late.

Flung out the door.

******************************************

Jack spread his bastard right on the grass so that I could sit back without messing up my dresses.

Near the rumble swept the Hudson waves.

On the opposite shore, the lights of New Jersey were scattered by small fireflies.

Jack took a sip of rum straight from the bottle and handed it to me.

- And then Karen and I came to try our luck here, successfully finished ballet school. And tomorrow, our troupe goes on tour in Latin America. But it is not for long, it is planned only for a couple of months. Have you ever been to Mexico or Argentina? By the way, I have already told almost my whole life, and I don’t know anything about you. And what are you doing? You're not a worker, and not ...

He did not let me finish, abruptly jumped to his feet and grabbed my arm.

- Come on, I want to show you something.

- Where? Jack, you're crazy.

- Do not be afraid, trust me, I beg you, let's go! Not far from here.

***********************************

Ahead seemed vague outlines of the building.

Near it turned out to be just huge, but long abandoned. The red brick walls are cracked, the empty windows are broken.

I instinctively clung to Jack.

She crossed the threshold.

The whole floor was covered with sand. The huge area was practically empty. Only one wall tore a pile of drawers and boards. In the corner, it was like a bed.

- What are we doing here?

- This place was to become the largest shoe factory in New York. It belonged to my good friend. He invested a lot of money and strength into this factory. But when the construction was completed, he died. And the factory remained empty, without starting the work. He had no children, so he bequeathed her to me. But unfortunately, I do not know how to make shoes.

Jack grinned and approached me. Hugged around the waist.

- What is ballet? I have never been to one presentation.

He took a kerosene lamp from the window sill, lit it and put it on the old box.

- Show me.

- What, here? But I don’t have the right shoes, and then, ballet on the sand is completely uncomfortable!

- Come on! I have never seen how this is done. In any case, it will be the best show in my life!

I walked a few steps. Frozen for a second, hesitatingly turned back. Spit! Come what may, tomorrow I will leave anyway!

She came close to him, turned her back.

- Unzip please.

Right at that moment Jack took me for a madman. But after a moment, he carefully opened the clasp. Pulled his shoulders. The dress slid to the ankles.

Hot breath burned neck skin. A shiver ran through her body.

Got off the laundry. Exhale

She turned and took the bottle from her hands.

A sip. Puzzled look.

- And what, good girls, too, sometimes know how to have fun!

On his palms stood out a drop of sweat. Cheeks flared.

I was going to dance naked with a man whom I had known for only a few days!

To hell!

Hands above head. Legs in the first position.

Jack sat down right on the floor, fascinated by my every move. Did he seem reddened too, or were those flashes of fire?

Look down. Pa, more, and more ... And spun, raising a whirl of glittering sand around her.

I tried not to meet with Jack eyes. But literally skin felt on her eyes. Inquisitive, burning.

Jack sat silently.

Suddenly he jumped to his feet and pulled him to him.

Kiss. Timid, gentle.

Whisper.

- You will be mine? I beg you Melly!

********************************

The first rays of the sun burst into the broken window.

Rustle. She opened her eyes.

- Heck!

Jack ridiculously jumped in one leg, trying to pull the other.

Stretched. The old couch creaked.

- Good morning baby! Sorry, I have to go, this is very important.

Nodded.

- Do not pout, baby! I know you're leaving today. Central depot, from the second platform, at twelve o'clock? I have time. I will come. I'll come see you, Melly! And wait back! Everything will be fine, trust me.

Squeezed in his arms.

- Promise me that you will come back and find me!

He shook his shoulders.

She nodded and pressed herself against her shoulder. A tear rolled down his cheek to his shirt. I was afraid that he would feel and turned away.

**********************************

- Melly, come on, come on! This goat Jack deceived you, he will not come. And you hung ears! Love, blah blah blah, I'll wait! Ugh ..

- Do not say that! He promised, then come!

Karen waved her hand at me.

Already five to twelve. Where is Jack? Maybe the truth will not come? But he could not do that!

I stepped into the train.

- Ladies, we go.

The conductor looked into the compartment and closed the door.

The engine buzzed.

I still desperately peered through the glass into the face of the mourners on the platform.

He could not come, he could not ...

The wheels spun around with a thud. The train started moving.

Where are you Jack?

The first strike of the clock made me flinch. Noon. His hands shook nervously. Second third..

Tears sprang to my eyes. Fifth. Sixth..

What is wrong with me? Ninth, tenth ...

Heart squeezed with unbearable force. Twelfth ..

- Jack ...

***********************************

- Now we are celebrities, baby! The audience is delighted! Honestly, I don't even want to come back!

- And I want to go home ...

- Back to your ragged? Yes, he probably already does not remember your name!

************************

The palm touched the cold brick.

The door is broken. A lump came to his throat. Stepped over the threshold.

- Jack?

It sounded a hollow echo.

A piece of glass cracked under his foot. The lamp is broken. The pile of boxes is torn apart.

Feet yanked down. She plopped down on a couch upside down. Spring hurt pricked in the thigh.

Burst into tears from insult. Kick on the upholstery. More and more.

Something solid! Crackle cloth.

Wooden box. Opened with trembling hands.

Oh my God! How many are there? Million, two?

Suddenly his eyes dimmed. Stomach squeezed spasm ...

********************************

- Widley, you son of a bitch! Where is the money, your mother !?

A kick in the stomach made the young man bend in half.

“Or do you think that I am an idiot and believe that old Jefferson did not leave you a dime after his death?” How so? Widley? You were his son. Removed shit from under it? He died in your arms and left you nothing? Answer the brute!

- I have no money. And if they were, I would not give you a damn, you bastard!

The guy cried blood to the floor.

- And yet you are right, Widley, I will find them myself. In the old factory, right? Joe, fucking your ass, come here!

The skinny man ran up to the big-bellied boss in small steps.

“Take people, search the whole fucking factory, far and wide.” Do you understand me, bastard?

- Yes, sir!

The skinny ran out the door.

- Well, asshole, tell me where is the money or will I blow your head off to hell !?

The barrel of a revolver poked into his temple.

The clock at the station scored noon. One two Three...

- Went to hell ...

Six, seven, eight ..

- Well as you know!

Cocked ... Eleven ..

- Melly ...

Whispered broken lips.

Shot. The wall was stained with crimson blood ...

Twelve...