Malachi, Ruse Master

by Pamela Schloesser Canepa

  “Yes. I assume you already have the last name?”

  “Martinson?”

  “Yep.”

  “So, what did you find out last night?” he asked.

  “I tailed Clinton to a place called Other Life Bar.”

  “Oh.” He grew silent. Apparently he’d heard of the place, and had to process this information. “You’ll need to start gathering evidence.”

  “Shouldn’t we rule out drugs first?”

  “Trust my instincts, Malachi. You need to come see me in an hour for the camera. It’s very small and fits in your pocket. Shoot from the hip; no one will need to know you’ve taken any pictures. He has a secret, and we need to provide evidence of that secret.” He hung up.

  That could be difficult with the friends I had been making there, all those guys who wanted to show me around or help me transition into a new life. Was that why Clinton was there? I decided this would be a time when G.D. could prove helpful and started dialing.

  “Yeah, G.D. here.”

  “Hey, G.D. It’s Malachi. I have an unusual request.”

  “Hmm. Well, spit it out.”

  “I need you to go with me to Other Life Bar. My sister’s boyfriend could be there. I volunteered to find out what he’s up to. He’s been real distant with her and she just wants to get at the truth.”

  “Other Life? Oh, that’s a gay bar. Does your sister know that?”

  “Yes, she does. A mutual friend told her he was going there, just that he told them about it, not that they saw him there. I need to help her believe it. I’m sort of, well, I don’t want to LOOK like I’m spying on somebody. I want to look like I’m having a good time, but I don’t want to get hit on, you know what I mean?”

  “Well, sure, but you aren’t gonna’ ask me to get all chummy or hands all over you, ‘cuz I don’t know about that. I do have limits.”

  “Oh, no, no! We all have limits, G.D. You don’t have to hang all over me. I’ve been there before, just, a long time ago. Totally by accident, had no idea what kind of place I was going into. Nothing to worry about. There were guys in there you’d never guess; some are kind of uncomfortable, others are totally okay with being outwardly gay. I remember some guys talking to me; they all thought I was just new to it and unsure of myself. Here’s the thing, I may have to sneak a picture of the dude for my sister. I can’t do that if there are guys all around talking to me.”

  “When did you go?”

  “About a year ago, totally by accident, really.”

  “Yeah, I get it. You went in alone.”

  “Yep. And if you’re there, people might leave us alone, keep their distance, you know.”

  “Yeah, okay, but I’m not kissing you. You didn’t seem like the type.”

  “And I’m not. I just need to help my sister out.”

  “Okay, I’ll do it. But I’m charging fifty dollars more. I know that sounds like I’m pimping myself out, but you’re taking me outside my comfort zone.”

  “Alright, thanks G.D. I’m sure this will be good experience for you, though. Who knows if you may have to do this again?”

  “Or not. I do get to be choosy about my gigs; well, usually I do. Rent’s due next week. This’ll help.”

  “Thanks. Oh, and we’re still amateur film-makers, specifically: gore and slasher.”

  G.D. chuckled. “Ha, that story sounds like a safe bet.”

  “Tonight, alright?”

  “Okay, but meet at the coffee shop. What time?”

  “Let’s meet at 9 p.m. Actually, I’ll be outside. We should probably head out right away. I hear there is more of a line outside as it gets later.”

  “Really?”

  “Well, that’s what one of the guys said. Heck, I don’t know.”

  He chuckled again.

  “If your sister doesn’t trust him, she oughta’ just break up with him.”

  “I think she just really wants to know the truth. Like, once she knows, that could make it easier for her.” I was totally making that up, but it sure sounded good.

  He showed up, right on time, looking uneasy. I had just had a shot of espresso, so I’d be alert and aware. We planned to drive together to make it look more believable. I hadn’t even really thought about my attire. I was wearing flannel again. G.D. wore a pink, button-down shirt and a dinner jacket. He actually had cleaned up quite well.

  “I’m not sure about the shirt,” I commented.

  “Really? It was my attempt to fit the part, you know, fit in. I’m playing a part.” He looked a little annoyed.

