The agitated Merlyo then spoke in a commanding tone because he was not in the mood for playing games, especially after witnessing the tragic sight they had both just beheld “Trunk? What the hell are you doing here?” The unusually insolent Trunk took his time to reply and proceeded to have another slow drink before answering whilst smiling “Didn’t you guys hear the great news? Dolezal not only confessed to the murder of Flo but he also confessed to being the Mad Butcher! He’s the Mad Butcher! Case closed, PERIOD! Shame about his suicide but he won’t be missed, that’s for sure. I’m off to the jailhouse to celebrate with the sheriff and his men! He’s going to be a hero you know!” A curious Ness then queried his suspiciously alarming response “How did you know about the signed confession and how did you know he committed suicide? He only died a few minutes ago!”
A confused looking Trunk stood there for a moment as if he was slowly processing the difficult question that had been thrown at him and then answered it whilst tapping on his noise “A little birdy told me!” Then a smirking Trunk opened up his jacket and appeared to be struggling to acquire something that was hidden deep within its upper pocket. After a few seconds the struggling detective then eagerly pulled out another origami animal and shoved it directly into Ness’s startled face before speaking “Take a guess?” An angry Ness then looked at Merlyo with fury within his eyes because he knew that Trunk was in leagues with the murdering rabble that they had just left in disgrace behind them. The anger of the two frustrated lawmen was now palpable as it effortlessly filled each of them with a liberal does of righteous indignation, forcing the pair to give way to this rising infuriation about how unfair life was. This overwhelming feeling of unfairness at the unlawful actions that were taken so easily by these few corrupt men now spiralled out of control as both finally gave into their own baser instincts and relinquished command of their better judgment. Then, as if they both instinctively knew what the other was thinking, they both then immediately pulled back and punched the arrogant Trunk flat in his smug face, knocking him over the front bonnet of the Scarab and into a large muddy puddle on the other side. Trunk’s massive weight was so much that most of the water that filled the muddy puddle had immediately vacated it with a tremendous splash.
Both stood there in the rain whilst they satisfactorily clutched their fists and rubbed them before a smiling Merlyo turned to face Ness and spoke “I never knew that you had it in you?” A slightly embarrassed looking Ness then quickly replied whilst he tightened his tie around his neck because he wished to take his mind off his momentary lack of control “He was drinking on duty! Not to mention I’ve always hated his origami crap!” They both then smiled at each other as they got back into the Scarab and drove away into the relentless rain whilst leaving the disgraced Trunk groaning in their wake.
The defeated detective lay in the puddle and could not contemplate what had just occurred within his inebriated mind as he came in and out of consciousness. The rain could do nothing to clean away the corruption from the massive detectives rotten to the core frame but did clean him of the filth from the dirty puddle in which he now lay. This puddle was a fitting place for the cleverly deceptive detective to now lay because it represented the bottomless hole that he had created for himself ever since he had secretly collaborated with the congressmen years ago. He had to turn so many blind eyes to so many crimes over the long years that he had lost count and now, within this moment of stark yet fleeting clarity, he could confusingly contemplate his many wrongs that he had so willingly let happen.
He finally understood there within the rain that he was no longer the man he used to be and felt ashamed for his many deceptive actions which had hurt so many people. Trunk’s impressively crafted origami swan then floated past him in what was left of the puddle and he reluctantly watched it as it abruptly sank due to the weight of the impacting raindrops, taking with it the corrosively corrupt element that had infected Ness’s department since its inception.
The brilliantly gleaming silver Elegant Mess slowly pulled up in the rain next to the lavishly illuminated Lindsay’s Sky Bar jazz club. The illuminated stars which surrounded the equally illuminated Lindsay’s name warmly invited anyone whom passed into the clubs welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. This warm atmosphere was confirmed to the two shadowy occupants of the silver Scarab as sophisticated couples regularly entered the twin doors of the famed establishment, briefly showing an enticingly welcoming atmosphere that resided within.
