Blind Man's Bluff

by Gene Lembrick

  “Madam, we’re here,” he says, reaching toward her to softly shake her shoulder.

  Rosa’s body falls down across the seat. The driver runs into the hospital.

  “Hurry, I have an injured pregnant woman in my taxi!” He says.

  Nurses and a doctor run outside to her. They can’t get a pulse. After several minutes of CPR, they pronounce her dead. Their mission now is to see if they can save the fetus, but the heartbeat soon fades. The beautiful red-haired woman is listed as a Jane Doe, as she has no identification on her. They have no idea who she is, where she’s from, or whom to contact about her death. The only course is to alert the local authorities of dead Jane Doe.

  Ronaldo Zaprini has been a taxi driver in Milan for nearly 31 years; it’s a job that he loves. In his years of service, he’s witnessed three births in the back-seat; that’s considered good luck in his business. He never thought that the day would come that he’d see a death in his cab. He now believes that he’s cursed. He drops to his knees to beg the heavens for forgiveness.

  After being questioned by the police, Ronaldo walks out of the hospital, but he is reluctant to even look in the direction of his taxi. “I will never step foot in that machine again,” he tells an investigating officer. “As a matter of fact, I’ll never drive again. I’m sixty-three years-old, and as of today, I’m retired.”

  Ronaldo Zaprini walks home. In the vehicle he’s left behind are several mementos that are dear to his heart. One is a photo of his wife of forty years, Anacleta. Anacleta and Ronaldo have a granddaughter, Little Yrma. Her crayon drawing of her Nonno has been pinned on his sun-visor since the day that she presented it to him. Ronaldo allows those items to remain forever with the cursed vehicle.

  Word quickly spreads through the taxi station of what’s happened to Ronaldo. His fellow cabbies are not surprised that he has picked up his last fare. Since that day, cab drivers in Milan have claimed to pick up a beautiful, heavily-clothed woman whose sweet appearance instantly changes to panic-stricken the moment she removes her hat to release her long red hair. She’ll scream, “Hospital!” at the driver, then blood will appear on her suddenly bruised face. In a matter of moments, the passenger evaporates into thin air. Stories about “the ghost of Rossi” serve as warnings against picking up a heavily-clothed woman wearing a hat. Every driver who thinks he’s seen Rossi begs the heavens for forgiveness. Some drivers ask women to remove their hat to prove their hair isn’t red. The Rossi legend even affects out-of-town visitors who, unaware, pick up this ghost and get the shock of their lives. It’s extremely bad for men who have thoughts of getting lucky with a beautiful woman who’s trying to get their attention. A few people are said to have had heart attacks when this ghost’s pleasant tone changes in the car. Rossi roams the streets of Milan to this day, seeking rides from strangers.

  Superstitions

  In the police station, Dominic looks at the faces of Detectives David, Detective Jordan and his best friend Brandon. All three look as if they’ve seen a ghost.

  “Dude!” says Brandon, “I have goose bumps now!”

  “Wow,” says Detective David, “that’s some story!”

  “I’m like Brandon,” says Jordan. “I have chills right now!”

  “That’s how I felt the night I heard my grandmother telling the story,” Dominic says.

  “Now I see why you give Ida that crazy stare all the time,” says Brandon.

  “I don’t mean to be mean to her, but she’s a constant reminder to me of the story.”

  “It’s funny,” says David, “how every culture has superstitions. “Look at this.”

  Detective David flips up the collar of his shirt. “When I started at the police academy, my mother had me wear a safety pin under my collar every day to work. It’s supposed to fight off evil spirits. I’ve worn one every single day while I’ve been on duty. I always rub the pin prior to going into a police situation for good luck.”

  “No shit?” says Detective Jordan, upon hearing something for the first time from his cubicle-mate.

  “It’s a Jewish belief,” explains David. “According to Eleazer of Worms, who was a leader of the pietistic Hasidei Ashkenaz in medieval times, metal is a protector.”

