Читать книгу The Grand Dark онлайн | страница 33
Der Fliegende Schwanz never closed. The party never stopped. The delight never ebbed. Every night was a holiday and every morning a feast. And if, on some nights, the crowds got a bit out of control during the Mara fights and started breaking bottles and glasses, who cared? Like the Maras, they were stolen. Everything was fun and nothing mattered because everyone knew that sooner or later the cannons would boom again and nothing would be fun and everything would matter.
Until then, there was always time for one more drink or one more kiss or one more drop under the tongue.
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When Largo returned to work, Herr Branca showed some compassion by not bringing up the call from the doorman immediately. His only acknowledgment came when Largo turned in his receipt book. Branca said, “We’re going to have to do something about your appearance.”
Largo touched his rain-soaked suit and looked at Branca. “Sir?”
“Your clothes. We can’t have the chief courier roaming the streets looking as if he’s just escaped the penitentiary, can we?”
“No. I suppose not.”
“Good. I’m delighted that you approve.”
“But I didn’t think my clothes were that bad.”
Branca filled in some figures on a form. “What you think about these matters doesn’t concern the company.”
“Of course,” said Largo, feeling like a prize pig on the auction block. “I didn’t mean to overstep.”
“Never mind. I’ve arranged that you will soon receive a certain sum of money with which you will purchase clothes and shoes that look a bit less like you stole them from a … what was the word the caller used?”
“Scarecrow?”
“Yes, that’s it. As you saw today, some districts don’t appreciate the working classes begriming their streets. Arrogant bastards. When you’ve acquired your new wardrobe, I’ll want to see it. Under no circumstances will you wear the clothes except on company business. Is that understood?”
“Completely.” Though both knew full well that he was lying.
“Good. Now to the important part. Seeing as how you’re an adult apparently capable of feeding and bathing yourself, please tell me that there is no need for me to accompany you on this excursion.”