Warlock chronicles vol. 1: Cuban detective

1

Sun was slowly setting above streets of Havana and its warm light crown was being reflected in all of the windows. Sky was full of colours, as if some clumsy artist spilled all his paints on a canvas. Whole city looked like an expensive painting in a gallery. Manu never got used to its extraordinary beauty. Every colourful building was a piece of art. Streets were flooded with people. Men in fine suits and hats. Women in light dresses. There was definitely a lot to look at.

Manu was walking down the streets with an expensive cigar in his mouth, blowing out sweet smoke. He fixed his favourite hat on his head before turning left into a narrow street. It looked like a short blind alley, but just for those, who didn't know how to look at it. He went right thru the high brick wall and for everyone who would be looking at him at the moment it would just seem like as if he disappeared.

In fact, he entered the gate. Nothing special, just a little spell. Behind the gate, there was hidden a wide street full of people of all kinds. Magicians selling colourful powders and jars of sparkling water, which they claimed would solve all your problems or make your secret crush fall in love with you instantly. Witches with strange hats covered in odd scarves selling old jewellery and animal bones, which should protect you from evil. But it certainly won't protect you from a rip-off. Werewolves selling amulets made of animal teeth and daggers, which are supposed to kill any creature or man you would order it to. Dream catchers, black coats, riffles. Anything you would need, you could find there at the Magic market.

But Manu wasn't very fund of those disreputable goods. He knew enough about magic to realize they only work if you believe they do. The real treasure of this place laid hidden under marchers' desks, waiting for those who asked for them properly.

"I thought you wouldn't come." Young man in dark suit said. His black hair was combed to the back of his head with enormous amount of gel. He was standing behind the display of his little shop, filled with variety of magical powders off all colours and uses.

"I'm your best client, Andres." Said Manu and winked at his friend. "I always come. Besides, you have already received my money. If I didn't come, you would sell my order to someone else."

"You know me so well!" Andres answered and handed him beautifully carved wooden box from under his desk. Manu smiled and shoved the box into a pocket of his white suit jacket.

"Some girl was looking for you there, by the way." Andres said with a smirk. "Charming little thing."

"Yeah, lot of girls are looking for me." Said Manu, an attractive cocky smile was playing on his lips. He winked again and after that, he was gone, lucky to be far from all those weirdoes at the market.