Jimmy walked and hummed as he made his way back to Downton. It was late and the moon was shining high. He carried in a sack of items he had bought while in town. He bought himself a new deck of cards, a pack of cigarettes he owed to Thomas, and a bottle of whiskey, which he also owed to Thomas. He promised to pay his friend back and since he had the money, he decided to do it tonight, even if that meant he didn't have much left over for a drink, but ever since the fair, he didn't feel safe without Thomas by his side when he drank.
Jimmy was lost in his thoughts when suddenly a blue flash from his right interrupted them. He heard a boom that made him jump. He starred in the direction in fear of what lie in the forest. Suddenly he felt no control over his body, and began to walk into the forest. He walked straight on until he came to a clearing. In the middle of the clearing, surrounded by a small circle of fire, lie a beautiful blue stone. Jimmy was transfixed by the beautiful stone and set his bag down before slowly walking towards it. He knelt down in front of it as the fire faded away. He slowly reached for it and gently touched it. He pulled his hand back, not because the stone was hot as to be expected, it was cold. Nearly as cold as ice. He then repeated the motion and picked it up with both hands, examining it.
What the hell is this? Where did it come from?
Jimmy looked around and questioned what he should do.
I can't just leave it here. Maybe I should ask Thomas what I should do.
He sighed then wrapped his jacket around the stone.
I hope I can get something good out of this. I really don't need any bad luck.
Jimmy placed the stone underneath his arm and went to pick up his sack. He inspected it to make sure everything was there before finally heading his way back to Downton.
I hope Thomas isn't mad and locked the door.
Thomas sat in the servant's hall reading. This was probably the third time he's read the paper and could probably tell about the events happening in the world word for word. He sighed as he lit his last cigarette and looked at the clock.
It was fifteen past midnight and Jimmy was way late. He promised to be back by ten thirty so they could play a game of cards before bed. He was more worried about Jimmy than he was angry at him. Trouble seemed to follow him like a lost puppy.
I'll give him fifteen more minutes, no ten, and if he is not back. I'm going to search for him and if I find him alright, I'm going to ring his neck.
Thomas chuckled at the thought. He knew he would never hurt Jimmy but the thought was enough to blow off his steam.
Christ, where is that man?
Just then, the door opened and a disheveled Jimmy walked in completely out of breath. Thomas saw his jacket was off and was wrapped around something under his arm.
"Sorry," Jimmy said as he silently closed the door.
Thomas did not reply but continued to stare and smoke. Jimmy set the bag and his jacket on the table. He pulled out the contents of the bag and laid them in front of Thomas.
"Will these make up for it?"
Thomas looked at the new pack of cigarettes and the bottle of whisky. Jimmy kept the deck of cards in his hand while biting his lip in hopes of forgiveness.
You are lucky I just smoked my last pack, but thanks to you I smoked my last pack.
"It took you this long to get cards, whiskey, and a pack?"
"No," Jimmy said, "I just got sidetracked thats all, and no not to a pub either."
Thomas raised his eyebrows.
"Wow, Mr. Kent went all evening without a drink," Thomas said, "Or did you nic a sip?"
"I did not, besides, I found something better."
Jimmy grabbed his jacket and pulled it to center the table
"How about you show me tomorrow," Thomas said, "I'm exhausted."
"It won't take but a moment," Jimmy pleaded. Thomas looked at Jimmy then shook his head.
"Alright, just show me and then get to bed," Thomas said, "You better not complain about being tired tomorrow."
Jimmy smiled like a child then removed his jacket revealing the blue stone. Thomas almost choked on smoke when he saw it.
"What the bloody hell is that," Thomas asked.
"I think it's some sort of stone or something," Jimmy replied, "Found it in the forest on my way back."
"This thing," Thomas pointed, "caused you to be so late?"
"Well, no," Jimmy said, "I ran into a few of me old mates and I chatted with them for awhile. I swear I was on my way back when this thing just popped up into the forest."
Thomas felt uneasy as he looked at it.
"I think you should get rid of it, Jimmy. Or at least tell Mr. Carson to. He may have it exercised first but at least it will be gone."
"Why," Jimmy asked, "I mean I was hoping to find something to do with it, but I was thinking about selling it."
"Selling it," Thomas repeated, "I mean it is quite beautiful, but I wouldn't trust anything that just 'popped up' and you don't exactly have lady luck on your side as of recent.
"Just because I dropped a tray doesn't mean I have bad luck. Besides, it made the dowager laugh and I call that a plus."
"You also nearly made Mr. Carson have a heart attack. I've never seen him so angry and speechless in my life that I thought his head would explode."
Thomas and Jimmy both laughed at the memory. Thomas looked back at the stone then at Jimmy.
It matches your eyes. He thought to himself.
"See, I think I should keep it for awhile until I can sell it and I can't, then I'll give it to Mr. Carson."
"Maybe you should sooner, Jimmy. I just don't have a very good feeling about this thing."
"A week. Give me a week and if nothing happens then I'll give it to Mr. Carson so he can have it burned or whatever."
Thomas chuckled and sighed.
"Alright, but don't go flashing it about. Lord knows that something like this, must've had an owner, or still does."
"Okay, okay, I won't tell anyone about it. On my next day off or next time we are sent to town I'll get rid of it."
Thomas nodded and looked back at the stone. He pushed it closer to Jimmy.
"Well then I'm going to bed and so should you." They both got up and Thomas went over to lock the door.
"Hey, Thomas," Jimmy said.
"No, I'm not telling Mr. Carson you are ill so you can sleep in."
Jimmy laughed and Thomas smiled.
"No, I wasn't going to say that."
"Okay then," Thomas said, "What were you going to say?"
"Thank you."
Thomas smiled wider than nodded.
"Last time."
Jimmy nodded then grabbed his jacket along with the stone.
"I'll keep that in mind," he said and headed up stairs. Thomas shook his head then grabbed the new pack of cigarettes and the bottle of whiskey and headed up to his room.
As he passed Jimmy's room, a cold chill ran up his spine. He shook it off then entered his room.
"God I hope he gets rid of that thing really soon," Thomas said as he closed the door and prepared for bed.