Craz

by Jessie Rose Case

  It didn’t take long to find Cho’s main place of business. Drawing up a map of the town on his optic, his offices and bar took up a large portion of one street. He had several other places in other towns. His business interests were vast. It looked like he had plenty of different ventures going on. The man was popular but not known for his friendly disposition.

  CraZ didn’t want to be his friend so that worked for him.

  They entered the bar from the main doorway and made their way through to a table. It wasn’t long before they’d been spotted, and a waitress came over taking their drinks. They were also offered food. His senses told him it was sin food and replicated. Not like The Diner. Putting the drinks down, she asked if she could get them anything else. The female looked worn down and exhausted. The scent of her sweat told him she was. Had Chris been like this here? His optic shown his heightened emotions. No, Taln told her but they wanted to see Cho.

  The female looked anxious. Guarded. Her scent had hints of fear. “You do?” she asked. CraZ leant forward.

  “We do. You look unhappy here. Leave. There is work for you at The Diner. Tell Chris I sent you.” She blinked back her shock.

  “Truly?” He gave her a nod and she smiled pulling her apron from her body and going to the bar. Talking to the bar man, she pointed in their direction and handed her apron over, walking out. The bar man wasn’t sure who to look at. Them or her leaving.

  In the end, he chose to go into the back. CraZ guessed to let Cho know. You sure Chris will take her in? Taln asked over his net.

  Without a doubt. If finances are an issue, I’ll pay for it.

  Cho showed his face from behind the bar looking for them. Then walked through and around it coming to their table. He stood and weighed them both up. A male confident in his own place in the world. One he’d created. “You know who we are?” Taln asked.

  “I do.”

  “You asked to contract with the Empire. This is your interview. Sit the fuck down.” Chris told him unable to hold the anger out of his voice.

  Cho didn’t know how to deal with that. He was looking for his usual respect and hadn’t got it. It made him wary. He wasn’t a happy man. CraZ could read all of that while Taln kept him updated on his thoughts over his neuro net. Cho pulled the chair out and took it. “I don’t have people disrespect me and not in my house.” He told them.

  “The things that you consider important are irrelevant to the Empire. You asked to contract with us. You received the terms?” Taln asked. Cho nodded. “And are you compliant?”

  He leant forward on the table towards them. “I am.”

  “Really? So you are not active in any illegal work. Your companies’ dealings are all above board. Even the shell ones? And you are not, actively taking measures to falsely discredit or bankrupt any other business’s?” Taln was good at his job.

  Cho looked a little red under the collar. “You do your homework,” he told them. “I have a number of business interests that’s true. Some of them haven’t always been on the up an up, but I’ve changed that. I want to work with the Empire.”

  CraZ stared at him. “What about the gangs running for you and the money extorsion? I hear they are, very good at dealing with problems and taking orders. Your people trashed The Diner earlier.”

  “That wasn’t me. Those women took my business, but I let them. There’s enough for everyone. Anyone who tells you different is lying. On the other stuff, yeah, they do their job well enough but it’s all going legit.” Cho sneered.

  “The warehouses, do you intend to continue trading as you are?”

  “Yes. There’s no reason not to. It’s all above board.”

  “Your records tell a different story. We have them. This bar is losing money. It once made plenty, was very popular with all the people. It was bustling with trade, not just for drinks and somewhere to stay. Now it’s not. Your running illegal goods, sex shops, extortion where you can. How is all that above board?” Cho now looked more than angry. They knew more than he’d hoped.

  “I told you those women took my business and I working on the other stuff.” They could scent how angry he was.

  “People talk. A man of your standing, letting that go? I find that improbable. It’s not a logical response.”

  Cho suddenly stood. “I don’t care what your logic tells you. That’s how it is.”

  “I see. We will continue our investigations. Make the enquiries we are required to do.” They both stood too. CraZ had heard enough. The male had lied consistently throughout the conversation with them. Any chance of him working with the Empire was gone. Now it was about protecting the females.

  He’ll be coming after the females, Taln told him walking out.

  Yes, and we will be ready for when he does.

  ***

  Their new waitress turned up shortly after lunch. Telling her that a Cyborg had told her to come and help. Said it would be ok. Chris recognised her from Cho’s. She guessed CraZ had made a visit and not liked what he’d seen and sent Meity to her.

  The girl stood there looking around unsure of herself, worried she’d made a mistake in coming, Chris could see it in her eyes. She wasn’t sure she could afford any more help with what was going on, but she wasn’t about to turn her away and reached out and embraced her. Chris remembered she had an ill mother and worked to support her family. She wasn’t sure where the girl’s father was. “It’s so good you’re here Meity. We’re in desperate need of some help. Racle will be so happy to see you!” She gave her the tour and told her to come back at 5.30. She had tears in her eyes as she made her way out. Chris tried not to show her anger. Meity was just another victim of living here. Things had to change.

