seaempty

The Charming Monkey, Part 14

Fortis made a feeble attempt to stop me, but as his focus was concentrated on the card being turned over, he didn't see my hand reach toward the monkey until it was already touching the cold metal. Fortis' expression changed in a flash. Gone was the cocky, confident guy that had been bating and taunting me, and all I could see in his eyes was fear. Pure fear. In my line of work I'd seen that look in many faces, and each time I hoped I'd never see it again. His face was drained of all colour, and his mouth was quivering. The card was revealed, and yet his gaze didn't deviate from me. I looked at the card and collapsed back into my chair. It was the three of spades. Vadas let out an sigh, perhaps out of relief, or maybe triumph. I had a flush which beat Fortis' three-of-a-kind.

"Well played, Mister Cane", grinned Vadas, slowly clapping his hands together. Fortis was still pale, and visibly trembling, his eyes focused on the monkey. I looked down, and without realising I was clasping it firmly in my hands.

"I... I... lost?", quivered Fortis, who suddenly seemed alone and helpless.

"Yes", chuckled Vadas, "You lost, and now what was yours is mine." He got up from his seat, and walked toward the table. He placed both hands on the table, and leaned over me.

"Now, Mister Cane", he said in a low voice, "Give me my monkey!"

I was having a hard time taking in what had just happened. The world seemed to be a big blur, and I was having trouble concentrating. Fortis was muttering something to himself as he began slowly squirming in his seat. Vadas began to drum his fingers on the green surface of the table. I pulled the monkey closer to my chest, and tightened my grip. I looked up at Vadas and uttered something that I thought I would never say to the Hungarian.

"No".

I looked at Fortis, and then at Vadas, whose impatient expression began to change to anger. He motioned to Puchenko, who stood up and began walking toward me.

"Give me my monkey, Mister Cane", Vadas hissed through gritted teeth, "as we agreed".

"Not yet", I stammered, still wondering what the hell I was doing. "Not until Fortis walks out of here". Vadas chuckled.

"But Mister Cane, Jonathan and I have some unfinished business. Is that right?" Vadas turned to Fortis, who was clearly panicked. He began to get out of his seat, but was quickly restrained by two of Vadas' goons.

"And unless you want to join in the discussion," he continued, "you'll be wise to comply". Puchenko was getting closer.

"Fortis walks, and the monkey's yours", I said defiantly. "It's quite simple. You get what you want, and everyone goes home happy". Vadas was getting increasingly frustrated.

"You know how this works, Mister Cane", he said, "and your attitude disappoints me. I am grateful for your assistance in this matter, but please be aware that my generosity does have boundaries".

With that Puchenko struck.