Chapter Thirteen: Exchanging Palare at the Punta de la Luna
The Waterfront district of Red River City ran parallel to the river: a sleek, curving line of wharfs, separated by a levee from rows of stone and brick buildings.
The Punta de la Luna Bistro, part of a three-story, triangular greystone, stood at the end of Porto Amarelo Road, which merged into Camino Luna Drive. Its owners, Yamagi Kushida and Roose Sawamura, lived on the third floor. The second floor served as studio space for local artists; the smell of linseed oil and turpentine permeated the halls.
The bistro proper took up the first floor: a sprawling space, with a punched copper ceiling and mahogany columns. Double doors led into a long kitchen, where, six days a week, chefs, line cooks, assistants, and dishwashers jostled for position.
Roose and Yamagi shopped, twice each day, for the menu's ingredients. First they would go to the Green Halls, about two blocks up, for produce, breads, and fresh milk. Then Roose would cross the street and purchase fresh meats at Sweeney's Market, making sure to stop next door at the Windlass Delicatessen for cheese, sausages, and other cured meats.
Yamagi went down to the wharf, where he selected fish and shellfish for the day. He would meet Roose at the Jam Jar, where they would purchase spices, coffee, tea, and other condiments.
By sunrise, they would have the lunch and dinner menus planned, and most of the ingredients for both in the kitchen (the second trip allowed them to fine-tune the dinner specials).
The bistro opened at 11, closed at four, and reopened at seven. Tuesday through Thursday, they closed at 10:30; on Friday and Saturday, at one a.m.; and on Sunday, they opened at noon for brunch and early dinner, closing at nine.
Roose walked through the kitchen, teal hair pulled into a ponytail, overseeing the preparations. He wore a grey shirt and olive chef's pants, with black socks and sneakers. He had regained a few kilograms, since his time at GOA, enough to sport a slight curve to the belly.
Yamagi made the rounds of the tables, greeting customers, and in some instances, dining with them. He had gotten taller, though he still stood half a head shorter than Sawamura; he wore a cream-colored shirt, navy trousers, and navy shoes. An earring, set with a teal stone, marked his right ear.
He looked outside, as a sedan parked along Camino Luna, and went to the door. Is that Garu? I'd better let Roose know. He reached for a walkie- talkie, and pressed TALK. "Oi, Roo, get some crème brûlée ready, Garu and Rio are coming, and they've got company." He paused a moment, then whistled.
Roose's voice crackled over the receiver. "Yamagi? You all right?"
"Get out here, man, and pronto. You are not going to believe who's with Garu and Rio." They say there's a first for everything, Kushida. I think, for the first time in my life, I need to lie down. That or make sure we didn't get hallucinogenic mushrooms at the Halls.
Roose came out of the kitchen, toward a dazed Yamagi, who had sat down in the nearest chair. "Yamagi-chan, what's the matter? See a ghost or something?"
Yamagi laughed. "I still see a ghost. Look there." He pointed in the direction of Garu and Rio, who were hanging their jackets at the door.
Roose noticed Zero, and a stranger, removing their coats. "Gentlemen! Good evening, and welcome to the Punta de la Luna. Let's get you seated." He motioned to a waiter, who came up to the four. "You're freaking out 'cos the guys are here?" he whispered to Yamagi. "Look I know that Rio likes to eat, and all, but that's hardly cause for alarm."
Yamagi snorted. "See the one with the silver hair? If you can tell me he doesn't look familiar, then we've officially entered the Twilight Zone."
Roose walked over to the table, where he looked at Garu. "Sorry about Yamagi, Garu. I think he had a little too much Beaujolais. He got carried away when you came in. Rio, are you up for dessert? Zero, how are you this evening? Where's Kizna? And who's your---oh, mercy." I am seeing things. I am not looking at someone with ruby eyes and silver-white hair. I'll just pinch myself so I can wake up. Ow! Okay, so I'm not dreaming. Maybe they just found someone who could impersonate the guy, as a joke. Nope. There's only one man that looks like that. But how?
