Sweet Things Dying - Prologue V

In which we see the downfall of Cole and Heather's original relationship - and what almost could have been...

Prologue V

London

November 1886

When one’s primary objective in a relationship is physical passion, the beginning of sex marks the beginning of the end of any emotional connection.

It was nearing the close of the month, when all sunshine and warmth had been banished from London, and Cole and Heather had made love countless more times with growing intensity. Most had been in his room, and as Cole grew poorer for it the night manager did extremely well. On four occasions they had managed to fulfill their lust on her breaks, out in the cold daylight in some stinking alley, but never had they dared go to her bed.

Cole, excited by how forbidden it would be, had tried to persuade her. How dangerous, how spiteful to her pious home and father. But she had resisted.

“My bed would not be good for it,” she said.

“It cannot be any worse than mine.”

“My mother is often there, even when father is not. And my little sister is always home.”

“Yes, I should hate for Milly to see us,” he said, shuddering at the memory of those watchful doll’s eyes on her smug doll face.

“She’s an obnoxious snoop. I know she goes into my room and touches my things when I’m not there.”

Cole laughed. “My younger brother did the same…” He stopped.

She looked at him suddenly: “You’ve never mentioned a brother. How old is he? Do you have more siblings?”

“Just one brother,” he replied.

“You are quite lucky. Girls are the worst to live with.” She laughed. “I would have preferred a brother, I think. What is your brother’s name?”

Cole felt the bile of dreadful memories rise in his stomach. He could have thrown it up but fought to swallow it back down.

“His name was William,” he said, staring nowhere.

“Oh… was?”

“Was.”

Heather touched his knee. “I am sorry. May I ask you how he died?”