Hyde Read online

  Vega spoke in halting phrases, gasping for air between sentences. "My knees, Doctor. And my chest. They ache constantly."

  Jekyll nodded and began to write in a pad. "I believe the problem stems from your weight."

  "Yes. I know that. You must stop the pain."

  "Of course." Jekyll tore off the sheet of paper and offered it to Vega. "Here. I've prescribed some laudanum to ease the pain. If this does not help, return and we shall try a stronger physic."

  Vega struggled to lean forward enough to take the paper. Jekyll had to rise and take his arm in order for him to get out of the chair.

  "Thank you, Doctor," Vega gasped and limped from the office.

  I was enraged. The man complained of aches in his body from his obesity, and Jekyll prescribed laudanum to ease his pain. Surely a better solution would have been for him to give his meals to the poor, rather than continue to gorge himself at the expense of others. I grew weary of the men and women of privilege who came to him with their petty infirmities for Jekyll to fawn over. How I wished I could have prescribed a vial of cyanide to end their miserable existence permanently.

  One young woman who appeared before Jekyll caught my attention more than any other. It was the woman that Jekyll called Zannini. She was a young bride, newly married. Her substantial beauty struck me. She had long dark hair that fell about her oval face in curls. Her full dress was modest in how it displayed her body, but gave hints of the fullness of her bosom, small waist, and fullness of hips.

  Jekyll greeted her warmly. "Mrs. Zannini, a pleasure to see you again."

  She dropped into a bow. "The pleasure is mine. I appreciate your assistance with my condition."

  Jekyll set her in a chair as he frowned. "Still suffering from bouts of hysteria?"

  "Indeed. Worse than ever."

  Jekyll nodded and began to write on a pad. "I think we shall try a different prescription this time with a stronger dosage."

  The sight of the woman inspired animal urges within me. I longed to see her unclothed and more.

  It came to mind what Jekyll said about my creation. Was I truly the essence of evil? I did feel desires contrary to the actions of moral men, yet I thought myself more than mere evil. What would I be capable of? What would happen once unleashed? Though these thoughts concerned me, I also felt intrigued by the possibilities that lay ahead.

  After receiving his pay and escorting out his patients, Jekyll would take a moment to move aside a painting in his office. Behind it lay a wall-safe. He dialed the combination and opened it to reveal a true fortune in coins. The careless way Jekyll would handle the money gave me the impression that he had far more in reserve, most likely at the bank. I was astounded. Jekyll lived in luxury, but could have lived far better, considering his wealth. Jekyll could have afforded a home three times as large as the one he lived in, and eaten more luxurious meals. In fact, I found myself wondering why he bothered to work at all, since he clearly could have afforded to retire.

  At the afternoon hour, Jekyll closed his doors and went to the safe. He collected a large portion of the money into a leather bag, leaving behind a smaller but still substantial amount. Jekyll went to Poole, who had his supper waiting for him in the dining room.

  As Jekyll sat down, he gave Poole the bag of coins and said, "Have this deposited in the bank. I shall be spending the remainder of the evening in my laboratory. I do not wish to be disturbed."

  "Very good, sir."

  Poole left the room and Jekyll finished his meal. Once completed, Jekyll hastened to the laboratory where he mixed his formula with speed and diligence. He brought the flask to his lips and the sulphouric taste filled my mouth as I swallowed.

  Almost immediately, the burning sensation flowed through me like blood through my veins. My bones crackled like kindling as they broke and shrank. My skin crawled as it turned a paler shade. My screams deepened in tone until I had taken on my new form.

  I looked down at my hands and laughed out loud. I was free at last, a prisoner of Jekyll's flesh no more. I wiggled them before me with delight. I was in control of my body once again. No, not my body. Jekyll's body. No, it was mine now. As sure as Jekyll's body was his.

  "Can you hear me, Jekyll?" I whispered. "Are you in there? Can you hear me as I heard you all this time? I was awake inside of you. Are you awake inside me? If so, then watch and listen. For I am freed, and I shall do things you never dreamed a man would do. Watch and enjoy."

