Page 21 of Across Space and Time

“Well, that does make it sound rather intentional. Really, it is simply random chance,” Jack said. “But then, relationships often are, aren’t they? Two or more people in the same time and place under the right circumstances. It is quite scientific, I’m sure. Perhaps there will be studies in the future. Ah, I am speculating again, my sincerest apologies. It really doesn’t help answer your question.”

“What question?” Hugh asked.

“There is another question!” Jack said with a wave of his hand. “But your original question was about the problem assigned to you. You may have already figured out that there is something vile afoot.”

“I got that impression,” Hugh said flatly. “What does that have to do with problems and soulmates?”

“Ah, yes. You see, the universe has assigned you as my soulmate. Therefore, it is my duty to help you solve these ghastly crimes, and then do whatever it is you do in the pursuit of justice.”

“What does that mean though, that you are my soulmate?” Hugh asked. His mind wandered once more to his dreams of Jack pressing him against the wall, his hand moving between his legs, and he shifted a little as his prick stirred to life in his trousers.

Jack sprawled in the chair with an arm dramatically up to his head. “Ah, I know it sounds theatrical and lovelorn. A Shakespearean tragedy, lovers locked together in mutual passion and pining. It is simply that our souls are connected because we can help one another in some way.”

Hugh brushed his hands uneasily over the sides of his pants. “You have been specifically sent to help me then? To solve these murders?”

“It would seem so,” Jack replied. “The specifics are yet to be determined. I have no knowledge of what the future holds or what my role is to be, other than support you and protect you.”

“Can you read my mind or anything like that?” Hugh asked.

Jack laughed his deep, resounding laugh. “Jumping giraffes, that would certainly make things much simpler, wouldn’t it? No, I am afraid my mental capacities and capabilities are quite similar to yours.”

“But physically, you are different,” Hugh said.

“Oh, yes. As I said, we take on a form that is similar to that of our soulmate.”

“I do not have horns and pointed ears,” Hugh said with just a bit of a huff.

“I’m afraid that the universe is not precise,” Jack said with a bit of melancholy, his hand coming up to trace over the mask of bone that seemed to cover under his cheeks.

Hugh had to laugh. “The universe knows when I’m in trouble and sends you to help, but it cannot be bothered to give you a fully human appearance?”

Jack snickered and clicked his tongue against his pointed teeth. “Perhaps it knows what you seek.”

Hugh stiffened at that. “What?”

Jack suddenly leaped up onto the chair, spreading his arms wide. “You are a police officer. You seek protection. You seek justice. You seek truth. Perhaps this form encompasses all of those things.” He cocked one hip to the side and rested a clawed hand on it. “Or perhaps it is simply that you find this form pleasing.”

Hugh felt his cheeks go bright red. “I… I do not.”

“Oh? Did I mistake your assessment of me?” Jack said, raising a brow, which still seemed strange to Hugh that his brows were on the skull-like mask over his upper face. “Do you not find aspects alluring?”

Hugh’s mouth opened, but all that came out was a soft exhalation of air. Jack smirked and tossed his head. “I see that I have hit the nail upon its head! I do hope you won’t find this form too distracting, as I’m afraid I cannot do much to change it.”

“It is less that I find it distracting and more that you easily attract unwanted attention this way,” Hugh said defensively, gesturing to the horns on Jack’s head. He might as well have had goat hooves and a tail to go with it.

“Perhaps that is part of the plan,” Jack said, spreading his arms wide to show off his physique. “A boon from the universe to help solve this mystery!”

Hugh had no idea how anyone with the horns of a devil and eyes like flames could help solve these dreadful murders, but Jack was here. He had come to help. That had to mean something, didn’t it? And Jack wasn’t entirely wrong. He did find this form pleasing. A little odd, perhaps, but the man’s firelight eyes were entrancing, and his face was exquisitely crafted, as if made by a Roman sculptor. And what he could see of Jack’s body in the strange garments he wore was also stunning. It was probably why his mind had gone to fantasizing about Jack in the alley.

“Well,” he said, not sure what else he could really say. “I… suppose we should work together then. Though I very much doubt the Metropolitan Police will be willing to enlist Spring-Heeled Jack to the force.”

“Of course. I do not expect that I shall be working in an official capacity,” Jack said with a chuckle. “But I shall do what I can to help you solve this mystery.”

“I appreciate any help I can get,” Hugh said with a sigh. “Hopefully the autopsy on whatever killed that young man will turn up some clues tomorrow.”

“You have a good heart, Hugh Danbury,” Jack said. “I am certain that we will solve this case, if for no other reason than because you care.”

“I hope that’s enough,” Hugh said with a weak smile. “It hasn’t been so far.”

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