For fans of Jools Siviter, a double-drabble
The Assistant to the American Vice Consul cradles his right hand with his left. His little finger is splinted to his ring finger and he's pouting, a jumbo cherub with a bad hair-weave. "Mr. Siviter, this is unsatisfactory. I insist you at least reprimand your subordinate!"
"The incident didn't occur during work hours," Jools says, shaking his head. "Furthermore, you were supposed to be enjoying her family's hospitality, not instigating an international incident.”
“Instigating? I didn’t---that bitch has no sense of humor---!”
“May I remind you that you were specifically warned not to make any vulgar references? Lucille is very sensitive, as you saw."
"Sensitive?" the American sputters. "That damned red-head broke my finger!"
His mistress may be all those things, but Jools isn't about to let some effete Yank sound off about it. He captures the man's wounded hand and squeezes firmly. "You still have nine fingers left...for the moment," Jools points out, his tone grave. "Kindly don't jeopardize them with unchivalrous remarks."
"Now, you listen to me---"
Jools applies binding pressure, and for a wonder, the man shuts up. "It's simple," says Siviter, as if to an imbecile. "Whatever you do, don't call her 'Lucy'."
"The incident didn't occur during work hours," Jools says, shaking his head. "Furthermore, you were supposed to be enjoying her family's hospitality, not instigating an international incident.”
“Instigating? I didn’t---that bitch has no sense of humor---!”
“May I remind you that you were specifically warned not to make any vulgar references? Lucille is very sensitive, as you saw."
"Sensitive?" the American sputters. "That damned red-head broke my finger!"
His mistress may be all those things, but Jools isn't about to let some effete Yank sound off about it. He captures the man's wounded hand and squeezes firmly. "You still have nine fingers left...for the moment," Jools points out, his tone grave. "Kindly don't jeopardize them with unchivalrous remarks."
"Now, you listen to me---"
Jools applies binding pressure, and for a wonder, the man shuts up. "It's simple," says Siviter, as if to an imbecile. "Whatever you do, don't call her 'Lucy'."