Chapter 4: Thomas.
The following day Jack went to see Mayor Thomas. He lived in a small but cosy house in the town that he shared with his nephew, Harris, the town policeman and Louis, a photographer and a friend from his youth. Clutching a large bouquet of flowers and an expensive bottle of wine Jack took a deep breath and knocked on the mayor's door. Thomas opened it immediately and welcomed Jack with enthusiasm, bustling the young farmer into the cosy sitting room. He ushered Jack into a wide leather armchair and exclaimed with delight at the presents. Jack leaned back into the comforting embrace of the chair and watched as Thomas scuttled into the kitchen to put the blooms into an antique green jug. He soon hurried back with the opened bottle of wine on an oval butlers tray compete with two crystal glasses. He poured the deep ruby red wine and handed one to Jack before sitting down opposite the farmer. Before Thomas could get underway Jack came straight to the point. It was always best because, as much as Jack liked the apple shaped little man with his bushy moustache, he could take the hind leg off a donkey.
"Thomas, you remember when I took the apple pie to Ellen for you?"
"Oh, yes," Thomas nodded in reply. "And I was very grateful".
"And the pineapple I gave you for the bet?"
"You really saved my life there," Thomas admitted.
"And I was pleased to do those things for you," Jack said.
"There's some people hereabouts that's nowhere near as obliging," Thomas muttered, a slight droop to his smile.
"Yes, " Jack agreed, "but not someone like yourself. There's a favour I have to ask you. It's not a big thing but it would mean a lot to me if you'd agree."
"Now you have me intrigued," Thomas replied, leaning forward. "Tell me what it is you need and if I can help you Jack I will."
Jack told Thomas all about his plan and he soon had the little man laughing with delight.
"That's brilliant," he laughed, getting up and pacing around the room. "I'll get on to it right away. I'd do anything for that godchild of mine and it'll do me good to see that old grouch taken down a peg or two."
"Thank you so much." Jack rose, shaking Thomas warmly by the hand.
"Leave everything to me, my young friend." Thomas assured him, walking Jack to the door. "And I hope the Goddess is with you."
With that he set off for home with a warm feeling that was only partially due to the wine.