twenty-seven

I headed down the hall to my office and hit the button on the answering machine. Three calls. One from a regular client, one from a potential new client referred by Celine, and the last from my grandmother, reminding me about her birthday dinner. Of course I wouldn’t forget. I’d return the client calls tomorrow.

I flicked on the computer and plugged in Adam’s birth information, generating a new chart. If his time was correct, his Ascendant and Moon were very close to my Sun sign. His Sun conjuncted my Moon. No wonder there was an attraction. I felt like a teenager writing the name of my schoolgirl crush in my notebook. I’d definitely have to study this further, but right now I was running late.

I rummaged in the hallway closet and found a garnet-colored wool sheath with a matching jacket. I washed and dressed quickly and tucked my grandmother’s present into my purse, a lovely citrine bracelet I’d found at a small shop in North Beach. I called to Wizard but he ignored me. He was curled up in a ball in the little slipper chair in the bedroom. “Okay, be like that. I’ll still feed you.” I dished some food out into a fresh bowl, closed the kitty door, and then hurried down the front stairs to my car. Twenty minutes later I pulled into the parking lot of the Mystic Eye and called Cheryl’s cell.

She answered right away. “Be out in a sec.”

True to her word, Cheryl appeared at the back door and waved. I waited while she locked up and climbed into the passenger seat.

“Oh, you’re all dressed up!” she exclaimed. “Is the Asia Inn a dressy place?”

“No,” I laughed,“not at all. It’s just a funky place in Chinatown over by California Street. It’s neat, though. Very old, with private rooms. This outfit is from ‘Nonni’s Closet.’ That’s what I call my stash of good clothes. I always try to wear one of the outfits she’s given me when we go out.”

“Well, I love it. You’re sure I’m okay like this?” Cheryl waved a hand over her blouse and skirt.

“Absolutely. You’re fine. You’ll see. We’re just going to chow down a lot of Chinese food. Kuan’s organized the whole thing. It’ll be fun.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Gale said she didn’t mind if I closed up a little early tonight. It’s nice to get out. I feel like all I do is work and go home, but now I actually have a home, so I don’t mind.” She glanced over at me. “What’s going on?”

I hesitated. “What do you mean?”

“Something’s different. You’re smiling.”

“What are you talking about? I generally do.”

“Mmm, my spidey sense tells me something’s going on. Something like a man. Is it that cute cop that helped us this summer? He liked you. I could tell. Are you seeing someone and not telling me or Gale?”

“No,” I replied hotly, then sighed. “I’m not ‘seeing’ anyone, but there is someone I’ve met. He … well we haven’t actually gone out or anything, but I’m sure we will.”

“I knew it! I knew it!” Cheryl crowed. “That’s wonderful. I’d love for you to meet someone!”

“Well, we’ll see. We’ll see how things go.”

“Don’t be so damn negative!”

“I’m not being negative. Not at all. It’s just … complicated.” I hit the brakes before pulling out of the alley onto Broadway. “Something’s happened.” I filled Cheryl in about Maggie’s visit and the couple who’d discovered the photo of Michael’s accident.

Cheryl was silent for a moment. “I’m so sorry, Julia.” She reached across and squeezed my hand. “It’s terrible. It’s like you’re dragging ghosts behind you.”

I nodded. “Let’s not talk about it anymore tonight. And please don’t say anything in front of my grandmother. It’s her birthday. I don’t want to bring anyone down.” I smiled at Cheryl, just to let her know I was okay. “The trick will be finding a parking space on Grant. But we’ll give it a try.” It took three passes up and down Grant Avenue, across California, and back again before I spotted someone pulling out of a metered spot.

“Watch out, Julia,” Cheryl said. “That guy’s gonna try to grab it.” A large sedan was idling a car length away on the same side of the street.

“Not a chance. It’s car wars.” I squeaked into the vacant spot before the driver in the other car realized he couldn’t reverse in time to block me. His rear lights blinked off, and, angry, he revved his engine and took off down Grant Avenue. I turned to Cheryl and smiled. “Let’s get inside. I’m starving.”

“Me too.”

Kuan and Gloria were at the bar. Gloria was sitting on a stool, sipping wine, and Kuan held a sparkling water in his hand. He came over to greet us. Tonight he wore his formal outfit of all black: black slacks and a black collarless shirt buttoned to the neckline. “Cheryl, very nice to meet you. So glad you could join us.”

“Thanks for inviting me. I’ve never been here before.” Cheryl looked around, admiring the retro ambience. The restaurant had first opened in the 1930s and the owner had never wanted to update or remodel the place. The original hexagonal black-and-white tiles covered the entire floor space. The walls were a deep red with dark wood wainscoting. Lanterns hung from the ceiling and heavy drapes hid the private rooms from view.