  “Wow,” says Jordan. “I remember when I was a kid my mom wouldn’t allow me to sweep the floor, because it would bring unwanted guests to the home. Or when we walked together, we’d never split a pole.”

  Brandon says, “Every New Year’s Day, you can’t wash clothes because you’re washing away some family member’s life. You must also have black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck. Collard greens to bring money to the family.”

  “That’s true, Brandon,” says Jordan. “Have you ever heard that if it’s raining out while it’s sunny, that…”

  “The devil is beating his wife!” Brandon says in unison with Jordan, and all four of them laugh.

  “I got a couple from my wife’s Polish family,” David says. “If you go back home for something, always stop and count to ten. A day before our wedding, she put her shoes on the window-sill so the next day would be beautiful weather. Then there’s one she didn’t tell me about. I only found out much later.”

  “What’s that?” Dominic asks.

  “If a woman places a small piece of her wedding dress fabric onto the groom’s shoe while kissing in front of the altar, she will gain the household power in making decisions for the home.”

  Jordan frowns as if skeptical. “Really? Did she do that and how did you find out?”

  “Yes, she did, which I found odd at the time. A few years ago, I asked Bilski, who’s Polish, and he got a big laugh at my expense. He’s the one that told me what it meant. On our honeymoon, I asked my wife about it but she said No reason, it’s just a good luck thing to do.’ I never told her that I later found out the real reason. Man, I was heated when Bilski told me that.”

  “I can imagine. Did it work for her?”

  “Well, I guess it did, because I usually went along with whatever she wanted to do. I didn’t know why at the time, I just did.”

  Detective David stands up and extends his hand to Dominic and Brandon. “I want to thank you boys for coming down. You’ve been very helpful, and your story, Dominic, was very entertaining.”

  “I’m glad I needed to stop in,” adds Detective Jordan, “otherwise I would have missed you guys.”

  “I’m still so excited to be in the company of the top high school quarterback in the country, and one of the best running backs in Connecticut,” says Jordan, then asks, “Brandon, would you sign this cover sheet for me? You also, Dominic, please?”

  Brandon is used to people asking for his autograph; however, Dominic is not. He’s inwardly smiling but playing it cool as if he’s used to autograph-seekers.

  Detective David shakes his head at Jordan’s giddy school-girl behavior.

  “Good luck in the playoffs,” Jordan says as Brandon and Dominic leave the station.

  “When are you leaving for North Carolina?” David asks.

  “Around 6 a.m.”

  “Well, you better get going and get some rest, since you’re driving.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Have a safe trip.”

  • • •

  Outside the police station, Brandon gets a call from Chris.

  “What’s up, D.J.?”

  “I don’t want to hear it.”

  “Don’t want to hear what?”

  “What’s up, Brandon? asks Dominic.

  “I don’t know, but Chris sounds strange,” says Brandon.

  “C’mon, dude, I just don’t want to hear it!”

  It hits Brandon.

  “Did you run out of gas?”

  “I’m on the corner of Billings Road and Silver Street. Hurry up, bro.”

  “We’ll be right there. And yes, you’re gonna
hear it. We may even take picture to upload onto Facebook for this classic event.”

  Dominic is laughing so hard that his face turns red. They drive to the local gas station to fill up the gas container Brandon’s dad keeps in the trunk of his car in order to help the stranded Chris out.

  • • •

  Later That Day

  As promised, Chris picks up his girlfriend Brooklyn to take her out. She’s expecting that they’re going to the movies, but Chris figures she won’t mind going to the reservoir. Brooklyn plays coy with Chris as if she doesn’t know where he’s heading. Once he puts his car in park, he makes his moves.

  “Oh, excuse me?” she says.

  “You’re excused,” whispers Chris, kissing her neck.

  Brooklyn pushes him back, and says, “I want to go to the movies, Chris!”

  “I thought you wanted to spend some quality time together.”

  “I do. At the movies. Maybe if it’s not late, we can hang out afterwards.”

  Chris leans in toward her lips and says, “Gimme some spit.”

  “Ew, you’re so nasty!” she says, giggling, but stands her ground.