"Do you need anything, Roose?" Zero asked.
"I need smelling salts," Roose replied. He turned to Hiead, saying, "You look like someone I knew years ago."
"I've been hearing that a lot, lately," Hiead replied. "Elaborate."
"Well, it's the hair, the eyes, the general don't-mess-with-me posture--- the fact that you've got an arm around Zero---you're a ringer for Hiead Gner."
Hiead snickered. Do I play along, or let him down easy? He gave a warning look to the others. "Who was this Hiead Gner, pray tell?"
"He was the Second Pilot, a Zenoah, like Zero here. The two of them used to lock horns every chance they got. Even after they became lovers, they'd still get into fights. Sad to say, Hiead died in battle. I never got to thank him."
"What, for getting killed?"
"No, for helping me work up the nerve to come out. He didn't give me a pep talk or anything---Zero handled that part. It was more of a by-example thing, that he was with Zero and he didn't give a damn if anyone approved."
Rio, Garu, and Zero exchanged glances, trying not to laugh.
{Poor kid! Don't keep him in suspense.}
{Just a few minutes more, Rei. Let's see how well he works this out.}
Yamagi spoke up. "Roo, that is Hiead. I don't know how he got back to the living, but I know that that's Gner." He approached the table. "And I get the feeling that you and Zero have a few stories to tell."
"Sit down, and we'll tell you," Zero replied. So the couple sat down.
Roose motioned for the waiter. "Bring us a platter with grape leaves, fattoush salad, and roasted vegetables. Follow that with coq au vin, please. We'll finish with crème brûlée, stuffed figs, and chocolate mousse with madeleines. As for wines, we'll start with Chardonnay, then go to Zinfandel for the main course, and finish with Madeira."
The waiter nodded, speaking to a man in a plum jacket. "Our wine porter," Yamagi said. He has a knack for the vine." He added, "You have stories. Talk."
So Zero began, recounting the events of the previous day. Rio and Garu added details as the story progressed. Talk mingled with food and drink, as platters made their way around the table.
"We've heard from everyone else," Roose said, "but, Hiead, what's your story?"
"Spent seven years in the Outlands under an assumed identity, working as a bounty hunter. Fact of the matter," Hiead replied, between bites of grape leaves, "I came here looking for a bounty."
"Really? What was that?" Yamagi wanted to know.
"Are you familiar with Quark?"
Roose paled. "We've lost customers and staff to it."
"Well, the drug comes from this city. I was looking for a head honcho. I think I've gotten more than what I bargained for."
"What do you mean?" Zero asked.
"Six of Kizna's students died of Quark-related deaths. Ryker Kuerten showed the symptoms of a Quark seizure. Tell me, did any other students at Red River High die in the past year?"
"Twelve of the soccer players," Rio said, "in the past two years."
"Think," Hiead spoke. "Those are the deaths you know about. Search through forensic records, and you may find more."
"What do you think about Kuerten's remarks?" Zero asked Hiead.
"You mean about the Shadowcatchers?" he replied. "I suspect we'll know soon enough."
Yamagi looked at Roose, who got up and made the rounds of the tables. "Stay here," Yamagi told the others. "We have to talk." He made his way to the door, seeing guests out.
Roose disappeared into the kitchen.
"This is novel," Zero remarked.
Yamagi returned, ushering the men up to a large studio. Linseed hung in the air, heavy and fragrant, with a sharp after note. Garu picked up a palette knife, crusted with paint, and started a mock-duel with his shadow. Rio struck poses. Hiead studied the canvases remaining on the walls. Zero stretched out in an armchair, and dozed a while.
Half an hour later, Yamagi and Roose brought up trays of dessert, coffee, and wine, setting them on a makeshift table. The violet-haired man cleared his throat. "We had to clear everyone out. The Shadowcatchers have eyes and ears throughout Terranova, and their influence runs deep. They direct the flow of various contraband substances, using a network of truck drivers, ships, and couriers. Quark is their most lucrative substance. They're nameless, faceless, efficient killers. Nobody knows for sure, but it's long been suspected that Kuerten is the mastermind behind the Shadowcatchers, and Q Labs' main patron."