  “We’re slasher/gore film artists. I’m just saying. But, yes, you’re trying. I get wanting to fit into the part. It’s just, we have a back story. I’ve been in there anyhow. You don’t have to wear a pink shirt. Seriously.” I looked down at my attire, no different than what I would wear on any given occasion, and I realized I, too, was playing a part. The clothes I wore never changed much, but I was sporting the dyed blond hair and black-framed glasses. Still, I knew I’d even be welcomed in this attire. I’m sure it helped a lot that I tended to tuck my flannel shirts in.

  G.D. scratched his head. “Ha. Right. You’re actually better at this than I am. Well, hmm. I’ve got a t-shirt in the car. I usually keep a few spares. By the way, are you driving, or am I?”

  “I’ll drive, no problem.”

  He got a t-shirt and another jacket out of the trunk then changed in the front seat of my car. “You’re not looking, are you?” he asked.

  “Haha,” I replied, wondering if he actually was joking. Had I put him on the defensive, asking him to go with me to a gay bar? I decided I really did not have time to worry about it. If he wanted to keep this gig of his going, he’d need to see how others live their lives anyway. His naiveté made me feel more like an expert already. I started the car and we were on our way, I in my flannel shirt and he in a Morrissey t-shirt underneath his leather jacket, just two average guys who dreamed of one day being professional film-makers.

  Chapter 15

  Exposing Truths

  We walked in and were greeted by Prudence, the friendly bartender. I didn’t remember her real name, as Prudence just seemed to fit more than anything else.

  “I see you brought a friend,” Prudence practically purred.

  “Yeah, um, this is G.D. He’s never been here before.”

  “I know,” she replied. “I’m good with faces, though you would never recognize mine if I wasn’t in drag.” She batted her eyelashes at G.D.

  “Oh,” he responded, taken aback.

  “Well, it’s nice to be remembered,” I said with a smile.

  “Who could forget you? College boy with that blonde dye job and the cute glasses. Great vocabulary, too.” She winked. “Though, if we met on the street, I’d swear you were straight.”

  Funny, it was the opposite of what I heard from girls all the time. I had to bite my tongue before I said thank you.

  “Is that a good thing, or bad?” I asked.

  “Well, if you haven’t come out yet, sugar, I guess it helps you fit in wherever you want.”

  G.D. raised an eyebrow at me. We each got drinks, and he followed me over to a table. No hand holding, no overly chummy touching, just two guys. I’m not really sure what any of them thought of us; we both looked a little uncomfortable there, hence the reason so many guys had offered the first time to give me advice on fitting into this ‘new life.’ I never had the heart to tell anyone it wasn’t really my thing. I thought it was pretty much okay if they just thought that it was, but that I was uneasy with it. Everyone actually seemed to respect that.

  We sat at the table with our beers, looking around. I saw a guy gazing at us and smiling, so I leaned in close pretending to whisper to G.D. I hoped he’d get the hint and not make a move on either of us.

  “What are you doing?” G.D. asked after I’d whispered a line of gibberish about the recent weather.

  “Some dude was smiling at us over here; I’m really not sure why.”

  H
e immediately turned to look, but the other guy looked away. “I’m not sure about this, man.” He got fidgety with his hands.

  I put my hand on his shoulder. “It’ll be alright. They’re really cool here. Or, at least everyone that I met last time was. They all thought I was just a newbie living a double life.” I smiled at the irony. “Imagine what it’s like to hide a whole side of yourself, to live a lie so others won’t reject you.”

  “You’ve thought about this a lot, huh?”

  “Well, I sort of feel bad for my sister’s boyfriend. I mean, it would be much easier if he would just come out and tell her. I’m not sure why he doesn’t.” At least we were having a normal conversation now, despite the fact I was spewing nothing but lies.

  “It’s possible he’s just not ready for the reaction.”

  There it was. So much truth in this story. Truth I wasn’t ready to see. Was this what was going on with Clinton?

  Suddenly, there was Clinton. He’d just gotten a drink and was sitting at a table with a man who looked like a male model. They were talking animatedly. He looked so happy.

