Dice with Death Chapter 4 The Conman The gamble had been made and for The Conman it was a game he knew well. The Geisha, Juggler and General may have all stumbled their way through but now they would see a master at work. Walking along the soft Persian rugs he smiled and stroked the smooth varnished banister. Dressed in a slim suit of charcoal and frilled with white lace he looked Lord of the manner. Maids and manservants bobbed their heads and muttered pleasantries. He was no Lord though merely a simple man born in London. Amid the filth and corruption he watched his father work himself into an early grave. Then watched his mother do the same. So now he played the Lord, while the Lord was away. Fulfilling his duties to the Lady day and night he lived on silken pillows and silver beds. A few months of pleasure and wealth until it was time to leave. A note on the nightstand and an empty vault. Wives too embarrassed to tell their husbands. And husbands too shamed to tell their wives. This was a different con than before. #life balanced on a knife blade waiting for the dice to fall. 'Oh darling there you are!' she exclaimed. Dressed in frills that drowned out her curves and colours that distracted from her width she stomped up the stairs. Sickly sweet perfume had been abused and white motes of makeup drifted in her wake. 'I have need of a massage. I have just heard the most terrible news!' huffing and puffing her way to their room. She sprawled herself on the bed like a pig rolling in the mud. Slowly she undressed trying to entice his loins. Showing rashes of flesh and chops of meat. The Conman turned gigolo mounted her squealing form. Pressing his soft hands into a flabby shank. Slowly he worked his way up past the belly and came resting on her meaty shoulders. 'What was this terrible new?' he innocently inquired. Through grunts she managed to speak coherently. 'My brother was found murdered yesterday. Found on the side of the road after riding to see an old friend.' she sighed but didn't seem that upset. 'Does that not mean three of your family have reached untimely deaths now?' innocent hands working around her neck. 'Yes. There is only myself and two cousins left. And grandma of course.' her breath starting to catch. 'Not too hard darling.' He worked his hands up an down her neck faster and faster leaning with all his weight. Her face slowly sunk into the pillow. 'Darling! Darl-' She bucked and squealed into the pillow held down by her own weight. Folds of flesh crashed down on her and drove the air out her lungs. The Conman sighed and looked down at his slaughtered pig. Pink flesh now still and squeals silenced. Hopping off the bed he went to the washstand and cleaned her meaty sweat off his hands. Picking up her large parachute of a dress he reached inside and pulled out her key. Dropping it he went to the safe hidden in the wall. A soft click and the jewels were his. Satchels of coins rattled and shone in his eyes. Taking his prize for a wager well played he left this lofty #life. A meagre prize for what awaited the dice in his mind assured him. For now though his time well spent with money well earned. ©Samurai2012