24 Interlude 3 – Hess – Iteration 142 (1/2)

Hess sipped his tea as he read the news by the early morning light shining through the bay window of their squat house. Alan ran into the room wearing his gray school uniform to stand attentively at his side. Hess shuffled the paper, pretending not to notice the boy.

Across the table, Elza hid a smile in her tea, watching the people pass by their window. They had bought the house for that window. Impractical as hell in the middle of a city noted for its crime, the thing nevertheless provided a perfect picture of the world for their enjoyment.

”Good morning, sir,” Alan said in the high-pitched voice of a nine-year-old.

Hess moved as if startled. ”Good morning, Alan. How did you sleep?”

”Very good, sir.”

”Would you like me to grab you a cup of tea and some toast?”

Alan's shoulders slumped. ”Uh, yes, sir. That would be nice.”

”Quit teasing him,” Elza said.

Hess reached into the pocket of his vest and pulled out two coins. ”Almost forgot our deal. I owe you something from the bakery for getting good marks at the academy.” He placed the coins on the table.

”Thank you, sir.”

”Enjoy it, Alan. You worked hard for it.”

Alan scooped up the coins. ”I don't mind studying, sir. I like going to school.”

”Keep it up and you'll land a nice job that'll allow you as many sweets from the bakery as you can eat.”

Alan turned to go and hesitated. ”Sir, when I am older, if I do well in my studies and land a nice job like you say, then I want to adopt an orphan off the streets like you and the madam. Maybe a couple of them.”

”You're going to make a good man,” Elza said.

”Thank you, madam.”

”Spend every cent, Alan,” Hess said.

When the child scampered from the room, Elza turned back from the window. In this world the body she wore was plain and plump. ”If one of our fosters ever took after you, it's this one.”

Hess returned his attention to the paper. ”Thirteen people died in a fire yesterday.”