I couldn’t help laughing.
Money trumps everything!
29
While Agnes washed her face, I grabbed my wallet and pulled out an old sticky note. I took the phone out of my pocket and dialed the number. I’d put this off for too long. A woman answered on the other end of the line.
“Hello?”
“Is Moses there?”
“I think so, who may I say is calling?” Odd that she’d be suspicious.
“Tell him it’s the prodigal son.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Don’t worry, he will.” Agnes was standing by the bathroom door listening.
His voice filled the phone. It was still the same, only quieter.
“The prodigal son?”
“Yes, it’s me.”
“Then should I be expecting a return?” I considered hanging up even though there was no reason to. I wasn’t angry with Moses, just me.
“I’m in San Francisco and I thought I come up for a few days.”
“You know you’re always welcome. Will it be just you?”
“No, I’m bringing a woman, a friend with me.” I looked up at Agnes as I said this.
“She’s welcome too. When should we expect you?”
“In a couple days, I think we should talk.” I blurted this out.
“I think so too.” A pause. “It’ll be good to see you.”
“I hope so.”
“Are you still using that silly name?”
“Maybe.” He laughed at that.
“Goodbye, Monk.”
I said goodbye and put away the phone. Agnes came and sat with me. She’d redone her makeup and spritzed a little more perfume. I put my arm around her. She tried to smile.
“Shall we?”
I kissed her. “No time like the present.”
The lobby was small, fitting the size of the hotel and nothing like the large open spaces found in grand hotels. Consequently, it was inhospitable to mugs on the tail of a crazy woman and a runaway. As I looked around the lobby I figured they’d have to be outside or in an establishment within view of the hotel entrance. I couldn’t identify them exactly, but it gave me something to dwell on other than why Agnes was so sure I’d drop her once I heard the truth about whatever happened between her and Anna.
The hotel was on a busy street filled with those addicted to an active lifestyle. Agnes and I weren’t exactly a part of that crowd, but we made the most of it by watching the people around us hustle by when we weren’t window-shopping. Most of the stores were closed or closing, but there were bars and restaurants up and down the street to peer into. Our walk, as expected, was a quiet affair with neither of us eager to return to our worries and fears. That was just as well, I was tired and longing for a drink. Most of the bars were of the look at me type rather than those where you could hide in a booth. I wasn’t interested in fancy new martinis or cosmopolitans; I just wanted a glass of whiskey.
It was while looking up the street that I noticed the clowns. They looked more out of place than we did. They reminded me of Gordy and Artie, same general build, same attire; must be their gang colors. I laughed at that causing Agnes, who was off in her own little world, to look at me.
“What?”
“It’s nothing. How far is the restaurant? I was thinking of getting a drink.”
“It’s on the next block. I think there’s a bar. We’d be early.” I think she said that to put me off, but I wanted a drink and it was less than a half-hour before we were officially meant to drop by.
“It’ll be ok, I promise not to make a scene.”
“You’re a jerk, Buttman!”
I laughed, “That’s right, baby!”
“Funny guy.” Hey, at least she smiled.
Anna Barron’s was the name they’d given the place. I guess that made sense. It was a mid-sized space with high ceilings, wood beams and glass light fixtures that gave it a bigger feel. It was, in truth, a high-end shotgun shack, about thirty feet wide and maybe a hundred feet deep. I couldn’t tell for sure how much of that was kitchen. It was obvious they’d put some money into it, but having checked out the other places along the street, that was the norm. The bar was to the left. A cute young woman manned the front desk. I was about to mouth off that we knew the owners when a thin gregarious man saw us, or I should say, saw Agnes and waved.
This was Eric. He was of medium height, had light brown hair, was well groomed, and appeared easy going with a flair for the theatrical. He was dapper in the same odd way I was, with a penchant for an older style of clothes that fit him well. He had a deep laugh and a grace that made him the perfect host for the restaurant. If he disliked Agnes it wasn’t evident in his greeting.
“Agnes, I’m so glad you’re here. You look wonderful. And who’s this dashing young man with you?”
“Hello, Eric. You look wonderful too. The old guy is Monk.” She took his hand when he offered it. I considered that a good sign. I didn’t care for the old guy remark, though.
“It’s nice to meet you, Monk. I see you’ve had some misfortune.”
“Yeah, I fell off my bike.” Agnes grimaced at that, something Eric noticed.
“Well let’s hope the rides go better in the future. Can I get you a table? I’ll let Simon and Anna know you’re here.”
“That’d be great,” I answered.
Agnes looked around before asking Eric for the location of the restrooms. He gestured to the doors down by the kitchen entrance. She thanked him and we watched as she slowly walked through the tables.
“How’s she doing, Monk?”
I was surprised by the question and his evident concern.
“Tight as a drum. For some reason she’s certain I’ll dump her the minute I meet you.”