  I turned toward G.D. “That’s some good insight, G.D. I honestly hadn’t thought it all through like that.”

  An older gentleman walked toward us. “Ah, young love.”

  “Oh, we’re not—” G.D. started.

  “He’s just here to support me, my good brother,” I said, putting my arm around him in a brotherly hug.

  “Oh, so you’re—” He didn’t complete the statement.

  “I’m taken,” I said, quick on my feet. “I’m just here to be among friends, not looking for anyone.”

  “Don’t worry, now. I’m not a threat. But I’ll just go on over here.” He pointed to another table.

  I put up my hands. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be rude. I just, well, I am a little new at this scene.”

  He came closer and rested his elbows on the table. “No offense taken. You could have been a lot ruder. I certainly have gotten worse. I’m Gillard,” he said, extending a hand.

  “I’m Jeff, and this is G.D.,” I replied. “Gillard?”

  “No, it’s not my real name. My real name is actually John. Seriously. But, you know, I could run into a co-worker from work, and if everyone here knew my real name, how could I deny any of it? I mean, it’s so easy to say, ‘No, he doesn’t know me, he’s just mistaking me for some other guy.’ I can’t do that if everybody knows my real name.”

  “Why would you run into anyone from work here?” I asked.

  “You never know when someone may just go sight-seeing.”

  “Sight-seeing.” I repeated. It hadn’t occurred to me. “No one at work knows about this side of you?”

  “Oh, no. I’m sure one of them would hold it against me when evaluations roll around or when a promotion opens up. They’d never punish me openly for this lifestyle, but you know, it is information that anyone may want to hold against me. People still judge; you better believe it. Even you, whether you’re aware or not.”

  I just then looked over at Clinton receiving a kiss from the male model he was with. Clinton’s face beamed. I just stared in shock for a moment, then suddenly remembered the camera in my pocket. Only, now it was too late. The other man had sat back, comfortable with himself and his actions, while Clinton was still beaming. Would they be leaving together? Should I follow them? I wasn’t ready for this. Cursing myself for not having the camera ready, I excused myself for the men’s room. I quickly returned, not wanting to run into Clinton. I didn’t want him to remember me. Had he seen me walking the halls of his high school? I was suddenly feeling paranoid.

  One quick look at Clinton’s table again revealed that he and his friend had left.

  I placed a hand on G.D.’s shoulder again. “We really should go.”

  “Oh, yeah, you’ve got that thing.”

  “Good to meet you, Gillard. We have a meeting with a possible producer. We’re into amateur slasher films. Two brothers trying to get our big break.”

  “Alright! I hope that pans out. I suppose you didn’t want to ask him to meet you here? Just kidding. I hope to see you fellows again.”

  “Yes, you probably will. Have a great night.”

  G.D. looked as uncomfortable walking out as he had walking in. “Why so soon?” he whispered.

  “He was here. The boyfriend. He just left, with a dude.”

  “Oh, that’s why you’re so upset. I can tell, your mood just changed.”

  “I wish I’d had my camera. I’ll have to come back again.”

  “Hmm. Not sure I’m up for that.”

  “I’ll just catch you next month when the rent’s due again,” I half-joked.

  He laughed. We got in the car and I left him at the coffee shop where we’d met earlier. He hadn’t said a word on the way back.

  “Look,” I said, as he exited the car, “I really appreciate everything. I’m gonna have to come back. I may need your help again, or— Well, we’ll see.”

  “Yeah, well, I guess I do owe you for attending the first half of the bachelor’s party.”

  “Ah, see? I forgot. Time flies. Listen, you don’t have to give me any pay for showing up to the bachelor party. Seriously. You’ve been a good sport. But I will have to make a pit stop at the Other Life.”

  He took a deep breath. “Okay. Just give me a call, and remind me about what I should wear.”

  “Really?”

  “Well, I might forget. I tend to try and dress to fit a situation. I mean, look at what you wore tonight, the same as you wore the last time I saw you.”

  I chuckled. “Touché.”

  “The hair color was a nice touch, though.”

