by Elias Raven
I took off to follow him. Timing is everything when you are tailing someone. The biggest thing was to make it look like you were not following them. Luckily the bathroom was near the back door, so if he turned around, I could make a beeline for the loo and duck into the men’s room if necessary. He stepped out through the back door leading to the parking lot. I gave him a few minutes and then headed through that same door myself.
The sun was shining brightly, and the cars were packed in all around. There was enough room to get out, but you had to be bloody careful not to nick your neighbor's car in the process. Americans. Some days I think they pay for their operating permits instead of actually learning to drive.
I raised my FOB, pressed the button, and was gratified to hear my Mini talking back to me. I walked out into the lot looking for our friend, but he was nowhere to be seen. I walked nonchalantly to my Mini and popped the rear boot, but still, there was no sign of our friend The Whistler.
I scanned the lot but did not see him anywhere. He wasn’t a bloody jackrabbit. I wondered where he had gotten off to? I walked around the rear of the restaurant checking for loose doors to the storage areas or freezers, but everything was locked, and our friend had vanished into thin air. I walked toward the front, but still, there was no sign. There was not a lot of foliage for The Whistler to hide in and the nearest building was too far away for him to sprint to, and I literally was on his tail. He had no more than a few minutes ahead of me. Ava did have a security system; maybe I could review the film during the lull?
When I returned to the women, I was scratching my head and gave them the no sign.
“Did you see him? What was he driving? Misty asked.
“I don’t know ladies. He just up and disappeared. Unless he had bloody wings to fly, the back parking lot is packed with cars. I would say they are stacked up like cordwood everywhere. It would have taken him a few minutes to get a vehicle or motorcycle out. You didn’t see a bicycle or the man on foot did you? I asked them.
Both women shook their heads. “Bloody hell! Are you both ok?” I asked them.
“Yeah! That was fucking creepy. He commented on my hair,” Misty said.
“I felt like I had snakes crawling all over me,” she added.
I could tell Misty was still very much shaken by the whole ordeal. I looked across the restaurant and saw that Mac and Reid were returning to join us again.
“Mac and Reid look like they are done with the examiner,” I said to them. Reid came walking back to the counter with Mac and pulled out his card handing it to Rhianna.
“Call me when you have a minute, and we can talk privately. From what little Royston told us, we should probably do this quietly without ears around.” He smiled, and Rhianna took the card.
“Ok, I’ll call you for a meeting later today. Maybe we can meet at my house?” she asked and shook his hand.
“That should work out. Mac just received a call out, but I have the afternoon free,” Reid replied.
Reid and Mac leaned over and told me they would talk to me later and headed out to their car. My eyes followed them to the door, and Sally caught my attention through the window. She was getting into a limousine.
I held up my hand and had Ava bring over the check. She was happily still busily moving back and forth across the counter trying to handle the incoming lunch rush. Business was definitely good, and she had worked her tail off for the privilege of having a successful business.
I paid her cash on the spot adding a nice tip as well. Ava smiled at me and playfully asked if she would see me later. I could see Rhianna and Misty both listening in and giving me the stink eye. I was going to be dealing with a literal maelstrom of shit from these women later. I knew Rhianna and Misty well enough to know they were not going to be ubiquitous. They were going to tear me a new ass.
Everyone knew that Ava liked Reid and that I should stay clear. Yet the woman did like to tease me incessantly. Who was I not to be a gentleman and deny such a beautiful creature my adoration?
“Royston, you had better watch it, or you are going to get cop blocked!” Misty said laughing at her own joke.
I started laughing at the last comment waving my finger at them. “You two are absolutely devilish in the thoughts you have!” I said to them both.
I followed them out to their bikes. We all kept our eyes peeled for The Whistler, but like I had explained to them earlier, he had disappeared into thin air.
We were walking toward the ladies Harley’s when a gentleman approached us. I tensed and saw Rhianna grab her helmet ready to break it across someone’s nose. I smiled and waved her off and looked at them both.
“Relax, It’s Ms. Levenson’s date I do believe?” I said quickly.
As the man approached I intercepted him. “Excuse me, are you Derek by any chance? I asked
“Why yes, Royston isn’t it? You remember me, I hope?” Derek replied.
I stuck my hand out and shook his hand firmly.
“Good to see you. Of course, I remember you. You helped us with that big festival show in Napa last year with the transportation costs.” I said back to him.
“Anything for the arts. I’m a big fan. Hey, speaking of which, I kind of have something happening this weekend. Do you think the girls might be interested in a charity gig?” he asked casually looking over at Rhianna and Misty. I picked up on the look.
“My manners are totally lacking. Excuse me. Rhianna, Misty, do you remember the gentleman I said was our benefactor during the Napa show?” I waited for their acknowledgment before I continued. “That would be this gentleman right here, Derek Lemark!” I told them.
“Pleasure to meet you Mr. Lemark,” Rhianna replied.
Both women shook hands with him as he continued his tale.
