Sunkissed

Chapter six

The smell of Iodoform helps mask out the other scents that lingered in the emergency room. One could barely smell the blood, sweat, faeces and other bodily fluids from both the patients and the doctors and nurses who had been working tirelessly. There are twenty patients in the ER, most of whom are tourists. Those under the influence of alcoholic-courage. Tourists who should know better rather than rambling in front of the locals. The smell of Iodoform masks it all out. It gives the patients a sterile environment. A place where the patients could heal from their injuries… and sometimes their bruised egos as well.

“ Oh, good, you’re awake.” The nurse smiled.

“ That’s all of your things, but feel free to tell us if there’s anything missing.”

She smiled again. Leroy felt his cheeks blush, she’s cute, he thought to himself. The ER was less hectic in the morning. The nurses made their rounds to sleeping patients. There was this calming undertone which everyone basked in. The smell of disinfectant filled his nostrils as he took time to inhale that distinct hospital smell. It was cold outside. Windy. And scattered rains, as the tropical storm makes its way onto the island.

After fully gaining full awareness, he propped himself up from his bed. And notices a few bandages on his arm from the gashes he took when he fell onto the floor. He felt a stinging pain in the back of his head, which was covered in light bandages. He reached back and felt a bump on the back of his skull. The flesh was still tender and it hurt. Cringing from the pain, he stopped touching it. He looked around and he saw the other patients and their guardians sound asleep. It began to drizzle outside.

At his side, he sees a small metallic shelf, the same height as the metal grates that keeps the patients from rolling over. On top, his wallet and phone inside a zip-lock bag.

He leaves his bed, carefully. His nurse tried to assist him, but he insisted that he'd manage. He empties the contents of the bag. First he checks his wallet. Everything’s in place. Then he moves on to his phone. His heart sunk to see that the display screen turned into a mosaic.

“Sir, I forgot there were some cops waiting for you at the cafeteria. Detective Bautista and Detective Lanning.”

“ Excuse me, miss, but what for-?” Leroy attempted to scratch his head, but immediately recoiled. The nurse could see the subtle grimace on Leroy’s face as he touched the back of his head.

“ Hmm. Does it still hurt? Let me take a look.”

“ Thank you, but I’m fine.” Leroy gently shrugs at the hand of the nurse.

“ You sure, you might have a concussion. The EMTs said you took a nasty fall.”

Leroy’s eyes widened. He could still not recall what happened last night. To him, he might have gotten into a bar fight, or got mugged or even just fell off of something.

“ Can you tell me what happened to me?”

“ Sure -”

“ Mr. Salvatore.”

The deep voice of Bautista startled the nurse. He and Lanning had made their way into the ER. Leroy and the nurse turned and saw the detectives making their way through the Hospital Beds. Those who are awake, greeted the two. With coffee in hand, Bautista and Lanning waved and nodded to the patients.

Leroy had the usual courtesy to meet them halfway.

“ Good morning, Mr. Salvatore. I am Detective Bautista and this is my subordinate, Detective Lanning.” They flashed their badges in unison. The metal chaps bore the coat of arms of the police department. A crested shield which bore a star. On its side, native flora, tangled in the grooves of the shield.

Bautista handed his coffee to Lanning, and pulled out his notepad and pencil from his jacket. He ruffled his nose and looked at Leroy. It was apparent that the old detective was tired. With eye bags that sagged for days and slightly hunched over posture. But there was something in his eyes and the general air around him. His aging body did not hide the fact that this man, even in the twilight of his years, was someone not to be trifled with. He commanded both respect and intimidation when he entered the scene. No wonder he carried the Moniker. “Anghel De la Muerte”

“ Mr. Salvatore, can you tell me your accounts of the events last night? Witnesses say you held your ground pretty well against your attacker.”

It all came back to him. Every single detail. He felt his stomach churn and wrung itself into a knot. Cold bulbs of sweat began to release from his pores. He remembered that he almost got killed. Everything around him started to spin at an alarming pace. Every breath required great effort. He lost his balance.

Luckily, the nurse caught him by his back. The sweet citrus perfume that the nurse wore jolted him back.

“ Are you okay? You should rest more.” The nurse urged.

“ I’m good, just dizzy, that’s all. Thank you”

Bautista squinted his eyes. “ Maybe we’ll come back later. Looks like you could use the rest, young man.”

Bautista hid his notepad and pencil. Lanning gives him his coffee back. As they turned around Leroy blurted out:

“ Wait. Sorry. I’ll tell you everything I know!.”

This was his chance at being free from the guilt that he'd been harboring since the night at the college. Although he was definitely drunk last night, he knew what was going on. Every instinct he has tells him that the incident last night, and the dead bodies, up to the night at the college, were somehow all tied up. And maybe, just maybe, he will sleep soundly again. He wanted his life back, plus he could no longer handle drinking himself to sleep. He was withering away, although to be fair, there isn’t much life to be withered in the first place. But he wanted to go back to the things they were.

