- Come quickly come in, - she whispered, - I do not want to light the lamp, while the door is open.
Having decided, I stepped into the unknown. Pushing me aside, Molly closed the door. A couple of minutes until she swearing and something rattling, looking for the lamp, I marveled at the darkness around. Surprisingly, before I really did not have such a see there is always something of the world - the ceiling in night mode, some indicators and backlighting ... But this absolutely complete, some thick black - never.
- Do not move, stay in place - there was a girl's voice. I could not say, I was not eager to turn the neck.
When, at last, Molly found and lit the lamp, I realized that the fears were fully justified. Right at my feet, after a small area, began a short stone staircase of five steps. With just one step, I would have slid headlong right into a tiny, cluttered little room, and not a fact that would have remained intact.
- Mark, come down, - she came to me and held out her hand - you can go?
- Yes, all right, - sensitivity returned, I felt bare feet piercing cold stone slabs. So, stop. Why barefoot? Shoes where? And no jacket ... Bag! Clock! A note! I staggered, completely crushed by the realization of loss scale. Legs buckled and I sat down with a flourish on the hard stone.
Molly, seeing it differently, immediately jumped up, grabbed me, limp and dazed, dragged dragged to a low sofa, muttering something unintelligible reassuringly.
He recovered, mechanically sipping from my outstretched mug sip liquid fire that swept through the esophagus and stomach exploded in fireworks.
- What's this? - poluzadusheno croaked, when I stopped coughing and was able to speak again.
- Scotch. Dora is always said that a sip of good old scotch helps to solve any problem - Molly smiled. - You better?
I do not know what to say. Given that I have lost all the clothes, except torn pants, money balances, a note to the shelter, and most importantly - the uncle's letter and watches, worse simply could not be. On the other hand, the mind cleared and I warmed up a little bit. It remains to find out what actually happened, and Molly found me.
- Yes, like a little bit better. What happened?
She sighed, folded her hands in her lap.
- I immediately felt that with you can happen trouble. You're a stranger here, too well dressed, neat, polite. How to ... - she wiggled her fingers in the air, picking the right word - as a target for everyone, you know?
- And when after 2 hours after you leave, Billy, the son of a washerwoman from next door came running and began to show off the new slingshot, which he gave crippled Trickster, I immediately became suspicious.
- Trickster and Ray, they work together on Maher Street. Cripple sitting in the street asking for alms, as if the passer well and richly dressed, then, under any pretext luring him into the driveway, where already waiting for Ray. If suddenly a man passes by the Trickster, then it meets Marissa. Oh, she does tempt anyone ...
- Yeah, man, cripple, asked me to help him get dentures ...
- This is the Trickster. He and Ray were just discussing that today they will be on that merry in "dead pig" when Billy spun by and heard. He told me everything.
- They stole watches, it is the only thing left in my parents. I've got to get them back at all costs!
- Listen to me, boy ...
- Sherlock. My name - Sherlock.
- Look, Sherlock - Molly became very serious - these people are very dangerous. You still do not understand, but you are very lucky that Ray did not kill you with one blow. You are a child, and he was used to stun adults. Do not tempt fate again.
- I do not understand why they still have not caught? - nonsense. Yet around they know about it, see.
- And who will catch something? - mirthless grin girl - cops do not come, arrange round-up, of course, but usually about everybody knows in advance and have time to make feet. And the villains are not killed, but just being robbed. Usually, the people after so grateful to the Lord that they were able to survive, and just pass the area round.
- In other words, I, like others, was caught on their fishing tackle.
- Well, yes, you could see that you can not refuse to help. And they are known scoundrels, anyone can cheat. What should they have to cheat a little, naive boy.
I sat there, holding a cup, and just physically felt like my face is filled with shame. A little boy! Yes, my behavior was stupid even for a child, and even taking into account the time that I was a 18-year-old, it is an adult ... well that Molly does not know about it.
However, worry makes no sense, I suppose, as I get out of a situation in which I drove himself. The girl, meanwhile, opened the door of the high wooden cupboard standing in the corner of the little room and buried there.
- Here you go, - she handed me a stack of some things were worn on top, but it is still decent shoes. - These are the things my brother, he was about your height.
- I Was? Where is he now?
- Edward died a month ago from cholera. Then, many have died, there was an epidemic ... - Molly blinked very quickly, banishing the outskirts of tears.
- I'm sorry ... - I do not know what to say. Looking at the girl, who so sincerely mourned his brother, me in the least want to think that this is only part of the virtual world of the program, so sincere and genuine was her grief.
- Do not worry, there he is better than here. - Molly put her clothes in my hands, - Come on, get dressed, prostynesh.
I quickly pulled things without stopping to think about what I do now, and gradually matured in the head plan. It remains to clarify a few details and you are ready for execution.
While dressing, I inspected the room where the girl lived. The room itself was like a cellar, chances are it before it is. Plastered walls of red brick, low ceiling, earthen floor. Furniture little: old sagging couch, locker in the corner cupboard, which is clearly at the same time and work, and a dining table. All spoke of dire poverty. Only the beautiful lacy napkin and standing on it the figure of a dancing girl in a flowing dress, out of the general picture.