The smartly dressed Ness and Merlyo both then casually left there brilliantly illuminated starry Scarab which effortlessly caught the lighted Lindsay’s advertising stars within its recently polished chasse. This complex reflection of multi-coloured light had the amazing effect of quadrupling the jazz clubs natural illumination and fantastically enhanced its already uniquely spellbinding aura. The three lights which faced the Lindsay’s stars covered words from the building itself further effortlessly expressed to all that magic resided within this refined establishment, a magic that money could not buy and an enticing magic which caused even the most coldest of hearts to melt.
Both men then rushed a few steps towards the guarded twin doors of the refined establishment because they were eager to avoid the ever present threat of the harsh Cleveland rain. After the guard ensured that they were appropriately dressed they were politely waved through and allowed to enter the prestigious jazz club ahead of the irritable que whom angrily watched the two enter unhindered. Both where immediately aware of the change of atmosphere as they left the cold dark street behind them and came into the warmly and tastefully decorated art deco stylised interior. The Sky Bar’s lavish but busy interior naturally pulsated with a warmly comforting unseen aura and they both felt that they had been instantly transported into another realm of existence where relaxation was king.
The floor consisted of a strikingly blue starry scene of many yellow stars and white moons within a cloudy night sky which itself was expertly crafted upon an expensive velvet carpet which in turn completely covered the entire floor of the renowned club. This impressively enchanting scene was only bettered by the marvellous ceiling which also had a strictly blue starry scene upon it which was devoid of moons and clouds. This lack of other nightly elements however was more than made up for by the marvellously illuminated silver stars which liberally covered the ceiling with such abundance that it gave the impression that one was walking in between the heavens. This visually mesmerizing feeling of being sandwiched in between an army of twinkling stars added to the already overwhelming sensation of being effortlessly transported into a heavenly realm whereby all beings where at peace.
A lone pianist played a relaxingly soothing rendition on the small stage at the back of the room which further soothed the already saturated auditory nerves with a comforting aura of indescribable origin. As both men calmly handed there wet jackets and hats to the attentive doorman they looked with fascination at the red velvet covered walls which nicely accommodated the twin starry scenes. These red walls where in turn coated in numerous finely crafted beige curtains which had a red rope skilfully incorporated within each of them, once again emphasizing the immensely impressive and elaborate determination of the creator to impress the viewer with a cacophony of luxuriousness.
They both then noticed the beautifully hand crafted wooden frame of the skilfully decorated art deco bar which both silently knew was so eagerly awaiting their imminent arrival. All the red velvet seats which lined the bar where taken as many patrons whom eagerly ordered there drinks whilst awaiting for free tables to inevitably appear so that they too could also partake within this privately prestigious world of bliss. This bars tastefully crafted blue marble surface was pleasantly accommodated by the lit bottles that lined the wall behind the smartly dressed and professional young bartender. This impressive spectacle was further enhanced by the high up, twin lit bottles of expensive wine which pleasantly flanked a large and illuminated colourful stained glass image upon the bar’s wooden back wall.
This impressively lit image was of a white, blonde jazz singer with a piano playing by her side whilst four dancing girls wearing top hats danced in the background above her. This image silently expressed to all what distinctly unique musical tastes this establishment caters to and also the type of sophisticated clientele whom frequent here.
After this momentary fascination of their elaborate surroundings Ness then whispered to Merlyo as they both anxiously waited for their already pre-booked table to become available “The most unique and colourful nightclub in town!” to which a confused Merlyo whispered back “Huh?” before Ness handed him the club flyer that the elusive Poppy had sent them only a day ago. An inquisitive Merlyo then looked at the colourful flyer which did indeed state those very words that Ness had just reiterated as they both smelt the alluringly warm, smoke filled rich tobacco pleasurably envelope them. Cuban cigar smoke and rich decadent foods of all varieties saturated the surrounding air which swirled uncontrollably around both men, enticing all to try a taste of the establishments exquisite cuisine.