  Chris leans back away from Brooklyn and puts on a sad face.

  “Come on, baby, I need you.”

  Brooklyn folds her arms and says, “To have me isn’t a right, but a privilege!”

  Chris can’t help but laugh at her using his own words against him. He starts up the car. “Okay, you got me.”

  “I’m glad we’re in agreement. Now hurry. The movie I want to see starts in thirty minutes,” says Brooklyn. “By-the-way, why do some people call you D.J.?” she asks.

  Chris looks at her without answering.

  “No part of your name has those beginning initials and you’re not a disc jockey,” she says.

  “Guys are silly,” he says. “Who knows why?”

  Now that they’re in the parking lot of the Manchester, Connecticut, movie theater, Chris parks the car. Brooklyn considers testing Lucy’s theory about how gentlemen should act. Out on the sidewalk, Brooklyn positions herself on the outside of Chris, near the street. As they walk, she is praying to herself that Chris will switch positions with her. The moment never comes; he is perfectly fine walking where Brooklyn’s placed him.

  “So, what do you want to see?” he asks when they’re inside the theater.

  “I don’t really care. Whatever,” she says, pouting.

  Confused by her sudden mood change, he asks, “What’s your problem?”

  “Nothing.”

  “I don’t get women sometimes,” he says, shaking his head.

  Brooklyn feels that maybe a good drama will make her feel better, so she points to the film showing in theater five. Chris buys two tickets and they head inside. She thinks to herself that tomorrow night’s slumber party with the girls and Saturday’s shopping trip to New York City are coming up at a great time. Maybe then I’ll be in a better mood to deal with my knucklehead boyfriend.

  The Slumber Party

  It’s Friday night and the girls are at Brooklyn’s for a sleep over. Lauren, Lucy, and Vicki are already there, in their pajamas, partying to the music, but Ida has yet to arrive.

  “What’s up? Everyone is here, but u,” Brooklyn texts.

  “I’m almost @ ur door now, B there in a few.”

  “Ok, I’ll leave the front door unlock. Lock it after u come in. We’re in my room. Mom & Dad R out 2nite.”

  “K.”

  Dr. Gavin Buckley is sitting in a rental car, a 2014 Chevrolet Impala, outside the house. His patient, Jade, knows he owns a 2013 Acura TSX. He doesn’t want her to know that he’s watching her. When he spots Ida walking in his direction, he slides down in his seat.

  Ida arrives at Brooklyn’s parents’ large colonial house; she locks the front door behind her then follows the sound of music upstairs to Brooklyn’s bedroom. She recognizes the Colby O’ Donis song featuring Akon, “What You Got.” Ida opens up the bedroom door to see Brooklyn, Lauren, Lucy, and Vicki dancing and singing in their pajamas.

  Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.

  Vicki sings:

  I peeped you on the phone

  Just showin’ off your stone

  And noticed that,

  That pinky ring is bright enough baby

  Then it’s Brooklyn’s turn:

  I know you’re not alone

  But I could just be wrong

  The way them fella houndin’

  And sizing you up baby

  Lucy chimes in:

  And I like the way you take advantage

  Of every man you love I see,

  And I know your game girl

  Then Lauren:

  But I don’t mind if you come and play with us,

  Just don’t talk too much I see you,

  You’re so cute, you don’t have to say a word.

  Ida makes her way to Brooklyn’s bathroom to change into her pajamas.

  Brooklyn, Lauren, Lucy, and Vicki sing the hook together like they’re shooting a music video.

  Yeah those guys wanna come treat you right

  ‘Cause you’re sweeter than apple pie

  Everything that you want you got

  Girl you know that you need to stop

  Most beautiful thing in sight

  Always taking on the spotlight

  Always in the club looking hot

  Girl you know that you need to stop

  Always talking about what you got

  Always talking about what you got

  Always talking about what you got

  Girl you know that you need to stop

  Brooklyn breaks away from the other three, who continue to sing together. She knocks on the bathroom door.