  I felt the fluttering in my mind of Jekyll's thoughts; alarm and excitement.

  I threw on Jekyll's coat, finding it several sizes too small, but it would have to suffice. I had more important things to worry about than my appearance.

  I went to a safe in the wall. I knew not the combination, but allowed my fingers to play over the dial. The fluttering came along with knowledge of the numbers to turn. Within seconds, the safe was open, exposing a pile of gold sovereigns.

  "You are a fool, Jekyll," I whispered. "You have wealth and power, and you fear to use them. And for what? For your morality? For your reputation? I have no reputation, but I intend to create one."

  I gathered handfuls of the money and flipped them into the pockets of my coat, then ventured out of the laboratory.

  I took the stairs from the second floor straight to the rear exit that led outside. I would not exit through the front door and risk being seen by Jekyll's servants. I stepped out onto the streets of London, and stood a moment, watching the sun descending through the gray haze of clouds. I felt alive, reborn, as indeed I was.

  I whistled at a passing hansom cab. It pulled up and I leaped into the seat in front. The driver, a young man with fiery red hair and freckles, looked down at me from his seat in the back.

  "Afternoon, sire," the driver said with an Irish brogue. "Where can I take ye?"

  "To Soho," I called out to the driver. "I wish to enjoy myself this night."

  The driver gave me a lascivious grin. "Indeed, squire? Then perhaps I can be of assistance. For the right price, I'll take ye to a place guaranteed to put a smile on yer face."

  I held some coins up to him so he could see them glinting in the light. "Would that be the right price?"

  His eyes shone with the sight of them. "Aye, that is indeed. Onward, gov'ner, to a pleasant night."

  The driver snapped the reins and sent his horse galloping into the approaching night.

  At that moment, it occurred to me that I had no name. As we passed Hyde Park, it occurred to me a fitting name, given my mysterious character and purpose. "Hyde. My name is Hyde. Edward Hyde."

  The driver glanced over his shoulder at me, curious at the outburst, but replied, "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mister Hyde. My name is Peter O'Grady, but me mates all call me Lucky."

  We rode for a time through London, watching the streets grow darker as gas-lamps became more infrequent. The narrow streets grew more crowded as we approached Soho. The stink of trash and filth hung heavy in the air, visible as a greenish mist that choked the lungs to breathe it. Men and women in shabby dress walking about in a mass, their unwashed bodies jostling to get out of the way of our carriage. Misery and suffering marked their dirty and unshaven faces. Jekyll saw them with contempt and fear. I felt at home. These were my people, debased and despised.

  "I wish to see the life."

  "Then no doubt you'll want to go to the Islay Rooms."

  The cab carried me through London up Drury Lane. It arrived at the entrance of the Islay Rooms, one of the largest and most popular dancing rooms and casinos in the city.

  Hansom cabs lined the street in front of the building. Dozens of policemen walked the sidewalk near the entrance, calling out to men and women who streamed out, "Pass on, please, pass on. Let's keep the street clear."

  A drunken woman staggering out on the arm of her lover yelled back at them, "Clear off, yourselves. I've got a right to be here."

  I paid my shillings as the entrance fee and stepped through the gilded doorway. As I descended the fou
r steps into the dancing room, my eyes went wide with wonder. Never had I dreamed such a magical place existed. A vast hall stretched out before me, made larger by various strategically placed mirrors, glittering from gold leaf that decorated the very walls and ceiling. The hiss of dozens of gas lamps was drowned out by the almost deafening music played at the farthest end of the gallery by a band in musicians' white kids and vests. The air was heavy with cigar smoke.

  A wild crowd made up of men from across London danced across the polished marble floor with beautiful women. More men and women looked down from a large and high balcony that overlooked the entire hall. Though the women were dressed in great finery, I knew them all to be available for a price.

  The dancing on the floor was frenzied and bawdy. Men with cigars in their mouths danced so wildly, that they often collided with other couples. The policemen walking among the throng were the only things that kept fights from continually breaking out from the jostling. Quite a number of the policemen seemed to be keeping one eye on me.

