Chapter 9
Ed was glad he didn't have to feel Jim's wrath this time. Ever since his daughter's kidnapping he had gotten worse; he did get threatened that Oswald would be sent to Blackgate if he tried to escape again.
"Do you know what next week is?" Jim asked.
"No. Should I know?" Ed asked.
"Well, I'm not good at riddles, but let me try one: What goes up but doesn't come down?" Jim said.
"Birthdays," said Ed.
"Yes, and next week is yours. I know this because we used to work together, so I thought I might get you a gift. What do you want?" Jim asked.
"It doesn't matter- what I want you won't give me," said Ed.
"I know, but I can give you some form of company. Are you a dog person or a cat person?" Jim asked.
"I'm a cat person," said Ed.
"Alright, so today we are going to try something different. Stand up straight," said JIm, taking out the remote to Ed's necklace.
Ed felt his shoulders straighten. Jim put two books on Ed's head.
"Now I want you to walk with these books on your head," Jim directed.
"You have got to be kidding me," said Ed.
"No, I'm not. Now start walking and don't let those books fall."
"How long do I have to do this for?" Asked Ed.
"Don't talk. I'll time you," said Jim, "Now walk."
Ed began to walk slowly. He was surprised he was able to do it without the books falling.
"Good job," said Jim, "We need to work on that. I'll leave you for now, but while I'm gone, practice."
As soon as Jim left, Ed felt himself fall down on the couch.
"Okay, now he is just using me like a toy," said Ed, "Is he going to do this with Oswald, too?"
Ed was not going to let that happen.