Chapter 49

Harry’s Bar, a copy of the one in Casablanca or somewhere, maybe it was Venice, is so dimly lit that you need to be a bat to find the rest rooms. I grope my way to the counter and order a staightner. It is really too early to start drinking, I should have popped a zoomer before I left, but I need to kill my headache.

As my eyes become accustomed to the gloom, I look around for a sight of Veronica. I see that I am apparently the only one in the bar.  Even the barkeep has gone. I get a creepy feeling along my spine. I finish my drink and decide to leave. Reflected in the mirrors behind the bar I see light creep across the floor from the street as the door is opened and two long shadows move towards me. I am freaked. What was in that drink? I look around for an exit. The two shadows are now attached to two silhouettes framed by the door. No exit there. A voice calls.

‘Hey Joe still hanging one on?’

It ‘s Doil with that slimeball Smith. I don’t know whether to be relieved or worried. I settle for annoyed. 

‘I might have guessed, it was you who called not Veronica.’

‘She has been held up, you will have to put up with us instead.’

Smith grins his unearthly grin and adds, ‘You should be glad to see us.’

I ignore him, the less I have to do with him the better. The barkeep reappears and sets 3 drinks on the bar. Smith holds up his glass and says’ ‘Salute.’ I turn my back on him, a thing I wouldn’t do if we were alone and confront Doil.

‘Where is Veronica?  I don’t believe she is held up she wouldn’t be a party to this charade.’

‘Veronica works for the IGBI as we all do, we do as they wish.’ Does he give a slight nod in Smith’s direction?

Doil puts his drink on the bar and picks me up by the lapels of my best suit. He pulls my face close to his and I can smell the garlic on his breath.

‘Don’t ever disappear without letting us know where you are headed or we will have to insert a tracker in your arm.’ The whole universe rests on your shoulders.’

‘Just like Atlas?’

The reference is lost on him, I might have well have said it in Greek.

Smith taps me on the shoulder.

‘Don’t get smart or…’ I cut him off. ‘Or what, don’t forget the fate of the Universe rests on my shoulders.’

‘There are other piano players who we can add a chip slot to.’ Says Smith. ‘But as you already have one it saves us the expense.’ 

Fuck him I’ve had enough.

‘Well you will have to put your hand in your pocket, ‘cos I resign.’ I knock back my drink and duck out from beneath his arm. There is a clear route to the door and I make it in two seconds flat. Outside is a black hover car with it’s door open. Sat in the control seat is Veronica. I jump in.

‘Lets get the fuck out of here.’

‘Sorry Joe,’ she says and cuffs me to the door handle.

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