"Then maybe Clay knows more about the trade," Zero said, popping a stuffed fig into his mouth. "He does work there."
Hiead shook his head. "He may work there, but I doubt he knows all the goings-on there. And as for what he does know, he may not be free to speak. One thing, Yamagi: how do you know about the Shadowcatchers?"
Yamagi gave a crooked smile. "You'd be surprised."
"Speaking of surprises," Rio interjected, "what are you doing for the dinner party?"
Roose grinned, relieved for the diversion. "We've got a winter show in the making. Caroling, Santa, and Mrs. Santa as well."
"And will ABBA make an appearance?"
"Of course. Who knows? Maybe Zena here will give another performance," Yamagi said, looking at Zero.
"Zena?" Hiead's eyebrow arched. "Who is this Zena?" {Rei, is there something you want to tell me?}
Zero blushed. "Sometimes I dress up and perform as a punk-pop girl." {I'll show you the pictures.}
{You know, you would make a cute girl at that. Do you have a schoolgirl frock?}
{No, why?}
{Just curious.}
The four finished dessert, and returned downstairs.
Yamagi hugged Garu, Rio, and Zero. "Good to see you guys." He shook Hiead's hand. "Welcome back."
Roose hugged Hiead, then the others. "You two," he said to Hiead and Zero, "be careful."
"We will." Zero smiled. "Promise."
Garu started the car, waiting for Rio, Zero, and Hiead to follow.
Roose tugged on the sleeve of Hiead's coat.
"Yes, Sawamura?"
"Be there for him."
"I shall try," Hiead answered, getting into the car. Yamagi and Roose waved goodnight, as the sedan careened down Camino Luna Drive.
Roose looked at his companion. "How much trouble do you think those two will get into?"
Yamagi leaned up, kissing the teal-haired man on the lips. "Plenty, if what I recall is even half-right. I just hope they come through in one piece."
Roose put an arm around Yamagi's shoulder, ruffling his violet hair. "I think they will." They locked up, and walked down an alley, toward the levee. The two climbed the steps, and sat on a bench, nestled together. "I wonder what they're doing now."
Hiead and Zero sat, silent, in the back of Garu's car. They gazed into each other, hands entwined. {Rei. What do you see?}
{I see you. And I'm amazed.}
{Is that all you see?}
{All my language allows---and more.}
{Shall I tell you what I see, Rei?}
{If you like.}
{I see your soul.} Zero blushed, looking away. {I should be the one averting my gaze. The soul's a mystery, and yours is a holy one.} He brushed a hand against Zero's cheek, planting a reverent, ardent kiss on his throat.
Zero turned, pressing his lips to Hiead's.
Author's Notes
Hello, and thank you for reading! How is everyone at 'back-to-class' time?
D-chan: got the review. Yes, I think that Clay and Saki will feel some fallout for a while. KLMeri: thanks for the good word, and I do plan on continuing. UE: Kizna will need a bit of time and patience to really process everything. Tkawaii: glad you found the last chapter informative. Hope this one gives everyone a little more insight.
Language notes: Amarelo means "yellow" in Portuguese. "Camino Luna" means "Moon Highway" in Spanish. Food notes: grape leaves are a really wonderful appetizer/entrée, made with leaves, spices, rice and ground lamb. Coq au vin is a French dish--- chicken cooked with wine. Fattoush salad is a tomato, cucumber, and lettuce salad, with olive oil and spices. Crème brûlée is cooked custard with a burnt-sugar crust. Adventurous cooks use a blowtorch to caramelize the sugar. A madeleine is a type of sponge cake, usually baked in shell- shaped molds.
Coming up: More on the Quark trade! Hiead uncovers more information. Erts and Kizna talk. Zero gets a visit from an unfriendly visitor. Clay and Saki come to a decision. And at the dinner party, what will Yamagi and Roose do? Stay tuned.
Again, all feedback---from comments to flames---are welcome. I look forward to hearing from you all.