“You as well. I have some friends in town. Forest Summers is raising money for his foundation. He’s working against sex trafficking. It’s a small venue, a few hundred, not sure if the girls would be interested, but I’d love it if they would play...and I have another favor to ask.”
“Are we headlining Derek or playing with another band and sharing the bill?” Rhianna asked
“Up to you. I have Angel Fire booked and, Beneath the Burn. No one really cares who’s on first or last or even if you jam it up. Whatever you want. You’d be doing me a favor.”
Rhianna looked at me and then Misty, and we all nodded our assent.
“Actually, we co-headlined a gig with Angel Fire last year down in Mountain View Winery. They kicked ass. We are definitely in,” Rhianna said.
“Is it low-key private or promote-the-hell-out-of-it-public?” Misty asked
“It’s low-key, exclusive, invite only, $10K a head? We’re aiming to raise dollars. It’s at The Cellar, my friend Damien’s place.” Derek replied.
I raised an eyebrow when I heard where we had just volunteered to play. I wasn’t sure the ladies knew the reputation of The Cellar.
“Do we need to bring all of our gear or are you setting it up for all of us?” Rhianna asked.
“We’ll take care of setting up everything with San Francisco Sound. They will handle the boards and amps and setting up the lights and everything. Just bring your normal instruments, and we will take care of the rest. I think Royston’s worked with them before?” Derek asked.
“Yes, I have! They are a good lot. I’m quite familiar with the owner, and he likes us. Just send me the details, and we’ll be there early to do a sound check and get setup.”
“Perfect. Let me send you Forest’s contact info. He’s handling the details. I have one more favor to ask. That woman I was with, well she’s a huge fan of yours. I tried to get her to go over and say hi, but she wouldn’t have anything to do with that. I’d really love it if we could work out something special...get her to meet you. It would make her day.” Derek continued.
I looked over at the girls and winked.
“I think that can be arranged. Being one of our benefactors, I am sure the band would love to meet her.
Is there anything special you would like us to do to get her attention? A dedication or song perhaps? We don’t normally do that sort of rubbish, but we do make allowances for charity work and all that?” I replied laughing.
“That would be perfect. When you take the stage, maybe just call her up front. Sing My Lover, and I’ll take it from there.” Derek replied.
“Are you going to be up near the front?” I asked.
“I’ll try.” Was his quick reply.
“I’m familiar with The Cellar. They have excellent wine, and I do believe they like to engage in some after-hours party favors if I’m not mistaken?” I said almost cavalierly.
“Absolutely! Damien doesn’t usually open up the ‘real’ Cellar to the public, but we’ll be opening the doors for our friends. You and the girls are welcome to come underground,” Derek offered.
I could see Misty and Rhianna giving me a rather wicked smirk.
“Royston, I’m sure you’re going to tell us all about The Cellar aren’t you?” Rhianna said laughing.
“You ladies will love it if you’re into...well, the non-conventional lifestyle,” Derek replied with a grin on his face.
Misty raised an eyebrow and started laughing.
“Do I have to dress like a catholic school girl again? Rhianna, are you going as a penguin?” Misty blurted out!
“This is great. I can’t wait to surprise Sally.” He tugged on Royston’s sleeve and lowered his voice. “I have something else to ask, something needing your particular skills,” Derek whispered.
“I take it you would like to talk about this part offline perhaps?” I replied in kind.
“Very offline,” Derek said. “My friend Forest has been tracking this one group, but he’s come against a wall. I was thinking someone with your skillset might be able to help? He’s looking to find tech-savvy individuals and will pay whatever you ask. It’s not one of my special causes, but Forest and I try to support one another as we can,” he said quietly.
I rubbed my mustache for a second. I could tell Rhianna and Misty were getting bored.
“Girls, I’ll iron out the details with Derek and meet you back at your house. Give me ten minutes, and I’ll be right behind you,” I announced.
Rhianna looked at me for a second then winked and grabbed Misty’s hand and headed toward their Harleys.
I leaned forward and continued talking with Derek.
“You know that particular specialty is not advertised. How pray tell did you hear that I was some sort of tech wizard? Only a few know of my skill set?” I inquired.
“When you have the resources I do, information is easily acquired. I make it a point to know the details of those I support, and those I funnel money too,” Derek replied.
“Fair enough. Just be warned the types of people you’re asking me to investigate are a nasty lot. They have a habit of coming back on you if they catch wind of who flushed the rats out of the ship per se. I can get you the information for your friend, but where I have to get it and how can be a bit prickly and I would rather have me nowhere noted when he pursues the matter further,” I said to Derek.
“Forest is nothing but discrete, as am I. I asked around, looking for someone known to be invisible. Your name popped up, well, not your name, but with some digging, I pieced it together. Be careful out there, but this would be huge for Forest.” Derek patiently waited while I thought over what he was asking.
“Tell your friend to expect a message from me, it will probably be from a throwaway cell phone. I will arrange a meeting with him at a place of my choosing to get the details, and then we can pursue the matter further. I’ve been involved with these types before. It’s not unusual for them to slit your throat and pull your tongue through the hole to give you a nice necktie if you are caught. Caution will be of the utmost importance,” I said strongly.
