Page 50 of Assassin

“Yes, if that’s possible.”

Perfect.

“Well, then, let’s get some food in you, a shower, and if you’re feeling strong enough, we can take a ride. That chestnut one would be perfect for you.”

He didn’t say anything.

All Gamble knew was that he had to hold on for two months, and the doctor would help him end his miserable life. If he could spend those months with some horses…

There were worst ways to spend time.

As the Mercedes came to a stop, Reginald helped him get the man out of the back, and into the house. As they did, Gamble looked around.

It looked very…British.

He’d been right.

The furniture looked stuffy, formal, and like something in a palace. Nothing looked comfortable. There was a whole room with books, and he wasn’t shocked.

Poe must have seen the look on his face, and he explained to the man.

“This is the formal sitting area. I meet guests here, like Elizabeth Blackhawk, or other physicians. I don’t actually use this room for anything else. Let’s get you to the kitchen. That’s a room I use a lot.

Gamble just shrugged.

When he finally got him there, it was a really nice kitchen. Poe helped him into one chair, and made sure he stayed upright.

“How about some food?” Poe asked, taking off his linen blazer, to roll up his sleeves and put on an apron.

“I’m not hungry.”

Yeah, except, he was starving himself to death, and he couldn’t heal a man who was dying.

Poe reminded him of the deal.

“You gave me two months. If you want me to keep my word, Gamble, then you need to keep yours. Is it fair you don’t have to do what I have to do?”

Gamble stared at him, and Poe stared into his bicolored eyes.

“I guess you’re right. I’ll eat.”

Gamble wanted to make sure the man had no loopholes when the time came to end his life. He didn’t want him to renege on his deal.

Well, that worked.

“What would you like to eat?” Poe asked. “I’m very good in a kitchen, so name something you like.”

Only, Gamble sat there, and you’d think this was the hardest question to be asked. Someone derived no pleasure at all in his life.

And Poe didn’t back down. He stood there, waiting through the uncomfortable silence to ensure the man answered.

Finally, he did just that.

Sort of.

“Anything is fine, thank you.”

It was a first step. Poe would cut him some slack since today was the first day, and he’d already gotten him pretty far in his treatment. He’d left Chartres, he’d taken a nap with his head on his lap, and he’d opted to ride a horse.

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