Antoinette (poetisa)
The Waterfront district of Red River City ran parallel to the river: a sleek, curving line of wharfs, separated by a levee from rows of stone and brick buildings.
The Punta de la Luna Bistro, part of a three-story, triangular greystone, stood at the end of Porto Amarelo Road, which merged into Camino Luna Drive. Its owners, Yamagi Kushida and Roose Sawamura, lived on the third floor. The second floor served as studio space for local artists; the smell of linseed oil and turpentine permeated the halls.
The bistro proper took up the first floor: a sprawling space, with a punched copper ceiling and mahogany columns. Double doors led into a long kitchen, where, six days a week, chefs, line cooks, assistants, and dishwashers jostled for position.
Roose and Yamagi shopped, twice each day, for the menu's ingredients. First they would go to the Green Halls, about two blocks up, for produce, breads, and fresh milk. Then Roose would cross the street and purchase fresh meats at Sweeney's Market, making sure to stop next door at the Windlass Delicatessen for cheese, sausages, and other cured meats.
Yamagi went down to the wharf, where he selected fish and shellfish for the day. He would meet Roose at the Jam Jar, where they would purchase spices, coffee, tea, and other condiments.
By sunrise, they would have the lunch and dinner menus planned, and most of the ingredients for both in the kitchen (the second trip allowed them to fine-tune the dinner specials).
The bistro opened at 11, closed at four, and reopened at seven. Tuesday through Thursday, they closed at 10:30; on Friday and Saturday, at one a.m.; and on Sunday, they opened at noon for brunch and early dinner, closing at nine.
Roose walked through the kitchen, teal hair pulled into a ponytail, overseeing the preparations. He wore a grey shirt and olive chef's pants, with black socks and sneakers. He had regained a few kilograms, since his time at GOA, enough to sport a slight curve to the belly.
Yamagi made the rounds of the tables, greeting customers, and in some instances, dining with them. He had gotten taller, though he still stood half a head shorter than Sawamura; he wore a cream-colored shirt, navy trousers, and navy shoes. An earring, set with a teal stone, marked his right ear.
He looked outside, as a sedan parked along Camino Luna, and went to the door. Is that Garu? I'd better let Roose know. He reached for a walkie- talkie, and pressed TALK. "Oi, Roo, get some crème brûlée ready, Garu and Rio are coming, and they've got company." He paused a moment, then whistled.
Roose's voice crackled over the receiver. "Yamagi? You all right?"
"Get out here, man, and pronto. You are not going to believe who's with Garu and Rio." They say there's a first for everything, Kushida. I think, for the first time in my life, I need to lie down. That or make sure we didn't get hallucinogenic mushrooms at the Halls.
Roose came out of the kitchen, toward a dazed Yamagi, who had sat down in the nearest chair. "Yamagi-chan, what's the matter? See a ghost or something?"
Yamagi laughed. "I still see a ghost. Look there." He pointed in the direction of Garu and Rio, who were hanging their jackets at the door.
Roose noticed Zero, and a stranger, removing their coats. "Gentlemen! Good evening, and welcome to the Punta de la Luna. Let's get you seated." He motioned to a waiter, who came up to the four. "You're freaking out 'cos the guys are here?" he whispered to Yamagi. "Look I know that Rio likes to eat, and all, but that's hardly cause for alarm."
Yamagi snorted. "See the one with the silver hair? If you can tell me he doesn't look familiar, then we've officially entered the Twilight Zone."
Roose walked over to the table, where he looked at Garu. "Sorry about Yamagi, Garu. I think he had a little too much Beaujolais. He got carried away when you came in. Rio, are you up for dessert? Zero, how are you this evening? Where's Kizna? And who's your---oh, mercy." I am seeing things. I am not looking at someone with ruby eyes and silver-white hair. I'll just pinch myself so I can wake up. Ow! Okay, so I'm not dreaming. Maybe they just found someone who could impersonate the guy, as a joke. Nope. There's only one man that looks like that. But how?
"Do you need anything, Roose?" Zero asked.
