Howondaland

— What do you want from me, Henry?

— Well, like that, — Henry replied with a grim grin. — The boss regretted his decision and decided to return you. Who will drive the chicken carrying golden eggs, especially for tiny handouts, like you?

— I will not be back! — Gambler yelled. — Consider what I’ve done!

— Nobody will listen to you, — he snorted, and nodded to the two pitching, pillars that stood near the car. — Grab it, guys!

Gambler’s ribs cried pitifully when one of the bodyguards tore him from the ground. The young man tried to wriggle out, but could only release his hands and held them to Reth. The
Elf was holding the second roll by the shoulders, but she tried to grab Gambler  by the hand, but her fingers caught only the air.

— Reth! — shouted the young man before he was pushed into the car and hit on the head with something heavy. And it became dark.

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Gambler has shielded Reth himself, knowing full well that he has no chance against men.

— Well, then, you, Gambler, will you acquaint us? I’m almost your relative, I’ve known you since I was a child. I did not introduce myself, madam. — He bowed to Reth. — My name is Henry.

—  Do you know, madam, — he continued, — who did they contact? Then let’s talk. This guy with an innocent look is known as Gambler, the most dangerous sharper and card player on the entire west coast. Did he not tell you about his hobbies?

The young man clenched his teeth and said:

— Scum.

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On the way home they were silent. Reth
was busy with ice cream, and  Gambler did not know what to say, so as
not to blurt out the stupidity, because of which the woman would be
offended and pulled the palm out of his hand.

They
had almost reached the house and Gambler had already noticed Object’s motorcycle standing next to him, as Reth stopped.

— Gambler, Object will kill you if you see that you hold my hand.

— Let try. Reht, you’re dirty. — He leaned slightly toward the woman and wiped ice cream from the corner of his mouth. From the corner of his ear he heard the car stop by the side, but decided not to pay attention. The lips of Reth were too close and Gambler gripped the spirit. And he decided.

He felt the warmth of her lips, but it only lasted a moment. The nasal voice spoke very close:

— I’m looking, have you already found your girlfriend? Do not ever waste time, yes, Gambler?

The young man looked up. And he laughed hoarse, strange laughter:

— You found me, asshole. Damn son of a bitch.

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— Sorry, Gambler, delayed — on the bench sat the elf and smiled at him. — Will you make ice cream?

She slipped ice cream under his nose and shook it lightly. The young man coughed.

— I do not like sweets.

— You put five tablespoons of sugar in tea only, — Reth added melancholy.

— It’s a pity, is not it, — grumbled Gambler and turned away.

He heard Reth laughed.

— Stupid child. I was just wondering what kind of spoon you would stick together.

He sighed. She often called him a child. And the young man had no idea what to do, so she realized that he was already an adult… well, at least an adult!

He
felt the woman lean against his shoulder with her cheek and, as if
inadvertently, fingered her fingers and squeezed them in his palm.

— Let’s go home, Gambler,- the woman said softly, looking at her hand in his.

Home. Is he also now able to call this place his home?

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