Chapter 12: Morning Comes Before Afternoon
GO and catch a falling star,
Get with child a mandrake root,
Tell me where all past years are,
Or who cleft the devil's foot,
Teach me to hear mermaids singing,
Or to keep off envy's stinging,
And find
What wind
Serves to advance an honest mind.
If thou be'st born to strange sights,
Things invisible to see,
Ride ten thousand days and nights,
Till age snow white hairs on thee,
Thou, when thou return'st, wilt tell me,
All strange wonders that befell thee,
And swear,
No where
Lives a woman true and fair.
If thou find'st one, let me know,
Such a pilgrimage were sweet;
Yet do not, I would not go,
Though at next door we might meet,
Though she were true, when you met her,
And last, till you write your letter,
Yet she
Will be
False, ere I come, to two, or three.
('Song' by John Donne)
He stared numbly at the bottom of his martini with little concern for how time was passing by. Not that he cared particularly. Beresford had an overdeveloped knack for hiding his loneliness, although it seemed that overnight he undergone some kind of transformation. The arrogant ladies man was openly seeking solace in his own company in the early hours of the morning under the hospitality of the hotel bar. Those who knew him well, would have been surprised to see an out of place brokenness in his demeanor. If they had been privy to where that came from, they would have been astonished.
Perhaps recent happenings with Drake and the guild were foremost in his mind but that would mean that Beresford cared. Everyone knew, of course, that Beresford cared for no one save for the man he saw reflected in the mirror on a daily basis. To world, he was a man who was completely egotistical and no one in their right mind thought that there was even a single spark of decency flickering in that stony heart of his.
Furthermore, they would have been amazed to know that a gifted but plain-looking pianist (hardly his usual type) would be the catalyst to a chain of thought that would lead him to this present place. On the surface, there was nothing particularly special about that creature. Nothing in her looks to catch the eye of a sophisticated lothario like himself. That woman was more like an awkward child a la Peter Pan than a woman. Still there was something intriguing. An eccentric innocence that even he was not able to touch in spite of or even because of his worldliness.
Perhaps it wasn't the pianist but the strange events that had caught everyone off guard that compelled him to take stock of his rather restless existence. Navel gazing had never been one of his lifelong priorities and he had no intention to make it a habit. But to see his friend so broken, so hapless, awakened a vulnerability that had long remained dormant in a soul that had for too long, desensitized itself from frailties of the human condition.
Beresford acknowledged regretfully after gulping down his fifth glass that he had reached his limit. His surroundings were beginning to alternate between blurry and distant. Clearly, it was time to leave before he became an embarrassing spectacle in public. Despite the tumult raging in his mind, he was not ready to go there just yet. Several attractive women had briefly caught his roving eye but he was gripped by a strong sense of ennui. Evidently, his once voracious appetite was now diminishing. That notion struck a pang of fear through his person. He was bored, sick to the stomach and assailed by a powerful feeling of emptiness. Nothing, it seemed, could dull the angst that had overtaken him… James Beresford had finally come face to face with the impoverishment in his soul.
He dragged himself out of his seat and left a generous tip under the glass. "Keep the change, Karl."
"You are welcome to return any time, Mr Beresford." The bartender was busy serving another customer.
"With the way things have been going lately, it may happen sooner than you think."
"Drowning your sorrows, sir?" Karl, the bartender grinned knowingly. "Is it a woman?"
"Isn't it always?" was the sardonic response.
Tumbling out of the bar, Beresford felt the floor beneath him move to a different beat. He needed no further convincing that his room was where he needed to head to. James Beresford stumbled into the lift when he bumped into someone familiar who was coming out of it.
"Weiss, what in blazes are you doing here? Don't you have a meeting to go to?" He exclaimed more loudly than he had intended.
"I could ask you the same."
Beresford leaned over and gestured a whisper, "Bad night, old fella. I'm in no mood to be bored to death by agendas and minutes."
"I know the feeling…"
"You do?"
"Yes… Absolutely…" Weiss nodded vigorously. "I'm not a complete committee man you know."
"Really? I would have thought that you were." muttered Beresford with more than a hint of cynicism.
"Oh no, that's where you're wrong, Beresford. I, too, have a taste for the ladies as you do." He said jovially.
Beresford was struck dumb by that comment and had a strong desire to laugh. He had always suspected Weiss to be rather monkish in his inclinations or that he was batting for the other side. Thus, to hear Weiss confess to being a ladies man was like finding out that Jane Austen was really a man.
Not that he particularly cared what Weiss did in his private life. The man was a boor but on this occasion he exuded a conspiratorial air. He seemed to be hinting of something unexpectedly thrilling and intriguing in the works.