"I need smelling salts," Roose replied. He turned to Hiead, saying, "You look like someone I knew years ago."
"I've been hearing that a lot, lately," Hiead replied. "Elaborate."
"Well, it's the hair, the eyes, the general don't-mess-with-me posture--- the fact that you've got an arm around Zero---you're a ringer for Hiead Gner."
Hiead snickered. Do I play along, or let him down easy? He gave a warning look to the others. "Who was this Hiead Gner, pray tell?"
"He was the Second Pilot, a Zenoah, like Zero here. The two of them used to lock horns every chance they got. Even after they became lovers, they'd still get into fights. Sad to say, Hiead died in battle. I never got to thank him."
"What, for getting killed?"
"No, for helping me work up the nerve to come out. He didn't give me a pep talk or anything---Zero handled that part. It was more of a by-example thing, that he was with Zero and he didn't give a damn if anyone approved."
Rio, Garu, and Zero exchanged glances, trying not to laugh.
{Poor kid! Don't keep him in suspense.}
{Just a few minutes more, Rei. Let's see how well he works this out.}
Yamagi spoke up. "Roo, that is Hiead. I don't know how he got back to the living, but I know that that's Gner." He approached the table. "And I get the feeling that you and Zero have a few stories to tell."
"Sit down, and we'll tell you," Zero replied. So the couple sat down.
Roose motioned for the waiter. "Bring us a platter with grape leaves, fattoush salad, and roasted vegetables. Follow that with coq au vin, please. We'll finish with crème brûlée, stuffed figs, and chocolate mousse with madeleines. As for wines, we'll start with Chardonnay, then go to Zinfandel for the main course, and finish with Madeira."
The waiter nodded, speaking to a man in a plum jacket. "Our wine porter," Yamagi said. He has a knack for the vine." He added, "You have stories. Talk."
So Zero began, recounting the events of the previous day. Rio and Garu added details as the story progressed. Talk mingled with food and drink, as platters made their way around the table.
"We've heard from everyone else," Roose said, "but, Hiead, what's your story?"
"Spent seven years in the Outlands under an assumed identity, working as a bounty hunter. Fact of the matter," Hiead replied, between bites of grape leaves, "I came here looking for a bounty."
"Really? What was that?" Yamagi wanted to know.
"Are you familiar with Quark?"
Roose paled. "We've lost customers and staff to it."
"Well, the drug comes from this city. I was looking for a head honcho. I think I've gotten more than what I bargained for."
"What do you mean?" Zero asked.
"Six of Kizna's students died of Quark-related deaths. Ryker Kuerten showed the symptoms of a Quark seizure. Tell me, did any other students at Red River High die in the past year?"
"Twelve of the soccer players," Rio said, "in the past two years."
"Think," Hiead spoke. "Those are the deaths you know about. Search through forensic records, and you may find more."
"What do you think about Kuerten's remarks?" Zero asked Hiead.
"You mean about the Shadowcatchers?" he replied. "I suspect we'll know soon enough."
Yamagi looked at Roose, who got up and made the rounds of the tables. "Stay here," Yamagi told the others. "We have to talk." He made his way to the door, seeing guests out.
Roose disappeared into the kitchen.
"This is novel," Zero remarked.
Yamagi returned, ushering the men up to a large studio. Linseed hung in the air, heavy and fragrant, with a sharp after note. Garu picked up a palette knife, crusted with paint, and started a mock-duel with his shadow. Rio struck poses. Hiead studied the canvases remaining on the walls. Zero stretched out in an armchair, and dozed a while.
Half an hour later, Yamagi and Roose brought up trays of dessert, coffee, and wine, setting them on a makeshift table. The violet-haired man cleared his throat. "We had to clear everyone out. The Shadowcatchers have eyes and ears throughout Terranova, and their influence runs deep. They direct the flow of various contraband substances, using a network of truck drivers, ships, and couriers. Quark is their most lucrative substance. They're nameless, faceless, efficient killers. Nobody knows for sure, but it's long been suspected that Kuerten is the mastermind behind the Shadowcatchers, and Q Labs' main patron."
