Alex Thantos
I'm people watching as I wait outside the latest "boutique" that Clarice is exploring. This is one of her favorite shops. She frequently finds outfits here that appeal to her sense of style. I was secretly relieved that she expressed a desire to shop alone this afternoon. I don't think I could have abided an afternoon of sitting around in the dress shops. If she had requested my presence I would have been more than happy to accompany her in.
I would gladly do anything that she asked of me. Clarice is a precious gem in my life. I adore her with every fiber of my body and soul. She will always have all of my attention, devotion, friendship and protection that I can give. I suppose that it sounds like I am hopelessly in love with her. I am, of course, but it is not hopeless in any way. She has the same feelings for me. The words have been spoken between us. Clarice is my lover in every sense except for the physical aspect. The words I write that expresses my bond to Clarice apply equally to Hannibal.
I have been in the company of Clarice and Hannibal for three years now. I met them on the Isle of Crete one late spring evening. Our meeting was pure coincidence in practical terms but it took on dimensions that could almost be reckoned as magical. That encounter was the start of us as a sort of unique entity. The story of us, as a trio, is a long one that would be better addressed later.
I am watching two merchants arguing with each other over the location of their carts on the street when I notice Clarice exit the boutique. I am surprised to see her arm hooked through the arm of another female. I can hear Clarice's laughter as they step out onto the sidewalk. We make brief eye contact as I start to approach. Clarice gives me hand signals that let me know she is safe but to keep at a distance and follow. I do as she has indicated to me taking care to blend into the crowd anonymously.
The women stroll leisurely down the boulevard without any obvious destination. I am somewhat at a loss as how to interpret all of this. Clarice has never token up with a total stranger before. I know that she must have some sort of agenda but I am clueless as to what it might be. I know instinctively that Clarice is not concerned about anything. I would further venture that she is intrigued with this female for some reason. I continue to trail at a respectable distance.
I start to consider the woman that is accompanying Clarice. She stands just a bit taller than Clarice does by perhaps an inch. That would put her at roughly five foot nine. She has a long lithe dancer's build. She moves with ease but there is a bearing about her that strikes me as markedly military. She has sunset red hair that hangs in thick waves halfway down her back. She is fair skinned with a light dusting of freckles. I see her face straight on when she and Clarice veer off to a sidewalk table of a bistro. She has brilliant green eyes. I decide that she must be Irish or Scotch.
"This place has wonderful latte." Clarice says. "It's absolutely delicious and wickedly delightful in its taste. Shall we Ari?"
"That sounds like a good idea. My feet and brains could use a rest from everything."
My attention becomes more focused when I hear Ari's voice. It is almost devoid of any hint of an accent that would give away its origin. There is a slight nuance that tells me she is from the Middle East. I would speculate that she is Israeli.
"Is this your first visit to Argentina?" Clarice asks. "Buenos Aires has so much to explore. You could find something to keep you occupied for months."
I settle in to a table slightly to the left of them. Clarice glances in my general direction. She signals me that everything is fine. I continue to watch this encounter between Clarice and Ari.
"Yes. It's my first time in South America as a matter of fact. I was just in Cape Town a week ago doing some shoots." Ari smiles at Clarice. "Ian, an old mate of mine, from Sydney is one of the guest conductors this season. He enticed me over with the offer of playing with the orchestra. I couldn't refuse."
"Ian Braniff? I believe we met him at the fun raiser last month." Clarice is searching for some tame words to describe the man. "He made a grand flamboyant entrance. You couldn't miss him unless you were Helen Keller. He's, err, quite colorful."
"Colorful?" Ari chuckles. "He absolutely screams. He's the epitome of a show horse. Ian is actually tame and boring in private."
The two are off in light chat for the next two hours. I'm amused watching them. Clarice and Ari are giggling and carrying on like a pair of teenagers at a slumber party. I watch their chairs creep closer together as they enter into each other's personal space. It's obvious that the two are meshing well.
It's after my fifth cup of latte that nature calls. Ari looks directly at me when I stand up. I have the distinct impression that her eyes are following me when I walk away. I have a sinking feeling that I've been found out. I linger in the rest room for a good ten minutes before I step out. I am rounding the corner back to the main street when Ari steps out in front of me. Ours eyes lock in a deadly silence.
"Are you tracking me?" she hisses.
The next sequence of events is a bit of a blur for me. I know that Ari butts me with her forearm in the solar plexus. The next distinct memory is of me being flat on my back with her knee pressed hard into my groin and a knife at my throat. She is looming threateningly over me. There is a fierce look in her eyes.
I make no move against her. She starts speaking to me in a language that I can only guess to be Arabic. I'm persuaded by its tone that she is not saying flattering things to me. A shadow suddenly appears over us and Ari freezes.
"Ari, let him up. This is my friend Alex." Clarice's voice is sweet music to my ears.
Ari retracts her blade from my neck and stands up. She backs away slowly. I see the gun in Clarice's hand.
Ari's gaze darts between us. She starts to edge away from us.
"I don't know what kind of game you two are playing. I suggest you find another playmate. I'm not to be fucked with." Ari speaks in a scorching voice. She turns on her heels and is off.