Merlyo then broke his gaze of the colourful flyer as he saw movement coming from behind the curtained stage within the open planned, elongated room that was itself lit up with dimmer lights that lined the many small tables. These tables where all crammed full of shadowy people whom were eagerly awaiting for the next act to begin and the movement that he had seen was the movement behind the red velvet curtain which lined the back wall. The quickly seating patrons all began to finish their numerous conversations as the stars on the ceiling began to dim as both the alert Ness and Merlyo quickly scanned these patrons for any sign of the elusive Poppy.
She had disappeared after her surprise warning telephone call about Dolezal’s murder and they had both not heard from her in two days and suspected that she was in hiding for some reason. She had however apparently left a colourful Sky Bar flyer for both Ness and Merlyo in their individual letterboxes and they knew it was from her because each one came with a dried flower. Merlyo’s flyer had a dried poppy and Ness’s flyer had a dried rose and so they both individually suspected that only she could have come up with such a unique attempt at arranging a secret meeting between them all. Upon each flyer it simply stated a time and a date written to presumably meet her and both men had initially taken it upon themselves to meet her alone but when Merlyo had a change of heart and told Ness about his discovery, Ness had immediately revealed his own curious flyer, forcing the two once enemies to unit once again and play out this next chapter in there troublesome love triangle.
Both men were quickly brought out of there immersive and silent ponderings about Poppy’s motivations as the stars above the small stage suddenly went out and a large light beamed on the red velvet curtain which instantly opened to reveal the next act. As these lights dimmed the ceiling silver stars all magically twinkled and it gave the impression that the Sky Bar’s patrons where all sailing amongst the stars. The mystery singer then walked into the awaiting lights to reveal a strikingly beautiful and young African American woman whom the unseen announcer introduced as the renowned Billie Holliday. Her fantastically crafted long white, shoulder less dress was perfectly tailored for her beautifully fuller frame and was pleasantly capped with a fluffy white boa that elegantly sat around her neck. This specially selected dress colour had the desired effect of effortlessly emphasizing her naturally dark features and enhancing her already attractive complexion into an almost mesmerising aura which besotted all whom looked upon her. Her marvellously sparkling diamond wrist bracelet and white pearl ring effortlessly caught the surrounding starlight and magnified its separated spectrum of colours in all directions whilst her hair was stylishly curled into perfection. She then flashed a shy but endearing smile to the welcoming crowd as they briefly clapped her eagerly anticipated arrival.
The unseen pianist then started to play a familiar tune that Ness instantly recognised because it was the same tune that he had first made love to Poppy with during their sun saturated picnic in the poppy field years ago. The impressive Billie Holliday then started to sing the murder ballad Miss Otis Regrets (She's Unable to Lunch Today) and as her saintly voice liberally filled the jazz club Ness could not help but smile as he suspected that only Poppy could have requested such a meaningful song to announce her entrance. After a moment of blissfully listening to the song both Ness and Merlyo then slowly moved towards the crowded bar to order drinks whilst they waited for their elusive table. Ness continued to smile to himself as he listened to the meaningful words of the tragic love song and could not help but speculate that the unseen Poppy had also specifically requested it to create a certain mood within this romantic setting. The elegance of Holliday’s naturally soothing voice accompanied by the skilful playing of the veteran pianist saturated the crowded Sky Bar with an aura of elegant sophistication that relaxed all patron’s tired and weary souls.
After a few minutes the thankfully seated Ness and Merlyo both satisfactorily drank there selected drinks by the busy bar as they continually observed the latest patrons whom came in, both hoping that the next one would be Poppy but it never was. As both men soon gave up on the elusive Poppy making a sudden appearance, a young and attractive raven haired woman came hurriedly towards them through the crowds whilst wearing a welcoming smile upon her pretty face. Both found her very pleasing to the eye and she appeared to be a lot older than her young years indicated by how stylishly she was dressed and by how she carried herself. Her short hair was stylishly crafted into a wavy bob and she had fantastically striking green eyes which instantly demanded any on looker’s attention. She wore a classy black lace dress that oozed sophistication beyond her young years and she melted both men’s hearts as she neared them and encased them within her intoxicating perfume’s grasp. The smiling woman appeared to be in high spirits and then spoke in welcoming manner “Good evening gentlemen! Apologises for the delay but where rather busy this evening due to the acts, very popular you know! So how many was in your party?”