"Then maybe Clay knows more about the trade," Zero said, popping a stuffed fig into his mouth. "He does work there."
Hiead shook his head. "He may work there, but I doubt he knows all the goings-on there. And as for what he does know, he may not be free to speak. One thing, Yamagi: how do you know about the Shadowcatchers?"
Yamagi gave a crooked smile. "You'd be surprised."
"Speaking of surprises," Rio interjected, "what are you doing for the dinner party?"
Roose grinned, relieved for the diversion. "We've got a winter show in the making. Caroling, Santa, and Mrs. Santa as well."
"And will ABBA make an appearance?"
"Of course. Who knows? Maybe Zena here will give another performance," Yamagi said, looking at Zero.
"Zena?" Hiead's eyebrow arched. "Who is this Zena?" {Rei, is there something you want to tell me?}
Zero blushed. "Sometimes I dress up and perform as a punk-pop girl." {I'll show you the pictures.}
{You know, you would make a cute girl at that. Do you have a schoolgirl frock?}
{No, why?}
{Just curious.}
The four finished dessert, and returned downstairs.
Yamagi hugged Garu, Rio, and Zero. "Good to see you guys." He shook Hiead's hand. "Welcome back."
Roose hugged Hiead, then the others. "You two," he said to Hiead and Zero, "be careful."
"We will." Zero smiled. "Promise."
Garu started the car, waiting for Rio, Zero, and Hiead to follow.
Roose tugged on the sleeve of Hiead's coat.
"Yes, Sawamura?"
"Be there for him."
"I shall try," Hiead answered, getting into the car. Yamagi and Roose waved goodnight, as the sedan careened down Camino Luna Drive.
Roose looked at his companion. "How much trouble do you think those two will get into?"
Yamagi leaned up, kissing the teal-haired man on the lips. "Plenty, if what I recall is even half-right. I just hope they come through in one piece."
Roose put an arm around Yamagi's shoulder, ruffling his violet hair. "I think they will." They locked up, and walked down an alley, toward the levee. The two climbed the steps, and sat on a bench, nestled together. "I wonder what they're doing now."
Hiead and Zero sat, silent, in the back of Garu's car. They gazed into each other, hands entwined. {Rei. What do you see?}
{I see you. And I'm amazed.}
{Is that all you see?}
{All my language allows---and more.}
{Shall I tell you what I see, Rei?}
{If you like.}
{I see your soul.} Zero blushed, looking away. {I should be the one averting my gaze. The soul's a mystery, and yours is a holy one.} He brushed a hand against Zero's cheek, planting a reverent, ardent kiss on his throat.
Zero turned, pressing his lips to Hiead's.
Author's Notes
Hello, and thank you for reading! How is everyone at 'back-to-class' time?
D-chan: got the review. Yes, I think that Clay and Saki will feel some fallout for a while. KLMeri: thanks for the good word, and I do plan on continuing. UE: Kizna will need a bit of time and patience to really process everything. Tkawaii: glad you found the last chapter informative. Hope this one gives everyone a little more insight.
Language notes: Amarelo means "yellow" in Portuguese. "Camino Luna" means "Moon Highway" in Spanish. Food notes: grape leaves are a really wonderful appetizer/entrée, made with leaves, spices, rice and ground lamb. Coq au vin is a French dish--- chicken cooked with wine. Fattoush salad is a tomato, cucumber, and lettuce salad, with olive oil and spices. Crème brûlée is cooked custard with a burnt-sugar crust. Adventurous cooks use a blowtorch to caramelize the sugar. A madeleine is a type of sponge cake, usually baked in shell- shaped molds.
Coming up: More on the Quark trade! Hiead uncovers more information. Erts and Kizna talk. Zero gets a visit from an unfriendly visitor. Clay and Saki come to a decision. And at the dinner party, what will Yamagi and Roose do? Stay tuned.
Again, all feedback---from comments to flames---are welcome. I look forward to hearing from you all.
Antoinette (poetisa)