The pair turned back. Bautista looked exasperated when he handed over his coffee to Lanning again, and pulled out his notepad and pencil. He scratches his head and ruffles his nose.

“ Last night. Tell us everything.”

“ I think that someone very powerful is behind all this.”

A flash of bright light lit up the sky and also seeped its way into the windows of the ER. Then a terrible crackle. The weather grew more restless. The nurse shrieked.

Both Bautista and Lanning looked at him funny. The nurse excused herself from the group. Lanning raised his eyebrows at Leroy. Bautisa was not amused. Leroy could see the change of expression in Bautista’s face. He pictured their reactions way differently.

“ Okay… Let’s hear it.” Bautisa sighed. He ruffled his nose once more.

“ Mr. Salvatore, there you are!”

Sandra waved at Leroy for a few paces. And as she walked past the patients, they too followed with their stare. Some greeted her, but to no avail. Her eyes lit up, as she saw Leroy, up and about.

“ How’re you feeling? ” Sandra pressed while inspecting Leroy head to toe. Waiting attentively for his answer as her eyes stuck to him. Leroy felt conscious of himself. His clothes were littered with dirt and dried up blood. Now that he could think straight, he noticed he reeked of blood, sweat and alcohol. Leroy looked like s**t. He recoiled at the thought, when Sandra tried to hold his arm.

“ Sorry. I’m okay, thank you.” Leroy said under his breath.

“ Excuse us, Ma’am, but you’re interfering.” Lanning exclaimed. Sandra looked over her shoulder. Her eyes glossed over the detective.

“ Oh. I’m sorry. Is he under arrest?” Sandra smirked.

“ No, Ma’am. But we need to get his testimony,” Lanning replied; visibly annoyed.

Bautista and Lanning looked at each other. To his surprise, Bautisa did not protest. He gave Lanning an exhausted nod. Tucked his pencil and notepad into his jacket.

“ Wait. No. We need to talk to this guy!” Even with the sound of rain, Lannings annoyance can be heard. Everyone at the ER looked at the group and paused at what they were doing. Lanning saw this and felt a little shameful. He could not believe that this woman got onto his nerves. He handled worse; Maybe it's just the fatigue setting in. He thought to himself. Lanning fixed the creases on his shirt, and realigned his collar. He noticed everyone had come back to what they’re doing before.

“ Ehem. But we still need his testimony.”

Bautista gave the same look. Lanning heeded himself, for he knew it was time to stop.

“ Sorry. I don’t mean to cause a divide between you two, but you see, he’s not well yet. He needs some rest, I need him to rest.” She gave a warm smile.

“ I promise, when my man’s fully recovered, he will call you.”

Leroy felt more uncomfortable at her remark. But at the same time he was amazed at how she could quickly gain control. He was terrified, to say the least, Sandra’s a powerful woman. Anyone unlucky enough to be on her bad side is going to get what’s coming to them, he thought. As his heart went into rapid mode. He feared that she might have caught on that he was trying to tell him what he knew.

Bautista sighed. And scratched his head.

“ Okay.”

Lanning did not protest. Instead, he took a sip of his coffee. He retracted from the cold bitter drink.It was last night’s brew, it seemed.

Sandra turned back at Leroy. Smiled. Leroy could see it in her eyes. She knows what he’s up to. His heart raced. They made their way out of the ER. Just like when she entered, curious heads followed. Leroy could feel everyone’s eyes on them, he felt like it was rubbing onto his skin. But he was more concerned about what was to come.

The hallway was not like the ER. It was dimly light, the sound of rain echoed, the air was heavier and dank. A contrast to the bright, spacious ER. But still, the smell of Iodoform remained. The bright exit sign illuminated the hallway full of closed doors. Where muffled voices of sorrow and joy are slightly audible. They continued to walk, Sandra’s footsteps thundered throughout the hollowed hallway. With each step Leroy’s heart jumped along with it.

“ Don’t worry about your bill, It’s taken care of.” Her tone shifted from warm and enthusiastic to cold and blunt.

“ Umm-”

Sandra darted her eyes at him before he could utter a word.

“ Not here. Come with me.”

Margo was fidgeting on her chair while looking at her watch. She could barely hear the voice of her instructor. He was totally drowned out by the heavy rain. It was really cold. Even with the AC running at fan, it was still chilly. She had to bring her hoodie to class.

Still fumbled on her chair and occasionally bit her nails. She was all over the place. Anxious. Her eyes won’t leave the face of her watch. She was feeling pinpricks all over her spine, cold sweat began to excrete out of her pores. Her stomach churned. She was anxious. And the cold weather did not help. She wasn’t looking so great with bags under her eyes and skin pale as the clouds.