Continuing in his cynical frame of mind, Beresford said, "Well, at the moment I've lost all taste of everything except alcohol."
"It does provide a temporary form of solace but I've found a more permanent solution."
"You have?"
"But let's keep it between you and me." Weiss giggled, almost childishly.
"What the devil are you up to, Weiss?"
"Up to? Nothing really. I'm just rather looking forward to a date with a special young lady."
"A date, eh?"
"Oh yes, the works… Flowers, chocolates… music and a candlelit dinner."
"Impressive. So when is all this happening?"
"Later today. This afternoon as a matter of fact. But now, I'm making necessary preparations."
"So who is this lucky lady?"
"No one in particular. Just someone I had the fortune of making the acquaintance of last night."
"I should be so lucky."
"You should be, Beresford. An opportunity like this only comes once in a lifetime, my friend. Carpe diem!" Weiss slapped Beresford on the back in a friendly fashion.
"Must be something special if you're playing truant like a naughty schoolboy for her."
"Oh very… and I am naughty… so naughty that I amaze myself." Weiss cackled irrepressibly.
Beresford was far from amused. There was something innately disturbing about seeing this other side to Weiss. It sent chills up and down his spine.
"You are impressed, no?" Weiss suggested seeing the look that Beresford was giving him.
"Impressed" was the furthest thing from Beresford's mind at that moment. He wasn't sure if Weiss had gone mad or just making the biggest joke of his life.
Beresford kept the tone of his voice steady. "Didn't know you had in you."
"I didn't until lately." Weiss' thoughts went adrift. "It goes to show, really, doesn't it? One is never too old."
"Absolutely." Beresford was beginning to feel rather claustrophobic. "If you don't mnd, old fellow, I'm feeling a bit tipsy. You don't want me spoiling that nice suit you've got on, do you?"
"I understand." Weiss gave him a knowing wink. "Now, remember not a word to anyone."
"How am I going to say anything to anyone when I'll be conveniently avoiding everyone."
"Good man. I'd better be off myself."
"Have fun."
"Oh, don't worry… I will…" Weiss assured him in a tone of voice that planted a seed of fear in Beresford's normally stony heart.
That Weiss' comments should unsettle him so, surprised him. But there was something about it which caused him to tumble out of the elevator and stride quickly to his room on the eleventh floor. The giggling and mischievous smirk was troubling to say the least. After undoing his shirt and belt, he made for the bed and hoped to drift off to sleep. Sleep, however, failed to come as he tossed and turned while hearing the clock beside him tick gently away.
Beresford spent much of the morning gazing at the intricate geometric patterns of the ceiling and wondering about Weiss. There was much about that exchange that unnerved him. After deliberating for an hour or two, he picked up his phone and rang a friend.
"So Hans, did you prepare the hamper that I asked for ?"
"Of course, Alex… Are you going on a picnic?"
"You could say that."
"Ah… a date…"
Weiss gave the restaurant manager an eager smile. "Indeed. My first in a long time."
"Wonderful. I am so pleased for you, Alex." It's about time.
"I want this to be a day to remember."
"I have no doubt it would be. You have gone to so much trouble. Fritz was just saying that he's been helping you get everything ready for the last three months."
A momentary look of irritation marred Weiss' otherwise cheerful disposition. "What did that lazy roustabout say?"
"Nothing much… just that he's been helping you run errands." Hans saw Weiss' evident displeasure and made an attempt to appease him. "He didn't say anything to ruin your surprise or anything."
"Good. That boy… talks too much at times." Weiss looked visibly relieved.
"You've done an amazing job with him, taking him under your wing."
"Someone had to… He was driving his parents completely insane… All that natural intelligence gone to waste on gambling their money and his meager income."
"I wasn't sure at first that getting him a job here was such a good idea. But you were right. He just needed something to motivate him."
"I'm glad it's worked out for everyone concerned. He's not a bad kid. Just needed someone to take an interest in him."
"So where are you off to then? Somewhere by the water?"
"It seemed to me rather commonplace to be by the water. Everyone's doing it. I had a better idea."
"Oh yes?"
"Somewhere higher up, I thought."
"A joyride perhaps?"
"Oh yes. When I was a boy, my father always said that I should always go straight to the point and not beat around the bush. Maybe he's right but unfortunately I've made a habit of going around in circles."
"Your father was a great man. He left us too soon."
"He did and I miss him."
"He'll be very proud of your achievements. President of the Conductors Guild no less."
"It's nothing really. Everyone knows that. I'm just someone they picked to keep the peace. Now, secretary… that is a real job."
"That's not what I heard."
"No you wouldn't have. Few people outside the guild know the true nature of what goes on inside. Men wrangling for power… no one really cares what is good for the guild. All they want to do is further their ambitions. So they stick a mere boy in an important job."