- It's my mother's - Molly noticed my look. - All that I have left of her. You want me to tell you?
The world is already familiar froze, and for me as expected, turned frame quest:
- to offer you the quest: "Poor Molly."
- Usloviya quest - to listen to the story of her life, Molly.
Onhail - experience (50), the continuation of the quest chain.
About the penaltyshaft - is absent.
atnyat quest?
Time I have to be honest, it was not at all. But I could not hear a Woman, considering all that she has done for me. And it's not even in the quest, although it I certainly accept.
- That was 4 years ago - early Molly. - Dad worked as a doctor in the Central Hospital of the Royal Londinium, and when the first cholera epidemic began, he lost at work day and night. Then a lot of people died, and Dad wanted to help them all to find a cure ...
- But one day he fell ill, and after him and my mother. A week later, my brother and I were left alone. After the funeral, the parents no money left, relatives we did not. By law, we have Eddie had picked up at different shelters, but we did not want to leave.
- I packed everything of value that I found - my mother's jewelry, daddy's watch and cufflinks, and we ran away. - Molly sighed. - Now I understand that it was a very stupid thing to do, and we could abyss forever. But I was 12, I could know? Tired, hungry, we walked for two days in the city, afraid to speak to people. Dora helped us. Remember, it scare you?
How could I not remember. I never would have believed that this unfortunate woman could be a good heart.
Of course, I remember - I nodded.
- So, she passed us the room - Molly looked around his gloomy mansion - gave unwanted furniture. I brought her mother's rings and earrings, she sold them, and on this we lived. At first everything was fine - I have learned to tat, beginning to earn a little, Eddie grew, he helped me as he could. We stayed there for 4 years.<
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- And then Edward was ill. I do not know what to do, my brother turned into a shadow and died in front of me. I ran to the doctors, begging help. And one doctor said that there are medications that can be given a chance, but it costs very expensive. Money I have not, and I turned to Dora.
- For her, the amount was too too much, and she advised me to go to Mr. Ogger. He lends money at interest. I could not believe that I will be released, but Dora vouched for me, and he gave the necessary sum. I bought medicine, but ... it was too late. My brother did not wait for me and died. - Molly paused, staring at one point, hands limp in her lap.
I felt a lump in his throat. It is not enough to cry like a girl.
- I am so sorry...
- Now, I need to give money to Mr. Ogger - continued Molly lifeless voice - after 2 weeks. Dora will help me, will work ...
- What other job? - I perfectly imagine what kind of job offer Dora. Although any thoughts on how you can help a girl I did not, I really did not want her to go along this path.
- There is one man, her friend. Dora says he is a good, polite, a real gentleman. He is interested in girls ... Virgin. She will take me to him a week later, he will pay as much, so that I could pay the debt. And everything will be fine - the last words of Molly said, almost in a whisper, I barely heard them.
- Congratulations! Quest: "Poor Molly" is executed.
- OnCastle: Experience 50 (50/100), the continuation of the quest chain!
And immediately a new quest:
- to offer you the quest: "good turn deserves another."
- Usloviya quest - to find a way to help Molly to repay the debt to Mr Ogger. (Time limit - one game a week).
Onhail - experience (600), the continuation of the quest chain.
About the penaltyshaft - is absent.
atnyat quest?
Take, do not even hesitate.
- Listen to me, Molly. I figured out how to help you, I will find the money!
- Sherlock, you're so sweet, so like Eddie - Molly smiled sadly - he always just said - that he had a large and necessarily figure out how to help me ...
- I got it! I will come up with! You just wait for.
But now I have definitely had to hurry, night was approaching rapidly, had darken after a couple of hours. None quest has not yet been defeated, then I have a chance.
I got up with the Old ottoman, he went to the closet, on which the door hung a small, murky from the time the mirror. From it I looked ten years'. All the features were in place, including red forelock, as usual protruding end.
Eddie clothes really sat on me like a glove. Unlike my old, it was not so provocatively expensive and elegant, although it seems fairly good quality and strong.
Stretched over his head almost to the ears cap partly concealed reddishnesses noticeable, but whiskey treacherously sticking. Fumbling around in the room, I stopped look at the ancient oil lamp with glass. The flask was covered with soot order from one side. Smearing soot extracted through his hair, I made some terrible piebald, dirty brown. Remains rubbed on the face to avoid any resemblance with the former.
Molly's stunned watching my actions. Well, she does not see what I was going to do with Eddie's clothes, it would just upset her.
- Molly! - I turned to the girl - thank you so much for everything, I will never forget it and be sure to thank you. - I must say, sounded pretty wild out of the mouth preteen, but I could not manage to readjust. - But tell me, "Dead pig" - what's that?
- "Dead pig" - a pub on Maher Street, there is always going to all sorts of scum. You need to stay away from him. - Molly thought for a moment - as you want, I'll come with you?
Oh no, that I was missing! It would be immediately violated all my plans.
- No, do not! You've already done a lot for me. I left to go quite a bit and promises more in what does not get involved!