In her head, she is trying so hard to focus on her instructor. His voice, to her,sounded like he was underwater. Muffled and slowly sinking into the bottom of nothingness. It took a great deal of effort to listen to whatever he was talking about. She’s been like this since morning. After hearing what happened at Benny’s place, she called him and agreed to meet with Lyn later.

She continued to fidget on her chair. Her nails kept being chewed just to use that pent up energy she has from adrenaline. And the sinking feeling in her chest that seemed to get worse each passing second.

“ Can anyone here still remember the difference between a share capital, a share premium and treasury shares?”

The whole class of forty was silent. Some busy taking notes, some frantically flipping through their notes. The others gawked. The instructor, mid forties, with thinning hair, pinched his nose bridge. Closed his eyes and took a short pause. He raised his head back momentarily, only to see the same sight.

“ Anyone? C’mon you guys…hmm, let’s see.” The instructor walked around the class. His footsteps echoed as the quiet chatter dissipated. Everyone took notice and glued their eyeballs to him as he hovered over each and everyone else. Taking his time, looking over their shoulders as he came from behind. It was nerve-wracking for some. The others, patiently waiting to be called to answer.

Margo, still unable to focus on her surroundings. Grew accustomed to the anxiety. She began to calm herself, as she took deep breaths to regulate her tempo. She cares for her friends. And hearing the news, she felt gravely concerned and afraid. She couldn't believe that the accident was to happen to one of her close friends. Similar to what had happened on that night, she shuddered at the thought. The occurrences are becoming more frequent. And the nightmares.

“Ms. Margo. How about you?”

“…”

“ Ground control to Miss Margo.” He pressed on. And repeats, this time with the song’s tune.

“ Oh! I’m so sorry!” Margo stood up in a hurry. She realized that he was standing there in front of her, for how long, she didn’t know. To her, she had just come back from reality.

“I’m sorry…what was the question?”

He looked at her for a second. And readjusted his glasses. For a second, his eyes showed a look of concern. He was in his early fifties, but looked older than his age. He took a sigh and dismissed Margo and the other two that were raising their hands. He returned from the middle of the classroom to his desk. He sat carefully and took out his towel from his satchel wiped his face. He puts on his glasses back and glances at Margo, before looking at the class.

Margo, felt a twinge of discomfort at his gaze. But she shrugged it off and proceeded to listen to his discussion.

And after the longest class of her life, they were dismissed.

“ There you are!” Lyn waved and greeted her just by the large gates of the campus. It was cloudy that noon, gray skies as far as the eyes could see. But she has grown more accustomed not only to the cold, but to her anxiety as well. Margo waved as she walks towards Lyn.

“ I had to go to the bathroom, sorry. Let’s go see Benny.”

Margo, Lyn and Benny are sitting at their usual table at the small burger joint: Shack-wich. They ordered a platter of cheeseburgers and sides of fries and cheese nachos and a pitcher of iced tea, and a bottle of water for Lyn. Benny grabbed his burger and unraveled it from the yellow paper that covered it. And gouged on his sandwich. The slightly toasted auburn buns gave a faint crunch along with the crackling sound of lettuce and onions. The juices from the meat, dripped along with the concoction of ketchup, mayo and mustard, along with the melted cheese and tiny bits of pickles. Benny’s euphoria showed on his face.

After slowing his bite, he took a few pieces of fries and pressed them unto the nachos, to smoother them with the same cheese melt.

“ I guess you’re not “that” hungry”, Margo commented

Benny found himself slightly hunched over at the table, while ravaging his meal.

“ Ha ha, funny.” he propped himself back and took a napkin from the dispenser, right next to the rather- empty salt and pepper shakers.

“ Tell us what happened. How’re you holding up?” Lyn, pressed.

The mood shifted. Benny swallowed his food and attempted to pour himself some iced tea, but Lyn, got to it first, and filled his cup.

“ Thank you.” He finished his drink and gave out a big sigh. The two looked at him, as he slouched over his seat.

“ Wow. You look like shit.” Margo commented out of surprise. Benny was still wearing yesterday’s clothes, no make-up; his hair: all over the place. It was the first time that both of them, or anyone, had seen Benny in this state. A far cry from his usual clean and flamboyant look.

“ I’ve been up all night,… But still, I look better than both of you combined.” Benny winked and gave a weak smile.

A van pulls up across the street from the joint. Leroy and Piatt, went outside. Both dressed in black overalls.Shortly after they made their way into the establishment. The lunch rush was heavy. Queues ranging all the way to the front entrance. The smell of burgers grilling made their stomachs grumble.

“ I’ll order for us. Find us a spot.” Piatt ordered.