“Got it. I’m making an introduction. Forest will know I facilitated, but to be honest, I don’t need to be involved any further. I leave it to you, and thanks,” Derek whispered.
I handed Derek a slip of paper.
“Here give me his cell number. I’ll be in touch within twenty-four hours.”
Derek wrote the number down, and I tucked it into my jacket pocket. We shook hands, and as I headed back into the restaurant, Derek made a call.
Laura had left our friends table just like I had asked. I pulled a white handkerchief from my pocket and carefully examined the water glass and coffee cup, glass and plate. I didn’t make out any fingerprints, and even the liquid had been drained out, so there was nothing left to get a DNA reading on. I inspected the edge of the glass and noted someone had wiped it down and that any prints that were visible were smudged. Very curious indeed. Our friend was no fool that was for sure.
I reached over and took the saucer and plates and glasses to the counter for Laura. I went back and cleared the plates and grabbed a wet towel from behind the bar and started wiping the table down as she came out from the kitchen.
“Well now aren’t you the nice one for helping a lady out?” she asked laughing.
“It was the least I could do for making you wait to carry on with your duties. I would suggest you be careful of this gentleman The Whistler my dear. There is something not quite right about him, and I sense danger. I think you and Ava should escort each other to your cars and make sure you have either mace or a hand Taser for protection,” I advised her.
“Oh come on Royston! He is just some weirdo off the street! I can handle myself!” she shot back.
“You did see Misty earlier?” I inquired.
“Yeah, she looked freaked. You don’t need to worry, he’s harmless just a little odd. Not to mention, Reid and Mac are real protective of Ava. There is usually one or two of San Fran’s finest in and out of here all day. And Reid installed a new security system and panic buttons. He’s a little crazy about security. Promise we’re covered here,” she replied.
“Laura, I am your friend. Just be careful! If something doesn’t seem right, lock yourself in the restaurant and call one of us immediately. Do you understand?” I told her looking into her eyes.
“Fine! If you want to ride in on your white horse you can go right ahead Royston,” she said laughing.
I finished cleaning and setting the table and gave her a hug and a quick peck on the cheek and headed to the front where my car was parked.
I glanced around, but still no sign of The Whistler chap!
I pulled out my cell and dialed Elias.
“Mate, the girls are on their way back to the house. I’m getting in my car now. Do you want me to pick something up for the four of you before I make it back to the house?” I asked.
“No need Royston, all of us are in town having breakfast ourselves. We thought it would take longer, so we decided to fend for ourselves.”
A baby cooed in the background.
“See you when you get back to Rhianna’s.” I jumped into the car and started her up.
We said our goodbyes, and I quickly checked in the mirrors. Traffic was light. I pulled out of the jammed parking lot, and I headed back up the highway toward Rhianna’s house.
My mind was playing back a reel of images from Misty’s encounter with our mysterious friend, The Whistler. I wondered if she got a picture of his face or at least maybe she saw enough that we could make a composite and get an identity on him.
Chapter 10
~Ode~
We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers
And sitting by desolate streams;
World losers and world forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems.
With wonderful deathless ditties
We build up the world’s great cities.
And out of a fabulous story
We fashion an empire’s glory:
One man with a dream, at p
leasure,
Shall go forth and conquer a crown;
And three with a new song’s measure
Can trample an empire down.
We, in the ages lying
In the buried past of the earth,
Built Nineveh with our sighing,
And Babel itself with our mirth;
And o’erthrew them with prophesying
To the old of the new world’s worth;
For each age is a dream that is dying,
Or one that is coming to birth.
By Arthur O'Shaughnessy
~Rhianna~ Misty reached her bike first. We took one last look around, but The Whistler was nowhere to be found. The trees were silent except for the occasional stirring from their slumbers, and all we saw were the cars passing, rushing headlong to their final destinations. I was hoping I didn’t lose breakfast.
That fucking weirdo really put the freak on my girl, and I wanted to smack him with my helmet for doing that to her. I kept thinking of my dream with The Skinwalker and now this. I reached down to my hip and slid my iPhone out of the case as we stood by our bikes. Misty could tell I was processing. She just watched me quietly as I checked my phone.
“Nothing! Not a word from Uncle. That’s really not like him. He always calls me back.”.
He was of an age that he spent more and more of his time on the reservation teaching the ones that were left who still cared enough to learn the old ways. Even though I was not full Navajo, he had seen the gift in me and listened to the Great Spirit when I had asked to be taught. He never left me in the silence; it was not his way.
“Call your grandmother,” Misty suggested.
“Good idea! I like how you’re fucking thinking, Honey. Sorry, Mr. Fedora in the cafe creeped me out!” I replied.
“I know, Baby! Trust me. I’m still having visions. It was like out of an episode of American Gothic or some shit. You are going to have to fuck me to sleep tonight, Honey,” she said laughing.
“Baby, I will be happy to oblige. I think we both need it and….” I winked, looking in her eyes. “Actually, fucking need isn’t the right word. I want you now,” I said firmly.