  “Yeah, I’ll be keeping it for a while. I kind of like it,” I lied through my teeth.

  ***

  The next day, I signed a lease for a nice studio apartment in Georgetown. Yes, I had to put Jack’s name as my credit reference. I hated that, but I needed to be able to do that. I also listed Henry, though I didn’t think he was too happy with me. Still, I had always paid him my rent on time.

  I immediately started moving my things out from Henry’s basement, what little I had. Small TV, futon, glass coffee table, Play station and coffeemaker. I left a note for Henry that I’d be back for the clothes the next day. I only took one change of clothes, and underwear. I planned to tail Clinton a little more after school, but I certainly would not be going into the high school. The fear of being discovered was even stronger now.

  Jack called with some information about Tina Martinson. “Well, she’s probably not our drug-runner. Straight A student, goes home right after school and doesn’t leave. She’s probably studying her heart out. Her mom lost her job last month and has two younger boys and three little girls there beside Tina. We’ll tail her a little longer, but I think Clinton was just floating her a loan. Any leads on Clinton?”

  “Yes, sort of,” I answered, “But I need to follow him for another few days.”

  “Don’t forget the camera I gave you. His mother needs to know what’s going on, and she needs proof.”

  “Yes, I’m on it. I will have proof within a few days. I’m sure of it.” I didn’t tell him anything more.

  I had to call G.D. again. There was no way to get a photograph if I was in there alone with people coming over to talk to me. Only one guy had walked up to talk when G.D. was there with me. I was convinced this would help me achieve my goal.

  G.D. picked up the phone right away. “Yeah?”

  “Hey, it’s Malachi. I was right; I’ll need you to go with me again to that bar.”

  “Other Life Bar?”

  “Yes. I messed up; I didn’t get the shot last time. I have to be sure and get it this time. I’m hoping you could help with that.”

  “Um, let me work this out. I have an errand to run. Can we make it later?”

  “Yeah, that’ll be fine. I have something I need to do as well. Just call me as soon as you leave from wherever you’ll be. We can even meet up.” I
t would have to do. I decided to tail Tina Martinsen in the meantime.

  I showed up at her house at 7 p.m. after I had a quick dinner. Her mom answered the door.

  “Yes?” She crossed her arms with a huff.

  I could see Tina in the background helping one of her brothers with homework at the kitchen table. Jack’s guys appeared to be right. This girl didn’t have time to be dealing drugs.

  “What do ya’ want?” her mom asked.

  “Um, is there a Jack Casey living here?”

  “No. There is no Jack here. Can you double check the address next time? I’m on the way to my next shift. Ain’t got time for this!” She slammed the door in my face. I couldn’t really blame her.

  ***

  “Are you nervous this second time around?” I asked G.D. when we sat down for our evening caffeine prep.

  “Would it sound strange if I said, not as much?”

  “No. I feel the same as you. You know, people are people and such. I guess I was nervous the first time I went in there. To tell the truth, I didn’t know what the place was about. Took me a few minutes before I knew.”

  “Ah. That had to be a little nerve-wracking.”

  “I felt sort of stupid, as if I should have known.” I drank the last of my espresso. “Ready?” I asked.

  “Yeah. I don’t know how you drink that stuff this late.”

  “I need the energy. It was a late night last night.”

  G.D. raised an eyebrow. “Should I ask?”

  “No. You chose better clothes this time, by the way.”

  He chuckled as we got into my car. It felt like we were doing a cop routine, and we were on a sitcom or comedy show. I guess that made me feel better. Because I really wasn’t sure what I was doing.

  When we got to the club, some of the early crowd were there. It was a Friday night, so there were more people than the last time. I noticed more women than usual, though I figured they were just men in drag. Some of them, I really couldn’t tell, but after Prudence fooled me that first time, I felt like I knew.

  “Hey, Prudence.” I saw her behind the bar and went over. “Why are there so many women in here tonight?”

  “Oh, honey, you know it’s men in drag, right? There’s a drag show tonight. I’m even gonna get up and sing. Trust me, you’ll love it.”