Trigger warning: drinking and mentions of alcoholism.
I can see why Sam liked this place so much.
Something dirty in a clean glass, please. I think I earned it.
Oooh, a hard-case - I like that. Okay, “Hard Case”, I’ll get you something stiff.
[She starts to turn away, when a man with the face of a survivor and the zeal of a convert tugs at her arm - hard. It’s clear the two have history. They try to keep their voices low but the intensity of their conversation makes them easy to overhear.]
I think plenty, Shane! I’m getting a Ph-freaking-d from UW in neuroprosthetics, studying under Ojemanns! And how am I paying for it? Bartending. Tips. There are faster ways for a Barrens girl to earn that kind of scratch but I’m not taking ‘em. So what do you want from me?
I want what you want. A better life. A better world for everyone. The Universal Brotherhood can give you that…
I’ve heard all this before.
This isn’t some trick to get us back together. Things are different now. I’m different now. The Brotherhood…
[Cherry Bomb’s pretty face is hard, armored in lipstick and low expectations.] The Universal Brotherhood is for other people, Shane. Rich Bellevue types, who can afford their membership fees and “voluntary donations”.
This isn’t about money. It’s about binding the world together in brotherhood. Come with me. Attend a Discovery Meeting. Get to the core of who you are. I heard Lynn Telestrian give a talk last night called “The New Family of the Sixth World”…
I’ve got a family right here, Shane. They’re drunks and lowlifes and whores and I’d choose them over any of your Brotherhood members. Now buzz. I need to get back to work. [With body language that leaves no question that the conversation is over, Cherry Bomb turns her back on him.]
[Dejected, he leaves, head hanging low. She offers you an apologetic smile.]
Sorry, I got interrupted.
Boyfriend find religion?
[Her pretty eyes narrow.] Something like that. Here’s your order.
[Cherry Bomb sets down your drink in front of you. You have no idea what it is, but the smell is enough to make your eyes water.]
[You raise your glass to your face. The amber liquid swirls under the neons.] Let’s make good on that promise.
¡Salud, cabrón!
[You empty your glass in one swing and almost choke. Cherry Bomb wasn’t lying when she said it was stiff. You manage to will the alcohol down. You still have no idea what it was, though it tasted better than it smelled. Which was, admittedly, a low bar.]
You’ve got a look that says you’re not just here for the entertainment. Are you a badge?
You know the answer to that one.
I have a few questions.That guy earlier, he said Coyote’s missing, is that true?
[She looks worried.] Yes. I think she’s… away on business.
Business, huh? Is she a shaman? With a name like “Coyote”…
[She laughs.] No. She shot a coyote once, thinking it was a shaman who double-crossed her. We’ve been calling her Coyote ever since.
[Her face falls.] She’s been missing for a couple of days, now. Some people think the Ripper got her, but I know her. Coyote can take care of herself.
Ever hear the name Sam Watts?
[She nods.] Sam was a regular customer and a regular pain in the ass for as long as I’ve been here. Talked a big game but he was always broke. As soon as he got any money in his pocket, it went straight to his head - chips, drugs, or booze. Coyote had a soft spot for him, though.
Did you see him at all on the night he died?
No, that was Coyote’s shift.
Wonderful, my only lead is missing…
Mrs. Kubota runs this place, she might be able to tell you more. She’s in the backroom. You can’t miss her.
Wiz, talk to you later.
Nil sweat.
Your reps don’t merit it.
Funny place for the architect to put a wall.
Load bearing, too. You have business here?
I’m looking into Sam Watts’ death. Knew him?
Sure, everyone here knew Sam. Shame to lose a part of the family. [There’s a sharpness in Kluwe’s eyes, the look of a man who has seen much and earned wisdom at a young age.]
You ever have to toss Sam out on his ass?
Encouraged to call it a night, I’d say. Sam was a drunk, but he usually wasn’t a violent one.
Usually? What about the night he died?
He was a bit agitated. Didn’t catch the specifics. Might have been over a woman. Thought I was going to have to show him out, but I had to deal with a couple of rival go-gangers posturing for one of the working girls upstairs. Jake helped Sam out instead.
Thanks for the help.
No problem.
Sorry for the delay, health and life stuff piled up! Just a short update today, more to come asap.