It was after 3 pm by the time Rick and “Jacky” returned. They had gone shopping after lunch and “Jacky” had an armful of bags. Rick explained that as a reward for the good sex “Jacky” had provided him with, Rick had bought her a new wardrobe. Jack noted the white handbag “Jacky” had over her shoulder. She guessed it contained the medallion.
Rick inspected the cleanliness of the house and Jack was relieved when the man nodded approval. Jack had seen what a violent man Rick was and in her small female body she was scared of upsetting him. 'Very well you can sleep in the bed again tonight. I’m actually impressed. You have finally learnt how to clean. There might be hope for you yet'
With Rick appeased Jack set her plan into motion ‘I need to buy some feminine products down at the supermarket, should I do that now?’
Rick frowned ‘Didn’t you just stock up last week? Our budget is not unlimited you know’
‘I thought things must be okay at the moment. I mean you just bought Jacky a new wardrobe’
‘That was her own money, or at least the money that was in the wallet she came with’ Rick chuckled. His face became serious again. ‘I’ve told you before how to budget. You just don’t get it do you?’
Inwardly Jack fumed. That $350 cash he had in his wallet had been earmarked for his rent. The real Sharon had just blown it on clothes for a person who would cease to exist in the near future. She looked around to the culprit but “Jacky’ had taken her new purchases to the bedroom. ‘I need new pads. What do you expect me to do?’
‘I expect you to budget. I give you an allowance. You need to stick to it’
‘I’m not asking for money’
‘Well that’s a first. Got your own hidden stash have you?’ Jack was dumbfounded. He had observed Rick had paid for everything at the bar yesterday but had thought it was just his treat. Did Rick control Sharon to the extent that she was allowed no cash of her own? Did Sharon have to beg for money to buy feminine hygiene?
‘I just need to go out…..’ she stammered.
‘You’re looking old Sharon. I might have to start looking for an upgrade. Ironic that you just introduced me to Jacky. She has everything that you’ve lost and seems very willing. A word of warning. Shape up or you might be going out for good’ Rick said this in such a menacing tone so that Jack knew he meant it. She felt sorry for the real Sharon. At least Rick put his hand in his pocket and removed a wallet. He took a $20 note and dropped it on the floor in front of Jack ‘I want the change and to see the receipt. Don’t be too long. We are having dinner in tonight. I expect something tasty’
Jack felt humiliated as he bent down to pick up the note, but he had to get out of here quickly before Rick changed his mind. She stashed the note into the white handbag ‘Jacky’ had left on the kitchen bench, put the bag over her shoulder and headed out.