"Simon R. Green - Haven 06 - Bones of Haven" - читать интересную книгу автора (Green Simon R)

didn't need killing. I'm not so sure of that anymore. I'm not infallible. I make mistakes. Only thing is,
my mistakes could cost someone their life. When we first took on this job, I really thought we could do
some good, make a difference, help protect the people who needed protection. But now, everyone I
meet gets weighed as a potential enemy, and I care more about nailing villains than I do about
protecting their victims. We've changed, Isobel. The job has changed us. MaybeтАж we should think
about leaving Haven. I don't like what we've become."

Fisher looked at him anxiously. "We're only as hard as we need to be to get the job done. This city is
full of human wolves, ready to tear us apart at the first sign of weakness. It's only our reputation for
sudden death and destruction that keeps them at bay. Remember what it was like when we first started?
We had to prove ourselves every day, fighting and killing every hardcase with a sword and a grudge,
just to earn the right to walk the streets in peace. Now they've learned to leave us alone, we can get
things done. Look, we're a reflection of the people we're guarding. If they start acting civilized and
playing by the rule book, so will I. Until then, we just do what we have to, to get the job done."

"But that's the point, Isobel. Why do the job? What difference does it make? For every villain we put
away, there are a dozen more we can't touch who are just waiting to take his place. We bust our arses
every day, and nothing ever changes. Except us."

"Now, don't start that again. We have made a difference. Sure, things are bad now, but they were much
worse before we came. And they'd be worse again if we left. You can't expect to change centuries of
accumulated evil and despair in a few short years. We do the best we can, and protect the good people
every chance we get. Anything above and beyond that is a bonus. You've got to be realistic, Hawk."

"Yeah. Maybe." Hawk stared straight ahead of him, looking through the driving rain without seeing it.
"I've lost my way, Isobel. I don't like what I am, what I'm doing, what I've become. This isn't what I
meant to do with my life, but I don't know what else to do. We are needed here; you're right about that.
But some days I look in the mirror and I don't recognize my face at all. I hear people talking about
things I've done and it doesn't sound like me. Not the me I remember being, before we came here. I've
lost my way. And I don't know how to find it again."

Fisher scowled unhappily, and decided she'd better change the subject. "I know what your problem is.
You're just brooding because I've put you on another diet."

Hawk smiled in spite of himself. "Right. I must be getting old, lass; I never used to put on weight like
this. I can't believe I've had to let my belt out another notch. When I was younger I had so much
energy I used to burn off food as fast as I could eat it. These days, I only have to look at a dessert and
my waistline expands. I should never have admitted turning thirty. That was when the rot set in."

"Never mind, dear," said Fisher. "When we get back home tonight I'll put out your pipe and slippers,
and you can have a nice doze in your chair by the fire before dinner."
Hawk looked at her. "Don't push your luck, Isobel."

She laughed. "Well, it serves you right. Anyone would think you were on your last legs and doddering
towards the grave, to hear you talk. There's nothing wrong with you that a good fight in a good cause
couldn't put right. In the meantime, no desserts, cut down on the meat, and lots of nice healthy salads.
And no more snacks in between meals, either."

"Why does everything that's good for you have to taste so damned bland?" complained Hawk. "And I
don't care if lettuce is good for me; I'm not eating it. Flaming rabbit foodтАж"