  “Don’t be in there changing my toilet paper, Ida!” At that very moment, Ida has the roll in her hand, ready to flip it. All the girls know that the toilet paper’s going under is a major pet peeve of hers. Ida ignores Brooklyn and flips the roll over. When Ida comes out of the bathroom, the dancing has died down.

  “When are you heifers going to realize that having toilet paper going under is freaking nasty?”

  “Girl, please,” Vicki says.

  Brooklyn pulls Lucy aside from the other girls. “What’s up?” Lucy asks.

  “I don’t want the others to know, but I put Chris through the test when we went out.”

  “Oh, really. Well, how did it go?” Lucy asks.

  Brooklyn grits her teeth in anger. “He remained on the inside. He never made an attempt to switch sides with me.”

  “I’m at a loss for words. I’m sorry,” Lucy says as she rubs Brooklyn’s shoulder to show support.

  Lauren asks, “What time should we leave in the morning?”

  “How about seven?” offers Lucy, and they all agree.

  “So we should turn in now,” Vicki says.

  “Not so fast,” says Brooklyn, “let’s play a game.”

  “Like what?” asks Ida.

  Lauren and Brooklyn exchange mischievous glances.

  “Let’s play ‘Marry-Screw-Kill!’”

  “Excuse me?” says Ida.

  “Marry-Screw-Kill,” says Brooklyn. “You give someone the names of three famous people. Out of the three, who would you marry, who would you have sex with once and who would you kill?”

  “Oh, this will be fun,” says Vicki.

  Ida looks disgusted and says, “That is so juvenile, I’m not playing something so silly!”

  Vicki says, “Oh, you’re here, so you’re playing!”

  “Whatever.”

  “You’re first, Vicki,” says Brooklyn. “Marry-screw-kill Justin Bieber, Zac Efron and Taylor Lautner?”

  The girls are hysterical with laughter; even Ida begins to laugh a li
ttle. “This one is too easy,” says Vicki. “Kill Bieber, screw Zac, and marry Taylor. I’m team Jacob!”

  “Excellent choice,” says Brooklyn. “Lucy, your turn.”

  “I’m ready.”

  “You like that chocolate: Marry-screw-kill, LL Cool J, Morris Chestnut, and Idris Elba?”

  “You’re killing me!” Lucy says with a laugh, then thinks a bit and replies, “Marry Morris, screw LL, and kill Idris.”

  The laughter in the room is deafening.

  “Your turn, Lauren,” says Brooklyn.

  “I’m ready!” she says.

  “Bradley Cooper, Ryan Gosling, and Leonardo DiCaprio?”

  Lauren says, “Marry Ryan, screw Bradley, and Leo has to die.”

  Lauren says, “Your turn, Brook: Chris Pine...

  “Who?”

  “Captain Kirk,” says Lauren.

  “Oh. However, I’m not digging the name Chris right now.” Ida and Lucy snicker.

  “Like I was about to say: Chris Pine, The Rock, and Channing Tatum.”

  “Marry Channing, screw The Rock, and Chris shall die.”

  “Sounds like poor Chris didn’t have a chance,” Lucy says.

  “Nope. Ready, Ida?”

  “Sure.”

  “You can have the super-hero group,” says Lauren.

  “Chris Hemsworth, a.k.a. Thor,” recites Brooklyn. “Andrew Garfield, a.k.a. SpiderMan, and Henry Cavill, a.k.a. Superman. Marry-screw-kill?”

  “Marry Spiderman, since his alter ego is intelligent. Screw Superman, and kill Thor;everyone knows blonds are dumb.”

  “Hey!” says blonde Brooklyn, and they all laugh.

  Dr. Buckley is still outside in the car, and he can hear the girls laughing. Brooklyn’s bedroom window is slightly open. A police cruiser pulls up beside him. The officer thinks it is odd that a man is just sitting in a car on a quiet residential street, so he rolls down his passenger side window.

  “Good evening. Is everything okay?”

  The startled Dr. Buckley quickly says, “Oh, everything’s fine, officer. I’m talking on my cell phone’s speaker; I forgot my earpiece at home.” Dr. Buckley holds up his phone.