  Attendants in evening dress walked the floor, beckoning to the unpaired men as they entered. They said again and again in various ways, "Evening, sir. Care to make a set and dance with one of the young ladies?"

  They would gesture towards some beautiful women standing nearby in ball dresses, giggling coquettishly. The women wore expensive gloves, high-heeled boots, and lace frills around their otherwise bare necks. They toyed flirtatiously with charms, lockets, and golf watches decorating their wrists, necks, and skirts. Their faces were heavily made with powder and cosmetics.

  As I approached, one of the attendants turned towards me. The bright smile on his face melted at the sight of me like ice over a fire. He quickly turned his attention away to the man entering behind me, and continued his spiel. I felt somewhat hurt by his snub, but after all, I would have refused at any rate. My sights were set on a drink first.

  I climbed the stairs in one corner of the hall to one of the crowded wine bars on the balcony above. Here, the cigar smoke from the floor below was so thick that one could hardly see. Men smoked as they flirted with women that stood by their sides.

  I sat down in a luxurious seat at the long, marble table. A female attendant behind the table approached me. "What shall you have, sir?"

  I pointed to one of the cigars in boxes on the shelving behind her. "I shall have one of those, and a glass of your finest port."

  I lit up the cigar and looked over the edge of the balcony to watch the dancing below.

  Two women waltzed together. Two men got up to dance, but the master of ceremonies broke them up while the crowd laughed and cheered.

  A woman approached me, fluttering a fan before her face as she gave me a coy smile. "Would you care to dance, sir?"

  "Certainly. And a drink besides."

  I called to the waitress, "A glass of champagne for the young lady."

  The girl opened her mouth and eyes wide and pressed a hand to her chest. "A glass of phiz? My, such a generous fellow."

  She made an act of being surprised at my generosity, but we both knew it was for show, an attempt at maintaining the appearance of a fashionable woman.

  One beautiful woman who entered the hall drew my attention. She carried herself in a regal manner similar to the queen herself. A necklace of large diamonds glittered about her throat. She carried a bouquet of flowers interspersed with colorful beetles. A crowd of men at once surrounded her, all fawning and flirting with her.

  "Who is that?" I whispered.

  The barmaid nodded at her. "That is

  I handed the bouquet to the female attendant.

  "I should like to visit with you."

  She made a show of taking out her pocket book and glancing through it. "I'm afraid I'm full of engagements, sir."

  "How much?"

  "Two sovereigns, sir."

  Beautiful women

  They walked about the crowd with gentility

  --

  Their behaviour is usually quiet, little solicitation is observable, and all the outward proprieties of demeanour and gesture are strictly observed.

  I found an empty table and sat on the edge of a seat, eager for the night that awaited me. A waitress approached me, one with long blonde curls falling around her neck and into the cleavage of her flowing dress.

  She looked down at me and her nose wrinkled. "What can I get you, sire?"

  "Whiskey," I said, "and you."

  The waitress rolled her eyes and turned away. "I'll get you the drink. That's all."

  I laughed. "You'll change your mind."

  She ignored me, walking away.

  I turned to survey the room again and spotted a beautiful young lady at one of the tables next to me. She sat with another young man, laughing at some private joke. She had long, black hair and a plentiful bodice. Her skirt was red, and her leg arched back to expose some of her ankle. Desire for her burned like a flame inside me.

  The waitress returned with my drink. She set it down and turned away. I seized hold of her skirt with one hand and my glass with the other. I drained the glass quickly and slid it across the table back to her as I said, "Another."

  She raised an eyebrow, but took the glass and left. She returned with it filled with whiskey. I drained it and called for more. I don't know how many glasses I drank, I merely swallowed them down. As I did, I watched the beautiful lady with her companion intently.

  Finally, the young man with her got up and took their glasses to the bar, leaving her alone. I seized my chance. I stood up, went to her table, and sat down.

  "Evening," I said.

  The woman looked at me. Her large brown eyes narrowed. Her mouth tightened and her nose wrinkled in disgust.

