"Simon R. Green - Hawk and Fisher 2 - Winner Takes" - читать интересную книгу автора (Green Simon R)

file:///G|/Program%20Files/eMule/Incoming/Simon%20R.%20Green%20-%20Hawk%20and%20Fisher%2002%20-%20Winner%20Takes%20All.html


Scanned by Highroller.

Proofed by Morrigan.

Made prettier by use of EBook Design Group Stylesheet.




Winner Takes All by Simon R.
Green
Chapter One
THE HOLLOW MEN

Every city has its favorite blood sports. Some cities prefer the traditional cruelties
of bearbaiting or cockfights, while others indulge their baser appetites with
gladiators and arenas. The city port of Haven gets its thrills from the dirtiest,
bloodiest sport of all: politics.

It was election time in Haven, and the shutters were going up all over town. It was
a time for banners and parades, speeches, and festivities, and the occasional, good
old-fashioned riot. The streets were packed with excited crowds, pickpockets and
cutpurses were having the time of their lives, and the taverns were making money
hand over fist. Work in the city slowed to a standstill as everyone got caught up in
election fever. Everyone except the Guards, who were working double shifts in an
increasingly vain attempt to keep Haven from turning into a war zone.

It was autumn in Haven, and the weather was at its most civilized. The days were
comfortably warm, and the nights delightfully cool. There was a constant breeze
from off the ocean, and it rained just often enough to make people grateful for the
times when it didn't. Just the kind of weather to make a man dissatisfied with his
lot, and determined to get out and enjoy the weather while it lasted. Which meant

file:///G|/Program%20Files/eMule/Incoming/Sim...20Fisher%2002%20-%20Winner%20Takes%20All.html (1 of 200) [10/16/2004 3:25:08 PM]
file:///G|/Program%20Files/eMule/Incoming/Simon%20R.%20Green%20-%20Hawk%20and%20Fisher%2002%20-%20Winner%20Takes%20All.html


there were even more people out on the streets than was usual for an election. The
smart money was betting on a complete breakdown of law and order by mid-
afternoon. Luckily the city only allowed twenty-four hours for electioneering.
Anything more than that was begging for trouble. Not to mention civil war.

Hawk and Fisher, husband and wife and Captains in the city Guard, strolled
unhurriedly down Market Street, and the bustling crowds parted quickly before
them. Patience tended to be in short supply and tempers flared quickly around
election time, but no one in Haven, drunk or sober, was stupid enough to upset
Hawk and Fisher. There were quicker and less painful ways to commit suicide.