"A boy?" The restaurant manager looked confused. "You mean, Chiaki? Isn't he doing a good job?"
"Hmph… He's a mere pawn. Anyway, he's being tested and he'll learn soon enough that it isn't that easy."
"I hear he's quite capable. Vieira was in here the other day raving about him."
Weiss made a noise akin to a snort. "That traitorous dago… the less said about him the better…"
It occurred to Hans then that he had touched a sore spot and decided quickly that it was best to change the subject before Weiss' short fuse exploded as he was liable to do recently.
"Chiaki's wife is quite a winning creature, is she not?"
In that instant Weiss' expression changed. "Oh yes, quite delightful." He beamed. "I'm attending her recital this afternoon."
"The gossip is that she's quite the pianist."
'I have heard the same."
"Hard to believe." Hans mused. "Not your typical looking piano virtuoso. Very childlike."
"Well, she's not a virtuoso yet." Weiss piped up. "But I expect great things from her."
"I didn't know that you knew her that well."
"I don't. But… she does remind me of… Anna… before she got corrupted by that man."
Like Anna? She's nothing like Anna. Hans numerous thoughts regarding that subject and wisely kept them to himself. You wanted to believe she was angel but really she was a porcelain vase with the voice of a canary. It was just as well she did leave you. She had a habit of clinging on to things with a pathetic fragility.
Instead he said, "I heard about Anna… it was tragic…"
"It was… that man… that killed her…" Anguish literally dripped from those words.
The restaurant manager looked on compassionately. "Everyone makes their own choices, Alex…"
"No, he took her down that road. He didn't treat her right. If it had been me…"
"Believe what you will… but she was down that road long before he came along."
"Don't speak about things you don't know."
"I'm sorry Alex, I didn't mean to upset you but you know I speak the truth."
"You know nothing!" Weiss turned to his relative and snapped.
Hans shook his head sadly and then walked away. It was akin to flogging a dead horse. Truly, there were some things that were better left well alone.
"Anna Montgomery? The soprano? Didn't she overdose on prescription drugs six months ago?"
"The very same."
"I met her once. When was it... ten, fifteen years ago? That woman was Rita Hayworth reincarnated."
"Yes, a shame really."
"They were an item? Anna Montgomery and Alex Weiss?" Beresford was astonished. "I can't believe she went for him."
"Oh yes. Over thirty years ago as a matter of fact."
"Wow… Weiss, a stud? Who would've thought?"
"Well, not exactly. They were both mere children at the time… an interesting match… but she was a trifle too clingy. Very fragile and extremely demanding. I don't imagine too many people remember it."
"It's certainly news to me. Well, well, well… surprising that he didn't milk it for what it was worth."
"It hit him pretty hard when she took off. They were both in their early twenties. I don't think he quite got over it. His grande passion."
"I can imagine."
"It was probably just as well for his career that she latched on to that filthy rich hotelier when she did. She would have dragged him down with her. Not that the hotelier was a great husband but he, at least, had the dosh to pay for the doctors and all her extracurricular needs."
"I saw her play Madama Butterfly. Absolutely brilliant. Weepy stuff."
"I can imagine. A role she was born to play, I'd say."
"How do you manage to dig this up?"
"You should know better by now than to ask me that, James."
"I'm the soul of discretion."
"Perhaps. But that's irrelevant. Besides, I never give away my sources."
"It matters little… but you, as always, are a veritable mine of information."
"Flattery will only get you so far, Beresford. Anyway, why all this sudden interest in Alex Weiss?"
Beresford shifted uncomfortably in his sofa. "Oh, I don't know really… just something he said this morning… excited my curiosity."
"Hmmm… I see."
"What's wrong?"
"Just something else I've heard about Weiss in the last few months…"
"Do tell."
"Just before Montgomery went to sing with the angels, she asked for him and being the obedient puppy he was, he went to see her. Two weeks later, she dies. As one would expect, he was distraught over the whole thing except that he overdid it and lapsed into a depressed state and was told by the board in no uncertain terms to take some time off."
"Really?… It failed to hit gossip of the month at the guild."
"It was all very hush, hush. But I know the concert master slightly at the VSO and so he gave me the inside story."
"Well, I take my hat off to you, Jack… O ye purveyor of gossip and other newsworthy items."
"A word of warning, James… Weiss has been known to fly off the handle when people poke their nose into things that he would rather keep to himself."
"You know me… I couldn't care less what the man does to himself. But it does explain why he's been acting rather… oddly. Playing truant for one and it does explain why the man suddenly thinks he's God's gift to women."
"Can't handle a little competition, James?" The voice on the other side of the line smirked.