“That’s too bad, but I’m not surprised. The last time she came up it didn’t go well.” He raised his eyebrows and tilted his head as he said this.
“She mentioned that. If I had to say, I think she’s still deeply conflicted about a lot of things. Some of that’s because she hasn’t accepted what’s happened to her and is ashamed that she continues to be resentful. She wants to move on, it’s whether she has the will to do it. I say that having no actual credentials to back it up.”
Eric gave me a knowing glance.
“I hear you. Simon is, in some ways, no better. I think he still feels he should have a say in how Agnes behaves. She’s the only person he does that to. I think it goes back to their early years together when they were teens. It doesn’t help, certainly not now. He should have been honest with her a long time ago, but he kept going back and forth; stringing her along just made it worse at the end.”
He led me to a large table in the back. We sat down.
“Monk, I don’t know what you’re in the mood for, but I think the two of us need to make sure the party stays light-hearted.”
“I with you there. I’m done with all the crying and bad humor. A drink and a few laughs are what I need.”
“Amen.” We both smiled at that.
I could tell Eric and I would get along just fine.
Agnes saw us as she exited the restroom. Eric stood up and left to meet and greet, as well as inform Simon and Anna that their cross to bear was here. That was probably unkind. I guess I’d find out how unkind, and whether this family gathering was a combustible stew. A sweet young woman named Daphne brought us something to drink. The alcohol went down easy. I realized I’d have to be careful with how much I drank. It was the kind of night to drink heavily.
Simon and Anna came out of t
he kitchen, both in their chef’s smocks. Anna was the female version of her father, lean and tall. She had her mother’s hair and eyes, which, like Simon’s, were tight and focused on Agnes. Apparently neither thought it was party time. We rose to greet them. Agnes introduced us all. Eric came over to make sure the peace was maintained. A young man with a white hat brought out a series of plates. Simon explained he thought it would be interesting if we were able to sample a number of their dishes. It sounded good to me. I ate and Eric watched while the nuclear family nibbled here and there. Maybe Simon and Anna would eat later, and I expected Agnes to have no appetite. I didn’t hesitate; lunch had been a long six hours before. And the food was good…
…Really good! Whatever Simon’s faults might be, cooking was not one of them.
After I finished stuffing my face, during which they made small talk about the successes the restaurant was finally achieving; Barron and his plans, work and Johnny D, their attentions turned to me, the new guy. Anna spoke for the group.
“So, what is it you do, Monk? I’m sorry; I don’t think my mother told us your last name.”
“I know she didn’t, it’s Buttman, Monk Buttman, and I’m an odds and ends man. I do a number of things from information services to investigative work for a big law firm in LA. I like it. I’m not trapped at a desk and I get to do different things rather than the same thing over and over.”
Anna mulled this over. “That’s quite a name…”
“Yeah, I should have given it more thought...”
“You weren’t born with that name?”
“No, I acquired years ago, and for good or bad, it’s kind of stuck.”
Anna turned her attention to her mother. “How long have you known each other?”
“About two weeks. It’s been something of a whirlwind romance,” Agnes announced.
They all looked at me. I didn’t think it sounded very good either.
“It’s true, we’re still in the process of getting to know one another, our quirks, family histories; that kind of thing. We decided it had potential and now we’re on the road seeing family and friends. You know…” I was just sputtering hoping Daphne would return soon.
Eric popped the next question.
“You have family up here?”
“Up north near Ukiah.”
Simon, who had been mostly silent, went next. I don’t think he approved of me.
“What are your plans while you’re here?”
Agnes started to say something, but Simon interrupted, “Aggie, let the man talk.”
Aggie?
I cracked a big grin and started to chuckle. Agnes pinched my leg. When I looked at her I knew I was to never call her that. Simon, Eric, and Anna watched this with an odd kind of fascination. I didn’t know if they had met Jordan or any of her other boyfriends, but I wondered what they thought of the two of us.
“Our hope is to spend some time with Anna, but we know you’re busy. I thought it would be fun to tour the city, hit the parks, wander across the Golden Gate, touristy stuff.”
“Do you think you’d have some time, Anna?” Agnes was pleading.
Anna looked at Simon and Eric. Simon turned to Aggie, but didn’t say anything. Eric motioned with his head toward her mother.
“I have some time tomorrow. I guess we can get together for a while.” Her reluctance was writ large.
“You’ll behave, right Aggie?” Simon added.
Agnes did a slow burn, so I pinched her leg. She jumped and nodded. It was terribly condescending, but it didn’t warrant an argument. Instead, she apologized.
“I want you to know that I’m sorry for what I said before. I didn’t come up here to argue or fight. I just want to have some time with Anna. I miss you, and I love you, and…”
I took her hand, and handed her a tissue hoping to nip any possible crying jag in the bud.
“Mom, please don’t cry.” Anna was more annoyed than sympathetic.