  The kids came running in with Racle from school. She’d been in the middle of dinner prep when they’d burst in with what they’d done that day. Full of enthusiasm and excitement for her to see. She’d told Racle they had a waitress starting, Meity and stopped working to pick up their milk and snacks, going to sit with them at the table at the back of the restaurant. Racle would take the hour to clean up from lunch and prepare the tables for dinner. They kept this one table for themselves.

  No matter what, she always spent an hour with the children straight from school, before they took out their homework and she went back to work on the dinner menu, serving theirs at 5.30. It was precious time that she clawed back from the days of having none to spend with them. Just remembering how much she’d lost during those years spent working for Cho upset her.

  They’d made it work, she consoled herself. The kids would stay downstairs doing homework and playing games, using their datapad or reading. Then at 8pm she’d take them upstairs and get them ready for bed and tuck them in. She’d be down again by 8.30 and the next sitting.

  The kids were starting their meal as Meity arrived donning her apron and helping Racle open for dinner as usual at 6pm. The steady stream of Cyborgs CraZ had predicted came in. She saw them through the kitchen window. She’d made the extra food. Experience of serving them now and then, over all those years at Cho’s told her what they liked. She knew they always went with the freshest of food. High in protein and plenty of it. She’d gained some reliable meat and fish sources and used them well. Offering ‘Cyborg Dishes’ on the menu.

  She caught sight of CraZ and his friend walking by. Were they coming in? She wiped her hands and headed to the porthole door seeing into the restaurant. They walked in and Racle went over to meet them. The Diner was already busy. Racle showed them to a table but CraZ was looking beyond her to the back. The children…

  Her heart stilled. He seemed to be breathing in, then spoke to Racle who nodded, and he slowly approached the children as Taln took his seat. At the children’s table he bent down and held out his hand to both of them. Her eldest looked very sincere as he put his hand in his and shook. Her daughter giggled and shook his too. He spoke with both of them, seeming to ask a few questions and the children responded, showed him what they were doing, the conversation goi
ng on for a few minutes. Then he stood and to her surprise bowed, glanced over at her like he’d known she’d been there all along and went back to his table.

  She looked at her children. They were smiling at her and animated. What ever he’d said to them, it had been ok. Chris blew out a breath and stepped back giving them a wave and took the next order from Meity as she came through the door. Maybe it would work out?

  CraZ came back to Taln and sat down. Your mates’ children?

  Yes.

  You’re a lucky man. Cute.

  I am hopeful they will accept me. Are the men and cameras set up?

  Affirmative.

  Racle appeared at their table. “All ok?” He gave her a nod. “Ok what would you like?”

  Chapter Five

  They’d taken their time through dinner. The food was good. The Cyborg menu thoughtful and enough food to hold them. It was a nice touch. The Diner had a good reputation for food, despite the whispers, he could see why. It was deserved. The first sitting started to close down, and people ate and went. He and Taln kept an eye on everyone coming and going. Nothing appeared out of place. At last, Chris came out from the kitchen, her scent flowing easily to him, gathering up the children and ushering them upstairs. To his surprise they both turned to wave at him. Chris turned following their direction. He gave them a nod and they all walked up the stairs. He could hear the chatter. His audio allowing him to hear way beyond human hearing. The children were asking about the new men. Telling her he’d come to say hello and introduce himself. The girl, Cally, told her she liked him. The boy, Sonny, that he was a ‘fine man’. Chris ushered them up their stairs saying the Empire were ‘good people’. He tuned out then. It seemed a private moment, his systems lit up with a sense of achievement. It felt important. His data gave him no answers.

  We should move to the back table where the children were. It will give us full view of the room.

  Affirmative. They both got up and sat at the table.

  Racle came over. “Everything ok?”

  “We can see the room better from here. We’ll be staying till closing,” he told her.

  “Good, coffee, coda, dessert?” she asked.

  “Dessert and coffee.” She nodded and walked away taking plates into the kitchen. Most would be recycled.

  If he’s not completely stupid, he’ll know we are here. Taln told him over his neuro net.

  I’d expect that. We’ll see out to closing and see what happens.

  ***

  No one had been more surprised to see both Cyborgs at her table than her. Although in some ways, it felt right too. She’d given them a quick glance and headed back into the kitchen. The night wore on, meal after meal and before she knew it, they were closing the doors at 10pm. Finishing up and cleaning down. Meity had been a big help and Chris decided then and there that no matter what, she’d find the wages for her. Calling her into the kitchen, she gave her 5 nights a week. Tuesday to Saturday. 5.30 to 10.30. With the option of Sunday lunch, 11.30 to 4.30. Meity took all six days and went back to cleaning up with Racle. Chris grabbed a real coffee. Her one treat at the end of the day and walked into the restaurant. People were finishing off dessert and drinks. She nodded to a few she knew, asked how their meal was with others and made her way to her table sitting down.

  “You look tired,” CraZ told her. He didn’t look too, happy or maybe that was his way.

  She gave a half laugh and took a sip of her coffee. “I am,” she told him swallowing. “It’s a long day but so much easier and better than working for Cho. Despite no tables outside, it was a good night. I think some of that was due to you guys. Both Racle and Meity, came into the kitchen at one point and told me people were here checking you guys out.”

