Jack of Hearts

By Cat Ballew

Nurse Jade Nelsen’s uneventful life took a turn towards adventure, when she became caretaker for an old war hero named Tattoo Jack. He had spent his life deeply involved in shady deals, lady’s of the night, and tattooing. Every decade of Tattoo Jack’s life was spent tenaciously honing his talents, learning and teaching the ancient art form that prepared him for the rugged gypsy lifestyle he lead. The tapestry of his life still lives on throughout the world of Tattoo.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781728331652

Cat Ballew

Cat Ballew is an award winning Central Texas Artist, who took a bold and exciting departure from her comfort zone to tell adventurous stories of the growth of the American Tattoo Industry.

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© 2019 Cat Ballew. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

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ISBN: 978-1-7283-3164-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3165-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019916689

Published by AuthorHouse 10/18/2019

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

JACK OF HEARTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

Jack of Hearts is a compilation of memoirs and wild stories told over the 20th century, about the early Tattoo Industry and it’s changes along the way.

Fictitious characters bring this story together by their day by day experiences in the World of Tattoo.

JACK OF HEARTS

Cat Ballew

The summer sun sparkled through the thick tree-line on Hogan Lane, as Jade Nelsen strolled home. Her new job at the Veterans Home was a convenient seven blocks from her home, thanks to Sami’s parents who moved to Europe, leaving them in charge of the families two bedroom brownstone. Jade smiled to herself as she thought of her husband, Sami Nelsen. They have had two happy years of marriage since college. Spending time with each other had been a priority and they spent time at the local park, art gallery’s, movies and short day trips around Oregon. Sami had a good job with a local Abstract company, but here lately, he had an itch to branch out with his own style of art. He would be home this time of day, preparing a light dinner or working on a creative project.

Jade was over joyed at the prospect of being able to financially contribute to the family needs, and affording her handsome and talented husband the opportunity to further his artistic goals. She sighed, contentedly.

The light and shadow patterns spilled across the sidewalk, like a Monet masterpiece, relaxing her eyes. The afternoon walks home gave Jade the chance to unwind from her stressful nursing job, which had suddenly become more challenging and perhaps even a threat to her future at the Veterans Home. Ms. Alva Killion from Personnel had called her into her office to discuss a matter of utmost importance. Jade was to be assigned to care for an elderly war hero. As she began to feel proud of her position, Ms. Killion’s face turned red and she spewed venomously that the war hero was arrogant, over-bearing and disrespectful concerning the Veteran Home rules. Ms. Killion stiffened, then rapidly gathered her composure and added, he has jeopardized the jobs and reputations of two high ranking nurses, and I am warning you to be very cautious, if you value your job here. She maddeningly dismissed Jade with a flip of her wrist.

Having no idea what that warning entailed, Jade went straight to her friend in Human Resources. Mallany Wyche was a sweet girl with an outgoing personality. In other words, she liked to talk. And information is what Jade needed. It turned out that Mallany had the Mother Load of information and she was pleased as Punch to bring Jade up to date. Jade, Mallany had whispered, even though they were the only ones in the room, Two of our night nurses were caught in the hot tub with Jack Andersson! Mallany took a deep breath and continued. They were called before the Board the next morning to be FIRED! The Board Director was reading their reprimand, when the boardroom door flew open and in stomps Jack Andersson. He stood there, walking cane in hand and jabbed into the floor. He explained, in a forceful tone, that the hot tub was always full of men during the day, receiving their physical therapy, and that with his disabilities, he could not maneuver the crowded pool. But, the night in question, the hot tub was empty and Jack said, he needed physical therapy! So he got into the tub, but later realized he was not agile enough to climb out. The Board Director had interrupted Jack, shrieking, That’s no excuse for two of our nurses to jump in with you! Then Jack said, It’s easier for them to rescue an old cripple, if they are in the water with him.

Well, Mallany explained in a whisper, I heard there were remarks about sex and the nurses attire or lack of, and that instantly Jack howled, I’m 80 years old! What can’t get up, can’t get out, and if you keep harassing these ladies, I’ll go over your heads with this!

There you have it! Mallany rested her case. You know all that I know on the matter, but I am sure, the higher-ups consider him a trouble maker.

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That afternoon, Jade was almost home when she noticed the curb in front of her house filled with vehicles, two Harleys, a Jag and