Chapter 57
"I don't know."
"Why not?"
"He's…not been well."
"So?"
"I don't know if he's ready."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know if he'd be able to cope."
"I'm his best mate!"
"He's been ill. He still is."
"Then surely me being around will help? You can't look after him on your own"
"He's not on his own." I open my eyes to see the shamen enter the room. "Carpets are round the back." Howard stands up and walks towards Dennis. Without warning, he delivers a right hook to the head shaman's jaw.
"Howard, what the hell are you doing?" Naboo almost screams. Howard ignores him.
"That's for trying to kill my best friend!" He yells.
"I assure you, I have only the deepest regret for my actions. I understand that they were unforgivable, but I beg of you, do not strike me again."
"Fair enough. Now, what did you mean, 'He's not on his own.'?"
"Exactly what I said. We've been helping Naboo."
"Helping him?"
"Yes. Naboo?"
"Yes, Saboo?"
"He's doing it again." I see him gesture towards me.
"Vincent Noir, what did we say about faking sleep?" I sit up with a small sigh.
"It's wrong. Sorry Naboo."
"Don't do it again."
"I won't."
"Good." Howard has been watching us with a peculiar look on his face, but says nothing of it.
"I'm staying." He states, a tone of finality in his voice.