Missing Element

1

Travis had been sitting at the desk for 40 minutes with a smile on his face. The blonde on the laptop screen smiled and pointed finger at him.

- Take care Green! No heroic feats, we've once established that you are not Conan.

- Get lost, Cooper. You left me! - He laughed - I can go crazy now at will.

- Travis ... - The blonde shook her head, sighing in resignation - Promise me you'll be sensible. No burglaries, no theft of animals, no quarrels.

- Cooper ...- Travis supported chin with his hand - I remind you that I owe you my last arrest, besides, I am tired ... here is the middle of the night, I have recently returned from the clinic ... be human. Don't preach to me, but if you have to, not by Skype. If you had been here, you could have noticed me once or twice, and yes ... you don't have to milk a cow? - He asked ironically, knowing that the woman on the screen would not be offended. Next to the blonde appeared the head of a man in a cowboy hat.

- Travis remind you that you are talking to my wife - The cowboy smiled and disappeared from the screen.

Travis wanted to show the man middle finger, but he didn't make it.

- Do you still want to kick his ass? - The blonde guessed. Stupidity could not be accused. Travis loved Tess Cooper. It sparked between them from the very beginning. They met a year earlier at a fatal party and fled, leaving those with whom they came. They spent less than 5 weeks together until the mysterious Arizona cowboy appeared. Before they could define themselves, create a real relationship, Teresa's past caught up with them. Tess left Chicago to make her life, and she was married for two weeks. She looked happy. Travis wanted her happiness, but this was not how he imagined the end of the fairy tale in which he had participated so recently.

- Yeah - He admitted honestly - Tess, I don't know how you do it, but you are friends with all ex's ... it's sick. I should hate you for choosing Tucker, not me. Meanwhile, I can't - He smiled again - I can't hate you woman, but I want to beat your husband with a golf club.

Tess laughed happily.

- I had no idea you were playing golf. If he comforts you, he doesn't like you either. I don't understand what you mean.

Ah, these inefficient women!

- Right - he confirmed - You do not understand. I'm finishing. Dawn in a few hours, and I didn't even have a shower. Take care Cooper, Tucker, or whatever you name now - He rolled his eyes - We'll talk as usual next Tuesday.

- Take care Green! - Tess managed to shout before the image disappeared from the screen.

Travis closed the lid of the laptop, reached for the glass next to the computer and leaned back in his chair. He sighed, drank the golden Bourbon in one gulp and stood up. Going to the bathroom he took off more clothes throwing them to the floor. He was tired after several hours of work, needed a shower and sleep, but above all, food. Before he turned on the water, dialed the number in his cell phone, burying in pants pocket thrown on oak floorboards.

- Keung? - Said without greeting - I order number twelve and twenty six. Green. You know the address - He hung up. The Chinese pub was located two streets away and was open 24 hours a day. Keung Yo, the owner of the pub, took care of the loyal customer, providing food as soon as possible. At any time of the day or night. After a warm shower, Travis pulled on a white T-shirt and loose boxer shorts. He turned on the electric shaver and looked in the mirror. Strong cheekbones, square jaw, black damp hair and pitch-black eyes. Conan-Vet. Travis chuckled at the mention of the term. That's what Tess Cooper called him how they met. Tess was the first woman he looked after divorcing Doris. Bad luck. He left the bathroom and looked around the flat. The huge loft in the north of Chicago was his idea. He always wanted to have space around, and the loft was perfect for it. Unfortunately, the ex-wife did not understand this whim. She wanted a home in the suburbs, well-known neighbors, lavish parties. She had expensive taste and was not afraid to freely use the family fortress that his grandfather had accumulated. Travis had more mundane dreams. Because he did not find the right loft throughout Chicago, he bought an industrial building for demolition, hired a team and created the apartment of his dreams. The architects did a great job. The only rooms with walls were two bedrooms and a bathroom. The rest was one huge living room. He even had a bar, with a wide counter and a bright green neon light on the wall, just like in a pub. Wood, glass and metal combined in a variety of ways created an interesting decor. Sketches by one of Travis's friends depicting the initial designs of car models hung on brick, unplasted walls. The right wall of the room was a huge window consisting of several rectangular panes. Travis liked daylight and the panorama of the city. His two hundred and thirty square meters cleaned Lorna twice a week. The heavyweight woman and beard, almost as lush as Travis, had a dove heart. She used to refill the fridge, but at his request, she stopped. Food had to be thrown away. The kitchen was the only place he didn't actually use, except for turning on the coffee machine or removing beer from the fridge. He could not cook and usually did not eat at home. Travis thought in thanks for Keung Yo when the doorbell rang.

- I'm coming! - Travis picked up the jeans from the floor, took a worn leather wallet out of his pocket, and took out two banknotes. Armed with cash, he went to a steel and wooden door that did not have a door handle. He looked at the video intercom and pressed the button. A buzzer sounded and the huge door opened, as if by magic. After exchanging the cash for fragrant food boxes, Travis slammed the door with his foot and headed for the table.