Chapter 70

Red and me decide to spend the day in bed. I need my shuteye anyway, and with Red at my side I will be left alone by Madame Victoria. When I wake Red has gone leaving a note.

Gone back to Mars

See you anon

R

I should be disappointed by this, but I have enough to contend with without Red tagging along. Red is from my time and I need all my wits about me to survive in this dangerous century. Fortunately prohibition has finished otherwise I would be more worried about being trapped here. Now it's drugs, and of course the end of the Universe. I look at the wristwatch Doil gave me. The time says five past six which is 7.30. in real time. More than enough time to bathe eat and get to The Stork Club for my gig.

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I am longing to be re-acquainted with Big Sal, but the only way that I can see is to buy her for a few hours. Sexually I am more than satisfied, what with the surprise visit by Red and the attentions of the owner of the Victoria Hotel, I would not be able to hold my end up so to speak. Perhaps after the gig? How would she take it if I told her that I have been a Fats doppleganger, and shared her bed. It's a real poser and no mistake. Maybe I should nip back to my own time and get prossed up again. That way I can walk into the cat house tip my hat to Saul Brown and nip Big Sal on her ample ass with no comebacks. However that is impossible for now as Doil has my wrist band. My suit has been cleaned and pressed and smells faintly of violets. I shoot the cuffs adjust my tie and step outside. Waiting for me is Doil and Getz. They hook into my arms and shove me into a Buick Phaeton. It has white walls and the hood down, the works. It feels like something out of the Maltese Falkon the way they act. Why can"t they just say hello Joe can we have a word in private. Then I notice the driver. Long blonde hair and the whiff of Channel. It's either Veronica or Babs it is hard to tell them apart now the surgeon has finished his work. She turns her head and gives me a big smile.

"Hello Joe, long time no see."

"Good to see you"re in one piece Veronica, no leaking bullets holes or shards of glass in your neck."

"That's our little secret Joe, keep it to yourself and we won"t have to shut you up. Remember you are in the IGBI."

Now I get the picture, Veronica runs the show. She is in charge of this operation. Doil and Getz and even that slimeball Smith are her hatchet men.

"Were to now?" I ask.