Heartbeat

Chapter 12-Win

Win leaned against the bar counter in the Widows' gambling den in East Stave the Lady Luck, listening to Fara chats away. Fara was the chattier of the two sisters. Having been in Fjerda less long, she was more Ketterdam loud than Fjerdan stoic. She was tall, blonde, and muscular, like most Fjerdans. Her ice-blue eyes were pretty, unlike her sister Sara's, who had grey eyes, which made her more intimidating and ghost-like. Win was only half listening. She had been feeling low since Alivier had left to go on vacation with his family in the Southern Colonies. The days she had spent with him more beforehand were like glimpsing through a peephole into another life. You can see it, but all you want is to be able to open the door and see more. Win had almost begged to be invited to meet his family, but he seemed resistant when she even hinted at it. Finally, before they said goodbye, he told her he would have her over for dinner at his family's home once they were all back in school in the fall. He promised to write. Win knew not to come off as needy by writing him first.

"So then my father says he'll visit in a week. Can you believe that?" Fara asked, waking Win from her daze.

"What? No, when's the last time you saw him?"

"I saw my mother and father five years ago. They have not been able to save the money since. He says he will have a gift for Sara and me." Win tried to smile in response.

"What do you think it is?" Win asked, thinking back to the last gift she got from her father. My mother put a dress in a box, and my father handed it to me. He said it was new, but it was worn before. It was green, with yellow flowers. Win had been grateful that her mother had told him her favourite colour.

Fara held a tender smile, obviously thinking happily of her family.

"I hope it will make me think of home."

"Have you ever been able to go back and visit?" Fara's face dropped. She just shook her head no. Win had heard the rumours when she first began working with the Widows. Fara and Sara were both in possession of the abilities like a Grisha. However, they were in danger not only because of Fjerda's law but because their older brother was a part of the Druskelle, the army who sought out and hunted Grisha.

"Does your family know what you do in Ketterdam?"

"They know we work and run businesses. They are proud of our living." Win knew they both had Widows' tattoos. She wondered how they explained this to their family. "Ok, enough talk. Get to work." Fara waved her hand away from her, and Win nodded. She didn't mind working at the Lady Luck so much. She served drinks, passed out jays and ensured the tourists had a good time. Dame Cora recently saw Win work some customers and asked her to try one shift at Luckie's brothel. Win had refused in a good-natured manner. She appreciated the compliment but was reluctant to accept the offer. She had the looks to charge a lot but knew that kind of work wasn't about looks alone.

Win had been spending more time with Dame Cora, Fara, Sara, and all the workers under them. As a result, Win had finally begun to be trusted and complimented.

Dame Cora walked in, and a few of the workers who had just been hanging around began working more diligently at the sight of her. Dame Cora was not a woman to be crossed. Win liked her. It was impossible to guess her age, she was known to carry the most wisdom. Either 35 or 60. Win thought, watching her. Dame Cora was protective of her girls and strict as could be. She walked straight toward Win.

"Winifred, Zelda's calling you back to the Bank tonight. She says the patrons there are missing you." Dame Cora always called people by their full names and refused to engage in nicknames. Win was disappointed. Her tips were better at the Lady Luck. Since the influx of tourists, some with good luck, they took her into account when winning.