Return to the Rice Room

By the time your return to the Rice Room, it's nearly ten in the evening. You and Dmitri head back to Uncle Ivan's office.

Dmitri speaks as you walk in together, saying, "Well, Ivan, he's a good shot. I'll give him that. Might make something out of him yet, I think."

"Good, good," your uncle responds in his thick accent. "Lev, you see why you went with Dmitri today?"

"I think so. The more time I am with him, the more I learn. The range time was obviously to make sure I can handle a weapon."

"Yes, good. I know it may not seem like you did much today, but it is important that you learn these things. We must ease you into the business. Too much, and you will falter. You see?"

"Yes, Uncle."

"Good. Now, about your pay. I know I usually pay you for your help." He reaches into a desk drawer and withdraws a short stack of money. "This is not as much, but you'll earn more as you learn." He slides the money across the table to you.

"Thank you, Uncle," you say, pushing it into your pocket. You mean it. Without Uncle Ivan, you'd be stuck. "What's next?"

"That's all for tonight, kid," Dmitri says. "Keep the gun. Never leave home without it from now on. Understand?"

You gulp. "Yes sir, I do."

The other men nod and move towards the door. "That's all, then. I know you requested Sundays off to be with your family. So we will see you on Monday for your next job. Good?"

"Thank you both," you say, and you mean it.

You leave your uncle and Dmitri behind to check on Ana at the bar. She's dealing with a long line of customers, so you offer your help. She tells you to go home, though, and spend time with your family.

"I'll see you in the morning," she says with a wink and a blown kiss, and then she disappears into a crowd of patrons.

With a shrug, you head home. You won't be sad to have some time with Nadia and Karina.