Number 1 – A Strange Request at a Piano Bar

 

Required Words:

v  Carnival	v  Sprained	v  Mask	v  Oxidation	v  Awkward
v  Apple	v  Juvenile	v  Controversy	v  Twirl	v  Sassafras

 

Apple Street was busy on a normal day. It was a hub for delipidated diners, seedy bars, and more than a few controversial businesses. It’s the kind of place that is always filled with people, some looking to have a good time and some looking to escape the bad ones.

Today was anything but normal. It was the last day of Carnival, our cities makeshift effort to help the poor and downtrodden forget their problems for a few days. That meant today was the last day for some citizens to cut loose and blow off some steam.

Throngs of revelers were out tonight. They wore bright colors and animal themed masks, as was the city’s tradition. Heat radiated from the masses, amplifying the nauseous odor of liquor and piss that followed the parade. 

A troupe of dancers, dressed as various birds of paradise, twirled their feathery, bedazzled outfits in the moonlight. They moved in rhythm with each other, making provocative and juvenile gestures as they went.

I awkwardly pushed my way through the crowd and arrived at my destination, the Sassafras. A lonely guard sat by the door on an old metal stool that was covered in splotches of red oxidation, rust caused by the salty sea air that flowed in from the bay. A pair of crutches leaned against the wall behind him. Maybe he had sprained his ankle?

“Club’s closed, pal,” he said tiredly.

“Then why did Red ask me to come see her tonight?” I replied.

He said nothing, just knocked on the door behind him with a specific little pattern. Almost instantaneously, the door swung open, and I was greeted by another guard who gestured for me to come in.

“Ms. Valentine will see you now,” he said dryly as he closed the door behind us.

I didn’t have to ask where she was. I heard the notes of a particularly sad song emanating from the baby grand on the stage.

“Hello, Red.”

“Good evening, Detective.”

“Detective, huh. Guess we’re doing the “all business” thing tonight,” I said, not hiding the disappointment in my voice.

“I need you to get me to Luxemburg before dawn.”

“That’s not gonna be easy.”

“I didn’t ask you how difficult it would be, I asked you if you would take me there.”

“Baby, I’ll take you anywhere.”