seaempty

The Charming Monkey, Part 6

I set off on the short walk toward the "Five Aces" bar. It was a nice morning, and I was annoyed at how the day was turning out. The sun was out, and yet I didn't feel like whistling. The bullets jangling in my pocket as I walked were a constant reminder of the situation I was facing. I reached a road, and waited to cross as a car drove past me. I checked over my shoulder as I went to cross over the road. I didn't have to have a feeling that I was being watched - it was a certainty. I'm sure Vadas was going to keep very close tabs on me all day.

The Five Aces was on the corner of a small block of shops and houses. It was a nice joint if you were the right person. If you weren't, then it could be very unwelcoming. The neon sign above the door was flashing; five fanned-out aces were blinking in time with the traffic signals on the road. It was open. It was always open. I approached the doubles doors, and was about to reach out and grab the handle, when I saw a face coming toward me through the glass panels. I side-stepped to my left as the double doors were thrown open by some joe's face.

The man came crashing through the doors and landed on the pavement with an impressive thud. In the door frame stood a towering figure, dusting off his hands.

"And don't you dare set foot in here again, ya bum", the man shouted to the huddled mass whimpering on the ground. The huge man then went toward the other, raised his arm, as if to strike him. Seeing this, the man on the pavement gathered himself up rapidly, and started to run down the street.

"Morning Al", I said to the tall guy, who was watching the man run away, with a grin on his face. He turned around, and finally noticed that he had an audience.

"Danny boy!", he cried, "Good to see you, lad!"

"What was all that? Trouble?", I enquired, pointing to the vague area where I last saw the fleeing man. Al started to laugh.

"Not exactly", he chuckled, "He criticised my taste in decor. There ain't nothing wrong with the colour scheme in my bar". I laughed. Al was very particular about his bar. He was a proud man.

"But enough about that", said Al, "come on in. I'll fix ya a drink...I take it that's what you're here for".

"But of course", I replied, "That, and a little information".