  He really didn’t like how she looked. His data stream told him just how much. His mind roared that she worked too hard. Needed more help and to do less. But logic told him she wasn’t ready to hear that or would want to. He held his tongue and turned the conversation to firmer ground. “That is logical. For many, it will be the first time they have seen Cyborgs. They’ll be worried, concerned for what that will mean for them and their families.”

  “Thank you for sending Meity. She’s a good girl. I’ll find the money to pay her. Cyborgs being here, what will it mean?”

  CraZ shrugged. “Whatever they want it to mean. We will offer trade, travel, contracts, security if it’s wanted, a base here or in orbit. It’s the people’s choice. We’re not here to dominate. We want commerce, a bigger Empire but on equal terms.”

  “And if they don’t?”

  “That’s ok too. Like I told you. We will still visit. Offer a presence, a liaison, a measure of protection as the world is within reach of the Empire but that will be it.” Her scent lingered in the air around him along with the smell of delicious food. His data told him she, would be the most delicious thing here. Holding back his natural impulses wasn’t easy. His body fired up with the prospect of being buried deep inside her. “Thank you for the Cyborg meals. Credits are not an issue. We are happy to pay for the food.”

  Chris nodded. “I thought it better to do that. The menu at Cho’s wasn’t ever big enough and they often ordered two dishes. So I thought if I put a Cyborg Menu of the Day on, it might solve that.”

  “It did.”

  Racle and Meity finished clearing up and joined them for coffee. Meity looked on the coffee in wonder. Chris wasn’t surprised she’d never had it. It was a luxury few could afford. She sipped it gently. Her face grimacing at the first mouthful. “Its bitter,” Chris told her. Taking the mug, she added some sugar and milk and handed it back. “Try it now.” Meity took another cautious sip, then smiled. “Better?” she nodded.

  They talked. About the day and what happened that morning. Meity spoke about working at Cho’s and how bad it had got after she’d left. Chris felt bad. She’d not considered how her leaving would affect the others there. And then Meity told them she’d spotted some of Cho’s men following her there. She’d tried to lose them but wasn’t sure she had. “Why hide it? Cho would find out eventually?” Chris asked. Turned out Cho had come across her between visiting earlier and turning up for service at 5.30. He’d threatened her if she went to work for them. “Asshole,” slipped passed her lips.

  “Indeed.” CraZ replied. Taln growled, they all looked at him. He was staring at Meity. Her face flamed and she looked back at her coffee.

  Brother? CraZ asked.

  Mate.

  Then we both have interests here.

  Agreed.

  “Meity, Taln means no harm with the noise. We all make it from time to time. He will however, be escorting you everywhere from now on. A guard will be stationed at your house at all times and will help with your family.” She nodded and checked the time.

  “I should be getting back. My mother will be worrying.” She stood and took the mug into the kitchen.

  “Do I need to give the speech that she is young and of this world?” Chris asked them both.

  “No.” Taln replied. “I will honour and protect her with my life.”

  Meity came back and they left soon after. “Well,” Racle told them standing. “I should get home too. Brian will be waiting.”

  “Is Brian your father, brother or friend?” CraZ asked. The female had a slight male scent but not embedded.

  She shook her head. “No, my husband.”

  CraZ gazed at her. “You do not carry a male scent female.”

  “Well I avoid him as much as I can.” She gave a way too big smile. He’d seen it before many times. She was hiding something.

  “We protect our own,” he told her simply.

  She nodded towards Chris. “Make sure you do.” Then bent and kissed her goodnight and left. CraZ got up and locked the door then came back to her.

  “That female has a problem with her husband.” He stated it as a fact.

  Chris nodded. “She does but cannot leave him without the protection of money. They will only drag her back. She ha
s to buy her way out of the marriage contract. That is how it is here.”

  They sat for a while in the silence. Chris didn’t feel the need to speak. And Cyborgs didn’t feel the need to be chatty. This was one of the best times of day for her. After all the hustle and bustle was done. The quiet after a busy day. She wasn’t sure how long they’d sat there but her coffee was soon gone.

  “Thank you for taking the female. She was unhappy at Cho’s. We went to see him, and she was frightened. I could scent it on her.”

  As she’d thought. “She’s a good worker and to be honest, I’d not considered what it would mean for the others when I left. She’s got a job here for as long as she wants one. I’m sure I can sort it out.”

  “You are a worthy female.”

  Chris gave a half laugh and put her mug down. “I’m not sure about that.”

  CraZ slipped from his seat with ease and kneeled before her. His face still a foot above hers. He dipped it to meet and hold her eyes. “I do,” he told her quietly.

  He hadn’t touched her, and it felt like he was all around her. That intense glow looking right at her. Chris wasn’t sure what to do. It was an intimate moment. If she reached out, she’d no doubt he’d welcome it, but she still wasn’t sure of her own feelings. With everything he’d told her, it wouldn’t be a quick fumble. Not that she’d ever experienced that. And the risks, were just too high.

  He looked amused at her. “I can read every expression across your face. You are thinking very hard.”