"Competition? That balding creature who's a close relative of Quasimodo?"
"Well, some women do love 'em."
"Yeah, well apparently some do. There's no accounting for some people's taste. He claimed that he's met someone. A female someone."
"Haven't heard anything about it from the grapevine."
"Well, he was very coy about the whole thing. Extremely pleased with himself. As if he made a killing on the stock market."
"Maybe he did."
"Maybe… but there was something in that tone of voice that gave me the impression it was something much more personal… much more sinister."
"Shock, horror. What's the world coming to? It's not like you to care." The incident with Drake must've really shaken you up. But still…
"It is shocking, is it not? Soon I might even develop a conscience." Beresford muttered sarcastically.
"That, my friend, is the day when pigs sprout wings and take to the sky."
"Now, let's turn out attention to the most recent figures."
Chiaki's mind was a million miles away when the treasurer, Sipowitz, got up and gave his address. As Sipowitz droned on about figures and budgets, Chiaki's thoughts traversed a different route.
Maybe I shouldn't have left her this morning without saying something. But she was sleeping so soundly and I didn't have the heart to wake her.
I wonder if she's still angry with me? It's been a while since I've seen her like this.
Sigh… I thought things like that would be easier between us when we got married… not harder…
What does she want from me now? Doesn't she know how I feel? Is it always going to be a test with her? I married her, didn't I? That freak of nature… turned my life upside down and then took over. Against my will, I fell for her and now against my will…
Chiaki tightened his hold on the pen that was in his hand temporarily and then released it, oblivious to the fact that it was tumbling out of his palm and onto the floor.
Trust Dad to enter the picture right now and complicate matters between us… That man… Am I doomed to live in his shadow for the rest of my life? Why now… why has he chosen this present time to suddenly play family again?
He went to see her recital… was that part of the plan? Was he that affected by her music?
Giving himself a small smile, Chiaki persisted with that train of thought.
Her music… It is true… no one can resist it. Her ability to bring her audience to where she is has always been her greatest gift. It was why I…
He shifted in his seat in an agitated manner.
I could be there… beside her every step of the way and instead I find myself being pulled away from her at every turn. Could this be a sign of things to come?
Is Weiss right… do I have to make that choice… sometime? And will I make the right one?
Chiaki continued to ponder over the ramifications of that sobering notion as the voice of the speaker faded into the background like the hum of a musical accompaniment.
Fritz Braun whistled a cheerful tune as he made the final arrangements for Weiss' big surprise. It hadn't troubled him before… the childish notes… the spying but kidnapping? Of an innocent and rather harmless looking woman. An odd sort of thing to do with someone that one liked. Still, he owed Weiss a great deal. The man fought to give him a chance when no one else wanted to. No one had shown much interest in his welfare outside of his parents but even they were beginning to despair that he would make anything of himself. Weiss, on the other hand, had promised him much in exchange for keeping his end of the bargain.
Nevertheless, a growing feeling had taken root in his mind that Weiss was losing his grip on reality. He temper was becoming shorter as was his patience. There were times he didn't make much sense. He wondered if he should pull the plug on the whole thing and take off while the going was still good. Fritz, however, was deeply curious. Curious about how the entire melodrama would pan out. The delinquent in him drove him in that direction without recourse to a moral compass. But just in case things got out of hand, he would have a backup plan ready.
He was tightening the ropes when the phone in his pocket vibrated.
"Checking up on me, I assume."
"Is everything ready?"
"Yeah, sure… of course."
"Get over to the Sala Terrena as soon as you're finished. Make sure you're not late."
"We've been over this a hundred times. I know. I won't be."
"I don't want anything to go wrong. I've been planning this for months."
"A bit edgy, aren't you?" The younger man observed nonchalantly.
"I'm not and it's none of your business how I feel. You just do your job, young man and earn your pay."
"I will. As long as I get paid."
"You don't think I'll pay you?"
"Oh nothing like that. What if your plan doesn't work?"
"Of course it'll work… it's foolproof. Not even you can bungle it."
Oh really. You're more far gone than I thought. "If you say so, boss."
Author's Notes:
I daresay you've picked up on the fact that this chapter is a flashback "episode" … events that took place prior to the recital and the kidnapping in chapter 11. Just in case you didn't…. ;) I wrote to fill in some of the gaps about characters and situations and also to explain certain character motivations.
Each year I seem to fall prey to the winter chills and my sinuses seem to get the better of me, particularly when I'm gainfully employed.. It's been a tough couple of months trying to perform the juggling act but I am determined to get this finished… by hook or by crook. :D
Thanks to those who have sent anonymous reviews. I really appreciate your comments and am sorry that I have been unable to thank you personally.