“You’re right, no more crying.” Agnes paused long enough to excuse herself. Simon, who seemed embarrassed, said he had to check the kitchen and Eric left to schmooze the last remaining customers, it was closing time. That put me square in the sights of her daughter.
“Can I ask how you met my mother?”
“Sure, I met her at work. I had a meeting with Johnny D and she asked me if I wanted to have a drink later. I did, and we’ve been seeing each other ever since.”
I could see the wheels turning in Anna’s head.
“She told me you were different. Not like some of the other men.”
I could see the Agnes in her eyes.
“I like to think I am. I like your mother and we enjoy each other’s company.”
Anna pondered this. As she did, I gazed out towards the front windows. One of the clowns was walking by, looking in. I looked back. He turned away and sped off. I was half tempted to take out the gun, find the clown, and get some answers, but that only worked on TV. In real life you get arrested for felony assault and possession of an unregistered firearm. That wasn’t the way any of us wanted the evening to end. Agnes came back, trying to be brave, trying to smile.
“I think maybe we should head back, Monk. They have work to do.”
“True, you’re tired and it’s been a long day. We’ll get some rest, and start out fresh tomorrow.”
Agnes gave Anna a big hug and kissed her. We said goodbye to Eric, who in turn gave us a big hug. Simon came out to say goodbye, but kept his distance. Anna said she’d be at the hotel around noon. They watched as we left and headed down the street.
“Aggie, huh?” I had to say it.
“Don’t ever call me that, Buttman!” She smacked me in the arm.
“Jeez, what a temper...”
“Live and learn.”
We laughed while the clown followed a block behind.
30
An idle thought occurred to me as we approached the hotel. Agnes was fading, worn out by a second straight emotionally wrought day. I, on the other hand, still had some energy and a bizarre desire for confrontation. My hand had been fondling the 45 in my pocket and I had the urge to turn the tables on our erstwhile tails. I looked as we entered the lobby door to see if the guy was still there. He was, though partially hidden by a doorway. I told Agnes to go up, that I wanted something from the car.
After I made sure she was in the elevator, I found a corner by the window where I was obscured by the drapes. I watched as the tail slowly passed in front of the hotel, stopping momentarily to survey the interior. He then moved on. Once he passed the windows, I quietly went to the door and noticed him standing on the corner. He took out his phone. I knew from my trips around the block that there was a doorway from the parking garage to the backside of that corner. I left the lobby for the garage. No one was there, nor did I see any cameras. I walked through and carefully opened the door to the alley. The mug was still standing there, watching.
I pulled the gun out of my pocket and checked it. I had to be smart about this. I drew back the slide to chamber a round and checked the safety. I put it back in my pocket. My heart was pounding. I’d spent my entire life running and avoiding just these kinds of confrontations, but I was tired of being followed. The clown was preoccupied with a group of young women coming out of a bar across the street. It was perfect. I came up from behind and got close with my hand on the gun.
“Hey buddy, got a light?”
“What? No…”
As he turned he realized who I was. He eyes focused after he saw the bulge in the coat pocket where the gun was. It was pure movie cheese, but he bought it because, like me, he didn’t have
any idea what he was doing.
“Nice night out, huh?” I played it thick.
“I guess.”
“I’d be careful, buddy, if I were you. You never know who you might meet.”
We slowly circled so that I was by the street and the clown was in the alley.
“Yeah…” That was all he said.
I took my hand off the gun and headed for the hotel door. When I got there the clown was still watching.
“Tell your boyfriend the same thing.”
I returned to our room.
Agnes was sitting on the bed when I opened the door. At first I thought she was crying again; her eyes had that look, but then she smiled and came over and gave me a hug.
“Thanks, Monk.”
“For what?”
“For being here.”
“No problem. Feeling any better?”
“I don’t know. It still bothers me to be around Simon, but I didn’t want to hurt him like I did before. I should be happy for him and Eric, and I’m trying, I am.”
“I know how it goes. I don’t like to see my ex with her new man, but the truth is she’s better off with him than she was with me. It took me a long time to accept that. Simon is what he is, and he wants to be with Eric. Since he’s gay, it’s probably better that way. You’d never be happy together.”
“I know, but it still hurts.”
The evening was over. We cleaned up and went to bed. I couldn’t help thinking of Astral and all the mistakes I’d made. It’d been more than six years since she threw me out and married Judah. I laid there in the dark listening to Agnes breathe. I never really understood Astral. She was quiet, distant, but then I wasn’t much better. I thought it would just happen between us, the understanding, the love, the forgiveness… it never did. At the end we barely spoke. Yet here I was with a woman I’d just met and I felt I knew her far better than I ever knew Astral. Maybe it was the six years; too long to be alone, too long to not have someone to care for. I put my arm around her and she drew herself to me. I kissed her shoulder and drifted off to sleep.
Where Fools Dare to Tread Page 24