- Oh well. Then hold still like it - Molly handed me a silver coin, the same as giving up this Constable Joyce.
But what it is! With virtually nothing but the debt on his shoulders, she did not hesitate, give me the money might last. Cursing myself for cowardice, receive, mentally giving a vow to come back with good interest and Molly, and a good cop.
- Thank you, Molly, I will return, sure! - in the eyes of the already treacherous tingling. I am sure that is the reaction of digital children's bodies in the real world, I have never been in such a crybaby!
- So help you God! - the girl leans toward me, his lips comes to cool the forehead.
Already seriously afraid to cry, I spun around and took off up the stairs. Cold outdoor air cooled the hot face, throat lump has resolved, tears retreated.
So, now I need a cool head, emotions off. To complete my new image lacked a few touches. Dirty backyard Molly came home for this as well as possible.
Searching of the angle with the thick layer of earth dust, I lay it and began to skate. A minute later, all my clothes were covered with dry mud. Spat on his hands, I sometimes smeared her, sometimes she dusted. I get just what you need.
Now walk. Opened his jacket, hands in pockets, shoulders back, stomach stick out. I try to go as there were young boys and teenagers Primechenie me earlier on the street, swaying, lax gait. It seems to work. Stuck out his lower lip contemptuously, he spat in the dirt. Yes, the image is finished!
System notification was my reward:
- you get the achievement "a hair's breadth!" - try on the image of another person, you have achieved a complete transformation!
The award - Mimicry 1 (2)!
About how! Another would be to find out what all these numbers.
Opening the card, first with joy I convinced that "Dead pig" on it is present, and, moreover, is very close. But first of all visit the scene of the crime ... Oh, my! On the map the alley where I was attacked, and was designated as a "crime scene". Well, it is necessary ...
Briskly, keeping on his face all the same contemptuous expression, spitting from time to time, I started to move towards the goal. And until the end of the road, which, among other things, of the 3rd quarter, no one has ever paid attention to me, I completely merged with the environment.
Trickster near the house was not on the ground lay only old rags and cardboard, on which he sat. By moving their toe, I do not find anything interesting, and turned to the back yard.
A chill ran chill, very much hope that Ray is not necessary for the angle with a club or plumbago, or what he's put me. Intuition silent. Resolutely stepped forward. Nothing.
Mentally breath, I squatted down and began to rummage meter by meter land. Study the following, clearly imagined picture of events.
Here I go into the alley, walk just three steps. To my right, behind a big box, several overlapping footprints of huge shoes. That is the place where I was waiting for Ray. Hit! I fall to the ground. The mud fall clearly visible traces.
I was dragged to the back yard of the house, boot socks left a clear furrow on the ground. There, a huge following Ray acceding countries deeper impressions. I can not understand what is wrong, then suddenly lights up with them - the owner of the fingerprint comes flat feet without bending it at a pace. This prosthesis! That is, the traces of the Trickster.
So, here the earth is trampled, apparently, at this place and I undressed. Narrow female footprints, bare feet ... Yes, it is me and found Molly.
Caught sight of something dark, some cloth hanging on a bush to the left, just two meters away from the crime scene. Coming closer, happily convinced that it is nothing like my bag. Of course, empty, but at least a whole. So he was not needed robbers, and it just kicked.
In the hope that I find important and for himself paper, I began to go through the yard. But, unfortunately, neither the letter nor a note, I have not seen. Perhaps they are not thrown here, or even left to ourselves, even though I could not imagine why.
Was about to leave, I suddenly felt a strong desire to stay in place, and the distinct feeling that I missed something.
Once again I
looked around the yard. It was a narrow expanse of land, squeezed between two rows of houses, common to the two parallel streets. Apart adjacent courtyards not separated, forming together one long, draughty intestine.
Purged ... That's it! Wind! If we bag drifted a couple of meters, how far could include pieces of light?
Confidently turn left, I walked along the yard, staring into any obstacles, for which could catch on the paper. And just after 4 home my searches have been unsuccessful. Residents of the next patio decided to isolate it from the rest stunted hedgerow! And it stayed there for the precious letter to me.
Hooray! If it were not absolutely the wrong time and place, I would have danced with joy. The system also seemed to share my triumph, throwing several windows:
- Congratulations! Hidden Quest: "Recover the lost" is made. You studied the scene and fully restored picture of events.
- OnCastle: Experience 50 (100/100)
- FromIndoor ability - Deduction 1 (1)
- gained a level!
- UroWen 2 (available for allocation characteristics points - 1).
- Warning systems - access to the characteristics of your character and change is possible only in the territory of the private rooms, or any other place of temporary stay with the anchor point.
- you get the achievement "Believe Me!" - Trust your instincts, you have not lost, and to shine out of a difficult situation!
The award - Perception 1 (2)!
And the final chord, much pleased me:
- Congratulations! Thanks to the setting of "Perception" is greater than one, you see the hidden information about the properties of NPCs and objects equal to the level that you set, and publicly available - an NPC and item level to 5 from your current.
Here is a thank you, it is very useful! little access to hidden information really would not hurt for the realization of my future plans!
Named Sherlock Page 7