  Despite her reaction, I kept going. "You're very beautiful. May I buy you a drink?"

  The woman tilted her head away from me as she said, "Uh, no, thank you."

  "Please, I insist. I'm very wealthy." I gestured towards the waitress. "A drink for my pleasant companion."

  "Would you like to spend the night with me?"

  She burst out laughing.

  I jerked back, feeling hurt and confused. "I assure you, this is no joke. I am attracted to you. I would like you to accompany me on this night."

  She waved a hand as she giggled. "I wouldn't spend the night with you, ever. You're disgusting."

  "What?" I touched my hands to my chest.

  "You think you can have me? Look at you. You're pale, you're thin, you're all twisted up. You're hideous. And you think you can have me?"

  My face burned with anger. "Fine. If you don't want me, someone else will."

  "No woman would touch you." She arched an eyebrow at me. "That is, no woman you didn't pay for."

  A hand clapped onto my shoulder. It turned me around. It was the woman's companion. He held a glass in one hand and my shoulder in the other.

  "What's the meaning of this? Who is this?"

  The woman giggled as she said, "This bloke was trying to ask me out, Christopher. Can you believe it?"

  The young man named Christopher narrowed his eyes. "You've got some guts, my friend. Or you want to get hurt tonight. She's with me."

  I straightened. "I just thought she might like to improve her evening."

  Christopher's eyes burned. "You are looking to get hurt, aren't you? I said, she's with me. Now, leave."

  I looked around. The bar had grown quiet. All eyes were on me. The young man before me set the glass down and clenched her fists. I knew I should feel fear at the fight that seemed to lie ahead, but I didn't. I felt delight.

  "And if I don't?" I asked him.

  Three other young men got up from adjoining tables and stood behind the first.

  Christopher nodded over his shoulder. "We'll make you leave. I suggest you exit. Your stench is fouling the air."

  Laughter rippled through the bar.

  Christopher smirked, boosted by the reaction to his audience. "You don't belong here, at any rate. You belong in a tree with the other
apes. Or perhaps a traveling circus."

  More laughter, louder this time. The three companions behind Christopher clapped each other on the shoulder.

  Christopher raised his voice louder. "Perhaps you are from a circus with those ridiculously over-sized clothes. Did you steal them from a dustbin or a beggar?"

  I paused but a moment before I hurled myself at Christopher. My fists hit his stomach, plowing him to the ground. I landed on top of him and launched a flurry of blows to his face until blood sprayed from his nose and mouth. I heard his jaw crack. I felt hands grabbing my arms, trying to pull me off. I let them think that I was resisting for a moment, then rammed my head into the nearest crotch.

  As the man doubled-over, screaming in pain, I reached up to jab a finger into an eye. He screamed and I clawed at another man's face. He howled, clutching his bloodied cheeks. I stood and two of them grabbed my arms. I sank my teeth into the arm of one, then as he let go of me to pry me off, drove my elbow into his throat. The other, I kicked in the knee. His leg twisted at an unnatural angle and I heard a snap. I spun and grabbed the third by the arm. I twisted it sharply and heard the bone crack. As he screamed, I used my other hand to grab his hair. I dragged him over to the wall and rammed his head into the wall again and again until the man collapsed.

  I stepped back, looking down at the four men, groaning and screaming. My fists dripped with blood. I looked around to see if anyone else was sneaking up on me. The whole bar stood silent, at a distance from me. Women cringed in horror. Men looked pale.

  I heard whistles blowing, and bobbies burst into the room, waving truncheons. One of them pointed at me and yelled, "Hold it right there!"

  I grabbed a chair and threw it through a nearby window. It shattered and I leapt through the opening into the night.

  The driver still waited outside for me. I jumped into the back and yelled, "Drive!"

  The driver snapped the reins and sent the cab galloping off down the street.

  I laughed as we rode, laughed at the ease with which I beat four young men, laughed at the rush of excitement, the joy that I felt as I inflicted pain and drew blood, howled at the freedom to do whatever I want without fear of reprisal.