harder than I thought it would be she reflected as she patted 

the tears from her eyes.)

John leaned forward and held her,  whispering so that no one else could hear

‘How much do you need?’

‘I couldn’t,’ she hesitated, ‘I couldn’t.'

'I couldn't ask you.' 

‘Rubbish, I want to help you, I am very fond of you and can’t bear seeing you 

suffering.’

‘How much do you need?’ 

‘£1000 she whispered,’ burying her face in her hands.

He leant forward and slowly removed her hands 

‘How would you like the money? Cash?’

She slowly smiled and held his face in hers looking into his eyes.

‘Thank you, thank you, I don’t know how to thank you.’

‘It would only be a loan; I will pay you back as soon as possible.’ She promised.

‘Then it’s done, no strings, When shall we meet again so that I can arrange 

to bring it to you.’

They finished their drinks, arranged to meet at the same place on the following day 

and kissed goodbye.

She left the Pub taking a deep breath and feeling the fresh air on her face.

'I’ve done it! I’ve done it!' She said aloud. It was easier than I thought. I’m good at 

this. He will be very pleased with me, and she allowed herself to enjoy the moment.

She let herself in with her key and called out to him. A voice from the kitchen 

replied, ‘How did you get on?’

‘He’s going to give me the money tomorrow.’ and she went over and attempted to 

kiss him. He turned his face away.

‘You mean you haven’t got the money. Why not? You fool. He may not give it to you 

tomorrow.’

‘He will, he promised you will see.’

‘Shut up you idiot,’ tearing himself away.

And glaring at her he shouted, ‘I knew I couldn’t trust you to get something right,’ 

and with that he hit her, a sudden hard slap across her right cheek.

She stood stunned, unable to speak so surprised at what he had done 

and then she let out a yell,

‘You bastard! You are never satisfied. I have had enough, I’m leaving and I hope I 

never see you again.’

Without waiting for a reply, she grabbed her bag and stormed out of the flat.Once outside in the street, the cold air struck her,  

and she shivered.  She walked swiftly towards the nearby tube station but suddenly stopped. The realisation of what she had done 

hit her. Where can I go?  What am I going to do? She wondered. She suddenly thought of Mark. He would help me, I know he 

will.

‘Hello Mark, it’s me. Can we meet, I need your help’

‘I am busy right now but can meet you this afternoon, same place at 4, is that OK?

‘Yes! Thanks, see you then.’

Wow, she thought, I am sure I can get him to help me . At least I will be OK tonight.

She was waiting in the coffee shop when he arrived. He saw her and came to her 

Table. They kissed on each cheek.

‘What would you like to drink, he asked waving toward the waitress. 

Oh! Just a coffee, please, a white coffee’

Anything to eat? He added

No thanks, just the coffee.

Once the coffee had arrived, he looked at her and asked

‘How can I help? What has happened?’

‘I have been expelled from my home.’ She sobbed, ‘When I got home, the bailiff was 

there and all my possessions were taken and the lock changed. I have nowhere to live. 

Can I come and stay with you?'  She pleaded, trying to keep as serious a voice as possible.   She couldn't tell him that she had been 

kicked out by her boyfriend. He would never understand that.

‘You know I would do anything to help you but staying with me is impossible.’ Sorry!!

And then she realised that he had been deceiving her , he must have another woman.         'You bastard,' she cried, 'just when I 

trusted you.'  As she said the words she was awar of what a hypocrite she had become, playing one man against another.  She 

fought back a feeling of sickness and self revulsion.  What am I going to do she thought as she watched him walk away, not even 

bothering to say goodbye.  Alone deserted and penniless, she felt the sense of utter helplessness.   Outside, the damp cold air 

stung her face and she drew her scarf more tightly around her. For a moment  she didn't know where she was and stood looking 

around for a familiar landmark . She felt like a stranger in an unknown place and then saw the bus stop.  She sat on the narrow seat 

searching her mind, trying to quieten the small voice of despair. Then it was as if she was a small girl again. What did she do when 

she was in trouble, she thought, I find Mum and she always puts it right. Why don't I do that now? Immediately she felt a surge of 

hope, Yes that's what I will do I'll go and see my mum, she will put it right. Finding a telephone, she dialled the number and after 

two or three rings, the familiar voice answered, Hello. At first she was unable to reply, fear gripped her and she seemed to be 

tongue tied. Again, she heard, 'hello,' and then, 'is that you?'  Another pause and she replied , her voice sounding dry and rasping. 

' Yes, Mum its me.' I want to come home,    'Yes, yes,'  and then she heard tears as she put down the receiver. 

.