seaempty

The Charming Monkey, Part 7

I walked through the double-doors and entered the Five Aces. I made my way past the pool tables that made a corridor leading you to the bar, feeling the gauze with my fingers as I walked. The joint was empty, apart from me, Al, and a young woman who was busily dusting some of the ornaments on display. She didn't seem to be affected by the events that just happened outside. Al went behind the bar, and I sat down on one of the stools laid out in front of it.

"That's Agnieszka", smiled Al, gesturing towards the woman, "She's my new barmaid". Al's face was beaming. Agnieszka was certainly easy on the eye. Choosing attractive staff is one of the perks of being manager I guess. I nodded a hello to her, and she looked, smiled, and went back to her dusting.

"She don't speak a lot of English yet, but she's a good worker", said Al

"Oh I'm sure she is", I replied with a smirk, "and I'm sure you've been a very accommodating employer". Al laughed, and gave Agnieszka a wink. She smiled in an I-don't-really-understand-but-I'll-smile-because-you're-my-boss way.

"So, what can I getcha, Danny boy?", Al asked, proudly displaying his vast collection of liquor that was stacked behind the bar, "the usual?"

"Sure thing, Al. Whiskey and ginger on the rocks", I replied. Yeah it was early, but I think clearly with alcohol in me. Al poured the drink and sat it down on a napkin in front of me. Al fixed himself a drink, and grabbed a stool from behind the bar. He sat down opposite me, and took a sip.

"You said something about information?", he asked. Al Jameson (or Albert Ernest Jameson to give him his full name) knew things. He had contacts throughout the city, and was well respected. What he didn't know wasn't worth knowing. I don't know what he did before he opened the Five Aces. I've asked on several occasions, but he's never told me, and he wasn't the type of man to push. I didn't care either. He's useful to know, and a good friend. I've lost count of how many times he's given me help on cases, and has never asked for anything in return, apart from my friendship. It was a bit of a one-sided deal if you asked me, but it worked, and I wasn't going to complain.

We met when I opened up my office just around the corner from him. I came in here for a celebratory drink, and Al obliged. He knew all about me before I even walked in. He even knew what drink I liked. If he wasn't so damn agreeable I would have been more concerned. Since then this has been my second home, although I haven't been in as often as I should have recently.

"Guess who paid me a visit this morning", I said.

"By the look of your face, it wasn't a razor", replied Al. I stroked my chin and shrugged.

"So I didn't feel like shaving. Madison likes the rugged look anyway", I said with a grin. At the mention of her name, Al perked up. He had always had a soft spot for my Madison.

"So what did the Fat Hungarian want?", asked Al, with a look of satisfaction on his face. I shouldn't have been surprised that he already knew.

"How do you do that?", I said, "One step ahead once again, Albert". He hated to be called that, but not as much as I liked calling him it.

"I saw his car go past earlier", he said, not reacting to my jibe, "and I figure that you'd only mention the visit if it was someone as impressive as that".

"Very true. And I guess you also know what it was about?"

"Hey, I'm observant, not a fracking psychic". I laughed and took a sip of my drink. The whiskey felt good as it hit the back of my throat.

"What do you know about a Mister Jonathan Fortis?"

"The guy with all the luck? I hear he shits four-leafed clovers and has rabbit's feet. What about him?".

"You have such a way with words, Al", I said sarcastically.

"Is Vadas getting a little annoyed about losing all that money?", Al said with a laugh, "It's about time someone fleeced him for a change".

"So you think Fortis is playing Vadas?"

"No doubt. The guys got a system, that's for sure. And a good system at that. Vadas would have dealt with him by now if he had figured it out".

"What if it wasn't a system. What if it was...something else?"

"Like what? Superpowers? C'mon Dan - this ain't a comic strip"

"I know, I know...but Vadas is convinced that the guy's got something that makes him lucky."

"And let me guess...he wants you to get it for him. Typical Vadas. That fool will believe anything."

"Fool or not..I got to do something..and by tonight"

"I wish I could more help Danny boy, but there's not a lot to tell. I tell you what, I'll start poking in some holes for you. If I find anything out, I'll let you know".

"Thanks, Al, I appreciate it. I'll see you around". I downed the rest of my drink and throw a note on the bar. I got up and made for the exit.

"Anytime, pal," he replied, and got up from his stool. I smiled at Agnieszka, who was now on all fours scrubbing the floor. She made the effort to return the smile, and I looked back at Al who gave me another wink. I pushed open the doors and walk out into the street. I looked at my watch, and then started walking towards the casino.