Bending over the cot, Jenn carefuly laid her young son down onto the thin mattress. She pulled his woollen blanket up over his body and spent a moment tucking it around him before stroking his soft fine hair. He looked so beautiful in repose, his touselled mop gleaming in the afternoon light like spun gold; so reminiscent of his father. She leaned down further to place a light kiss upon his sleeping brow before finally straightening up.
The day had gone well. Very well indeed. Her guest had arrived sooner than expected and the meeting itself had been rather pleasing. He had failed to pour himself a drink, leaving the array of beverages untouched, which had been vaguely disappointing. The drugs with which she had laced each pitcher of liquid were in short supply and she had so little of them left now that they had been wasted. Likewise, it was a pity that in refusing to drink, he had deprived her of the little show she had so carefuly prepared over the previous days.
Still, she was nothing if not quick in wit and changing the plan on the spot had always been a talent of hers. Plans, like rules, were exceptionally malleable if one saw them as such. Strict adherance to any single plot was a sure-fire way to lose the game and Jenn always played to win.
The man had outright refused to aid her, which was to be expected. He had lied, and quite convincingly, about knowing nothing concerning the matter. He had shown neither pity or sympathy for her loss or the touching scene of her playing a game with her child when he had first walked in. He had walked out believing that he was the one in control, that he had the upper hand over the poor little woman; bereaved widow of his enemy.
Moving to the window, she laid her hands on the sil and smiled at her reflection in the thick panes. It was a little distorted, but not enough to hide the wicked calculation in the green eyes staring back at her from the glass. Those wide eyes, those plump lips; the only things that could ever give away who she truly was at heart and she was a master at concealing it.
He had no idea who he was dealing with and that was to the good. He would be useful, though he would never know that he was being used. An unwitting tool, a disposable toy; he was up to the task she had in mind for him and she could tell that he would do it well for as long as he had no clue what was happening. He would require careful handling in that respect for she knew a quick mind when she saw one and his was not to be underestimated.
The first piece placed upon the board, then. It was time to begin fashioning the others and Jenn knew precisely who to turn her attention to next.