“ Okay. I’ll have the classic set, and some coke.” After seeing Piatt nod, he went on to find themselves an empty table. Leroy, still trying to wrap his head of what happened prior, paid little attention to his surroundings, as he continuously bumped into people. This was the first time he had been alone with his thoughts since last night. Everything happened so fast, it was surreal, he thought to himself.

Fortunately, there was an empty table, just behind a group of three. Walking towards it, he notices the guy with the green hair eyed him for a second. But he shrugged it off and went on to secure the seat.

He raked his fingers through his hair. It was slightly greasy to the touch. He then sunk his head into his right palm.

Earlier that day, Sandra had asked him to talk in her vehicle. It was a black SUV. He was unsure of what model nor brand it was, surely he had never seen such a ride on the island. The leather seats and luxurious interior of the car, gave away that it costs a small fortune. Even the smell felt expensive. He was greeted at the back seat by Piatt. He briefly thanked him, but Piatt cut him off and told him to listen to, what Sandra has to say. She didn’t turn back, her eyes affixed to what was in front of her as she pulled out of the parking lot.

“ Do you remember what happened last night? What you saw?”

“ Uh- yeah, it’s some guy… and the markings.”

“ Just like my brother’s, isn’t it?”

“ It did look like his. I’m sorry.”

“ It seems the sun God has intertwined our fates. Cruel to you, but convenient for me.”

Leroy and Piatt looked at each other, silently urging the other one to talk.

But neither won’t budge. Sandra adjusted her mirror just enough that they both could see her eyes.She glanced at them for a brief moment.

“ Leroy… I need you to work for me.”

“Wait, no. Just no. I’m sorry but I can’t.”

“Hmm, very well then.”

“ I’ll have my people send you the hospital bill then.”

“ Wait. Isn’t it covered by my healthcare?”

” For being a janitor? No. Besides, why would it be? It doesn’t cover bar fights.” Leroy, although he could only see the back of her head, he felt that she gave a smirk.

“What if I talked to the police?”

“ I’d be impressed if you did, but, you may have to leave town.”

Piatt tugged Leroy’s arm with much more force than he had calculated.

“ Think! We’re in a tough spot here. And the most sensible thing to do is take her offer.”

“True. Besides, who’s going to take care of your mother? If you’re not here to pay those bills.”

Leroy clenched his fist and felt infuriated. He knew rich people would do anything to get what they wanted, but this was low, even for them, he thought.

“ Fine.”

Sandra, from the reflection, could see Leroy’s anger. She relished the thought.

“ Good. I’m sure you’d be glad you took my offer.” Sandra was enjoying herself, as if submission was her favorite breakfast.

“ Piatt, you know what to do, Leroy, do as he says.”

“ Wait, am I supposed to rest? I can’t work yet.”

“ You’ll be fine. Besides, Piatt’s going to take care of you. Shall I drop you guys here?”

“ Yes ma’am.” Piatt replied. Leroy, still looking back and forth between the two, with a confused look on his face. Sandra dropped them off on the corner of the street, just about the edge of the commercial area of the town. Near the public market.

“ Hey, what are we going to do?”

“ Come with me.”

They both made their way passing through the stalls of fruits, meat and vegetables. Each time they pass a stall, a vendor notices them and tries to invite them to come on over to their stall. The public market was always full of life, the sound of people haggling, the percussive tune of blade against meat and produce. And the blind street performer who plays both the guitar and the harmonica.

“C’mon” Piatt invited the still confused Leroy to a small lane, sandwiched between two house, just big enough for one person to go at a time. Piatt led the way.

“ Where 'we going?”

“ My place.”

“Ok, why?”

“ To get some things we need.”

Piatt, made a turn onto another small lane, and made his way to the dingy gate which was a few paces from them. He proceeded to open it with the key he reached out from his pocket.

He invited Leroy into his house.

It looked like a time capsule from the past.Classic furniture, a wooden coffee table and pristine china, on large standing cabinets. Old memorabilia from his days as a detective hung on the walls. Various trophies and medals decorated a part of the wall. Large framed pictures of Piatt and his wife and 2 daughters. The only thing that was new was his TV, modern plasma. It stood out like a sore thumb.

Piatt went into one of the rooms after telling Leroy to make himself home.

A few moments later, Piatt handed Leroy a stack of clothes.

“ Here. You look awful. Get a shower and change into these.”

“ What’s this, our uniform?” Leroy scoffed.

“ Yes. The boss instructed me to give this to you. Hurry, we don’t have all day.”

After taking a shower and putting on the clothes, which, weirdly enough, his exact size. Piatt was waiting in the living room. Beside him, was a brown duffle bag.

“What’s in the bag?”

“ Things we’ll need later. But for now, let’s go grab something to eat.”