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<< Cards have never really been my thing. >>
The demon’s nails tapped lightly over the green table, trailing their way to a glass of whiskey.
<< But I guess it might be a nice distraction for a night. >> he added, eyeing critically the inside of his glass and then downing it in one smooth movement.
<< May I have another one of these? >>
Husk felt his eyebrows furrow deeper than they already had. He had never bothered himself with hell’s politics, but even he knew that the Radio Demon was bad news.
<< We want no trouble here. >> the screams of a lunatic who’d lost everything and was roughly escorted out by security undermined his word instantly. << Well, no more than the usual, at least.>>
<< Trouble? Me? >> a short, pleasant chuckle tugged the Demon’s cheeks even further on that already stretched out grin of his. << I know the rumours have been running wild, but let me assure you that I am nothing less than a gentleman, unless I get crossed. >>
It was just a flicker, a shadow, an instant, and it was already gone, but Husk felt the chill ride down along the hair of his spine.
<< May I have that whiskey now? >>
<< Here, keep the bottle. On the house. >>
<< See? I knew we would come to an agreement. >> the demon said clapping lightly his claws together. << Now, for that game… >>
<< I am done playing for tonight. >>
<< Oooh, I see... >> he heard him say behind his back. << Kitty got scared. >>
It had been no more than a whisper, and yet somehow the whole casino heard it and was suddenly holding its breath.
Husk could recognise the thrill of a challenge when he felt it. And he had not felt one in quite some time now.
<< Listen, I appreciate the offer, man, but I don’t play beginners. Get some practice and we can talk about this another time. >>
<< Oh, but I insist. I happen to be a quick learner, you know, and even quicker to boredom. I wouldn’t want to have to find other ways to entertain myself. Besides, >> the shadows on his face changed suddenly. << I don’t seem to find any other willing opponent here. >>
The last players hurried to desert the table, leaving heaps of unused chips behind.
<< Really? No one to humour little old me? >> the demon asked in an ample sway gesture that brought everyone around a further step behind. << One could almost feel hurt by such a cold welcome. Or… crossed… >>
<< That would sadden our hearts deeply, no doubt. >> said Husk, unphased by the drama. << If it’s a game you want, I will give you a game. No fights, no trouble, just cards. >>
<< And a little whiskey to drink along? >> the demon suggested as a second glass magically appeared.
<< One game. >>
<< One teensy little game. >>
<< I won’t go easy on you, that would go against my style. >>
<< Oh, Husker, is it? I would never want to cramp your style. >> he said filling both glasses, and offering one to him. << Plus, how difficult could it be? >>
Husk accepted the glass and let the scent of whiskey tingle inside his nostrils for an instant, blending with the lingering smell of cigars. He inhaled deeply silently saying grace for all the sins that had brought him down there.
<< Oh you’d be surprised. >>
Demons always acted tough, but this was his turf.
No way he could loose.