Merlyo quickly answered her because he noticed that Ness was still attempting to locate Poppy, whom said through her leaflet that she would meet them both here at around 8pm “Three please! Where expecting another person to join us here very shortly” The classy and attentive waitress then glowingly smiled at them both whilst motioning for them to follow her and, as they did so, she spoke again “Once again so sorry for the delay but where exceptionally busy here tonight as you can obviously see” She hastily led them through the crowds of people to a vacant table which was far in the interior of the fashionable Sky Bar before Ness politely stopped her by touching her on the arm and speaking “Sorry to be a nascence miss but could we trouble you for that table over there, nearer the bar and closer to the window?”
She smiled an alluringly seductive smile at the awkwardly surprised Ness, as if she had just been awoken from her mundane daily routine of ferrying customers to and fro by his manly touch. She then gave him a quick look over and was happy at what she saw before she then spoke again after biting her lower lip in excited anticipation of what the future may bring “Why of course Mr Ness! It shouldn’t be a problem, not a problem at all!” She then began to lead them both back to Ness’s strategically chosen location which was in view of the windows and had a good view of the both the rainy street outside and his gleaming silver Scarab. All tables within the Sky Bar where smartly decorated with a pre-set and immaculate white tablecloth which contained a variety of impressively decorated cutlery and a dim light at its centre. There chosen table was no different as it suddenly came into view and as they both eagerly sat down, they could clearly see the illuminated falling rain by the colourful Lindsay’s star’s that illuminated the Sky Bar’s impressive exterior.
The smirking Merlyo then took this opportunity to whisper in Ness’s ear whilst they made themselves comfortable on the beige velvet chairs “How come you always attract the wrong type of woman? She’s jailbait!” to which Ness joking whispered back to him whilst smiling “I’m special tha
t way” The besotted waitress, whom recognised the famed lawman from the newspapers and had a taste for men whom frequented the limelight, then continued to smile as she gave them both a menu. She then spoke again after she had placed an additional chair by their table “Can I get you two gentlemen anything to drink?” Merlyo replied first because he could see that Ness was still actively monitoring the door with a determined focus “I’ll have a glass of your house red thanks” The preoccupied Ness automatically gave his order whilst still having his view fixated upon the illuminated rain outside and the street beyond that “A scotch thanks” The smiling waitress took their orders and swiftly walked away into the shadowy mass of people that appeared to actively be mesmerised by the soulful performance of Holliday’s sensual voice.
Merlyo then leaned in closer to the occupied Ness and asked him a question “So why here of all places? I’ve never been here before, have you?” Ness then reluctantly broke his keen observation of the entrance as he replied “I’ve heard about this place before but I’ve never actually been here myself. I suppose she feels comfortable here? She may already be here watching us as we speak? You see anything suspicious?” The ever observant Merlyo replied as he had a momentary look before he then noticed Ness’s left thumb instinctively resting inside his left waistcoat pocket “Nothing! Are you going pop one of those opium pills again? I thought you’d moved beyond all that by now?”
Ness was surprised that Merlyo had even noticed his automatic response to a stressful situation and looked at him for an irritable moment and just as he was about the voice his anger at the intrusive detective, the attractive waitress conveniently returned with their drinks. She smiled long and alluringly at an uncomfortable Ness as she slowly gave him his scotch and once again keenly eyed his smartly dressed physique in immense detail. The uncomfortable Ness then blushed slightly as she did this and then she reluctantly left the two alone again and disappeared into the shadowy crowd. The irritable Ness then leaned into reply to Merlyo’s keen observation, annoyed at the detectives constant analysis of his mental state “It’s none of your concern and besides I have it all under control now so don’t worry about it ok! It’s just an instinctive response to an anxiety provoking situation that’s all”
The Noir Evil Page 66
