Twenty-One
1139 Words
“I have business upstairs. Do not speak to Tucker before I do,” Gemba bristled.
“I won’t.”
He turned and stepped into the elevator. I looked around. Robert and the other guards had disappeared. Where did they go when they weren’t here? Robert was usually stationed at the front but I had only ever seen the others when we brought in a new prisoner.
I supposed it didn’t matter. I had better things to worry about. Like my dead husband and the demon’s claims that he wasn’t actually dead.
I unlocked Zen’s cell and let myself in. It sat on the edge of the cot and turned its face to me when I entered.
“Good evening, Zen,” I said.
It inclined its head in response.
“Did you bring the newspaper? I hunger for word of the outside.”
Again, making sure my back was to the camera, I opened my messenger bag and pulled out the newspaper. It had gotten crushed and a little crinkled in the fight earlier, but it wasn’t ruined.
Zen snatched it from my hands and brought it to its face and smelled. “Ah, ink on paper. One of the Earth’s most luscious fragrances. Don’t you agree?”
“I-I guess. I never really noticed it much.”
“You take your freedom for granted to not notice something so small but wonderful.”
“I can assure you that I do not.”
It shrugged.
“That is not why you are here.” Zen tucked the newspaper under the pillow on the cot.
“No, I’m not. I need answers about how to find the vampire who turned me. Please.”
I paused.
“But first, I have another question, if you wouldn’t mind answering it. You mentioned that my husband may not be dead. How did you know?”
“Like I said before, it’s best if you find that out for yourself. You’ll find the answers you seek for both questions near the nightclubs.”
“I don’t understand, Zen. What nightclubs?”
“I heard you say that you picked up Mack based on information you got from someone in a nightclub. There are a few nightclubs downtown. They’re hot spots for the underworld’s nightlife. Everyone you need to solve your mystery can be found there.”
“Where do I start? Who do I ask?”
“That’s for you to figure out, child. I do have one piece of advice.”
“And you’ll give it to me after I bring contraband to you?”
Zen cackled and the sound grated against my eardrums. I tried not to cringe.
“No, this one is free.”
I motioned for the demon to continue.
“Gemba isn’t who you think he is. You might want to conceal your activities there from him.”
“What does that mean?”
“If you ask the right questions, you’ll see.”
It laid back on the cot and faced the ceiling.
“Thank you for the newspaper. You may go.”
“I have so many more questions. If Gemba isn’t who he says he is, then who is he?”
“I’ve given you everything you need to find your answers. Please, leave me to my paper.”
I left the cell. It didn’t feel like she’d given me anything at all to make my next move.
I did find Mack based on some info I’d gotten from the dance club. I could head back there and start asking questions. I checked the time on my phone. It was not even midnight yet. I had plenty of time before the nightclubs closed, if I hurried.
I freshened up my makeup and brushed my hair before I called the cab. The same cab driver as earlier picked me up.
“You’re a busy woman,” he said with a smile.
“No kidding.”
I approached the bouncer at the nightclub. I was happy to see that it was a different guy. I just paid him the cover and flashed my fake ID. I didn’t have the patience for fun and games tonight.
The nightclub was just as busy as the other night. I had to dodge sweating bodies and groping hands as I made my way to the bar. The young woman behind the bar was the same bartender as before. She smiled as I approached and leaned over the bar so she could talk over the heavy bass of the dance music.
“You know, he waited all night for you to come back?”
“Who?”
“Steve. The bouncer.”
“That’s cute, I said. I’m paying my own way tonight.” I slipped her my credit card. Gemba had set me up nicely with the fake ID and credit card. I didn’t have to sneak and steal any more which was all the better for not bringing attention down on myself.
“What are you having?”
“Red wine again. Sweet.”
She took off down the bar and came back a few minutes later with a plastic cup of wine.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“You’re not looking for drugs again are you? I told you I can’t help you with that.”
“No. Nothing like that. I just want to know if you ever see people acting strangely around here.”
She threw her head back as she laughed. “This is a nightclub. Everything is weird around here. Look, I’ve got to get back to work, I’ll check on you again in a few.”
I sipped my wine and turned on the stool so that I faced the crowd. I saw masses of perspiring young people dancing on each other. Young? I shook my head. Most of them looked to be my age. I just didn’t connect with that life any more. Their youth was untarnished. They didn’t know about the darkness that lurked around every corner. I couldn’t forget it.
I turned my attention to the dark corners again. I only saw couples and triads in the shadows. The man who helped me find one of Mack’s buyers wasn’t anywhere to be seen. He must not have been a regular.
I looked toward the entrance and saw a too drunk woman stumble to the door. A man from the crowd approached and grabbed her by the elbow. She yanked her arm away from him and fell over. He followed her out into the street.
I waved at the bartender. “I’ll be right back,” I shouted at her. She nodded.
I followed them out the door and down the sidewalk. I stayed back a few paces so they wouldn’t suspect that I followed.
“I said l-leave me alone,” the woman shouted at the man, her words slurred.
“You’re drunk. Let me just take you home. We can work it out tomorrow.”
“You kissed her!” she shrieked and pulled away from him.
“I didn’t. I promise. Please. At least let me call you a cab.”
I turned back around and walked toward the bar. It was just a lover’s quarrel and none of my concern.
A man bumped into me as he sped toward me on the sidewalk. It knocked me backward, but not enough to make me lose my balance.
“Excuse me,” I said and I looked at the man. There was something almost familiar about him.
He stopped and stared open-jawed at me. “You? What are you doing here?”
- Writer
