Tony wasn't a gambling man, but he occasionally enjoyed a flutter on the horses. There was always a bit of banter around the gym: the latest tip, or a favoured nag in an upcoming race. And in racing there's a well known saying to go 'through the card'. Back the winner in every race and you've gone 'through the card'. Occasionally, the favourite in every race wins, as punters go through the card and the bookmakers suffer. And only one jockey has ever gone through the card, by winning every race at Royal Ascot in 1996. A magnificent performance by a legendary jockey and one of the worst days for bookmakers in racing history!
Tony also went 'through the card' is his own special way!
**
Rachel was in a rush. She knew Tony had a small office, but had never been there before, preferring to avoid the testosterone-laden atmosphere of the gym. She was more of a cardio-workout-in-front-of-the-telly kind of girl. Nobody sees you sweat that way!
The receptionist pointed to the door at the back and Rachel marched across, knocked and popped her head around the door.
"Hello there. Looking for a cleaner?" said Mike from the desk.
"I'm Tony's fiance, Rachel. Is he here?"
"On the job. I mean, a cleaning job. Should be back any minute."
She strolled around the office, admiring the array of cleaning equipment and overalls hanging in the corner.
"I don't see much of him these days. With the business and everything," she muttered absentmindedly. "Do I... know you from somewhere?"
Mike was hesitant. "Not sure, M'am. I don't think so. I'm Mike."
Rachel frowned for a moment. A rather dashing black guy with big shoulders. He had a faux hawk fade and twisted curls, a very distinctive hairstyle. She was sure she'd seen that face somewhere. 'Maybe just in a naughty fantasy,' she mused, grinning to herself, then shrugged it off.
"This is all very professional. Are you a cleaner too?"
"Yep. It's a small team. I'm guessing YOU don't need a cleaner though," he grinned. She eye'd his ripped torso and solid arms appreciatively.
"Sadly not," she sighed. "Tony keeps the house pretty spotless these days."
Tony barrelled into the room, grinning.
"Well, that was intense..." He stopped himself as he spotted Rachel. "Oh, hi, babe. What are you doing here?" He walked over and gave her a peck on the cheek, glancing at Mike enquiringly to say WTF? Mike just shrugged.
"You look flustered. Urgh, and sweaty," said Rachel suspiciously.
"Deep clean. Hot work. And messy."
There was a pregnant pause, but Rachel bought the explanation.
"It's Mum. It's Dad's anniversary today and she's a bit upset, and I've got an important meeting this afternoon. Can you drop in on her? Check she's OK?"
Tony hesitated. He disliked the old hag, but she was his future Mother-In-Law. "Sure. No problem," he sighed.
"Thank you, baby. You're a hero." She started to leave, but looked back.
"Maybe tidy up the place a little for her? Just a quick clean around? It'll take the pressure off. Please?"
Tony wanted to object but she'd gone.
**
Jane had clearly been drinking. She was nursing a glass of wine as she peered at him from the door.
"Bill?" she said drunkenly.
"It's Tony. Rachel asked me to drop by."
"Oh, so it is," she said squinting and let him in. Tony spotted an empty wine bottle in the kitchen and there was a half opened bottle on the coffee table.
"You wanna drink?" she slurred.
"Er, no thanks. I'm working. Are you Ok?
Jane took a big swig and lay back on the sofa.
"I'm missin' my man. He was a good man. Big, strong, broad. I always liked a big man. Looked after me, he did."
"I'm sorry for your loss," muttered Tony awkwardly. "Can I get you a coffee or something?" But Jane was half asleep, mumbling to herself.
Tony swept the floors and ran some polish lazily around the visible surfaces. He washed the dishes and headed upstairs. He replaced the towels and changed the bed linen. As he was shaking out the duvet, a pair of arms reach around him and grabbed his chest.
"Oh. You're a big man, Bill. Wanna mess around?" mumbled Jane from behind him.