“I think you’ll like the food.” Kuan turned to me. “Why don’t we get to our table. Gloria’s friends should be here any minute.”

“Sounds good.” I approached the bar and gave my grandmother a hug and a kiss on her cheek. “Happy birthday, Nonni.” She was wearing a gold-colored long-sleeved sheath with a soft wool shawl. “You look very elegant.”

Her eyes twinkled. “Hi darling, ti amo. Thanks for coming and thanks for bringing Cheryl too. So nice to see your friends.”

“Gale was sorry she couldn’t be here. She had something else going on tonight.”

“Next time.” Gloria slid off the barstool and took my arm as we walked toward our room. Kuan held the curtain back for us to enter. “Angela and Dolores will be here any minute. They just called. They’re still looking for a parking spot.”

We took our seats and I fished the small present out of my purse. “Go ahead and open it.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t have!” Gloria exclaimed. She smiled broadly. “Can I open it now?”

“Of course.”

My grandmother untied the ribbon and tore the paper away like a little kid. She opened the velvet box and gasped. “Oh, it’s gorgeous,” she said. “What is it? Is it … citrine?”

“You guessed it. Do you like it?”

“Oh, yes,” she breathed. “I really do. Where did you ever find this?”

“Indira’s in North Beach. I thought you’d love it.” I reached over. “It goes well with your outfit too. Here, hold up your hand and I’ll clasp it for you.”

Gloria leaned across the table to show Cheryl. “What do you think?”

Cheryl touched the bracelet delicately. “It’s beautiful. Very different.”

Kuan turned as he heard voices and lifted the curtain again. I recognized two women from my grandmother’s church. One was Angela, the other Dolores, but for some reason I always mixed up their names. We all said hello and as they took their seats, a dark-haired man in his forties followed the two women in. Uh oh, I thought. What’s this? I shot my grandmother a look, but she raised her eyebrows as if to innocently indicate she had no idea another person was joining us. Yeah, right!

“Julia, so nice to see you again,” Dolores said, or was it Angela. “This is my nephew, Gianni. Gianni Scaramelli.” Gianni waggled his head a little as he gave me a smarmy smile. At least he had the good grace to hold the chairs out for his aunt and her friend. “Sorry we’re a little late. We had such a hard time finding a parking space and then just as Gianni was about to back into one, some obnoxious person in a little car snuck in behind us.”

Cheryl’s eyebrows went up. She hazarded a questioning look at me.

“That’s terrible,” I replied. “People can be so rude.” Cheryl’s face pinched as she tried not to laugh. I introduced Cheryl all around. It was obvious Gianni had been pressed into service to chauffeur his aunt and her friend, but he didn’t seem to be in much pain as he leaned forward to get a better view of Cheryl’s cleavage.

I decided to play along and be polite. I was about to ask Gianni what kind of work he did, but Angela jumped into the breach. “Gianni’s a certified public accountant, you know.” The remark was directed at me. “He has an office in North Beach, just up the street. So, if you ever need help with your taxes …” She turned to her nephew. “Gianni, give the ladies your card. You brought your business cards tonight, didn’t you?”

He reached into his breast pocket and retrieved two cards, handing one to me and the other to Cheryl. He still hadn’t spoken. Cheryl studied the card for a moment. “Oh, I knew you looked familiar. I’ve seen the sign above your office.” She turned to me. “You must have seen him around too, Julia.”

Kuan gave a signal and a waiter bustled in carrying a huge round tray. I leaned close to Cheryl and whispered, “Sex offenders website, wasn’t it?” Cheryl kicked me under the table.

The waiter scurried around our table, delivering the first course, a melt-in-your-mouth beef dish. This was followed by shrimp with glasses of Chinese ginger liqueur. Cheryl had already polished off one glass and was working on her second. Next came platters of rice, pots of tea, and more covered dishes of pork, beef, and vegetables. The food was non-stop. Cheryl was happily chatting to Dolores across the table, and Gianni, seated next to Cheryl, was hoping to catch Cheryl’s attention.

When the fourth course was cleared away, Angela, who could barely contain herself, said, “So, Julia. Do you have a boyfriend now?”

I almost gagged on my bite of shrimp. Before I could reply, Cheryl laughed loudly. “She does now.” I shot her a withering glare.

Gloria said, “Really, dear? Who are you seeing?”

I managed to down my mouthful of food and shook my head. “No one. Cheryl’s mistaken.” I kicked her again. I felt my grandmother’s gaze as she squeezed my hand under the table. I was going to be questioned about this.

Without warning, the lights dimmed and two waiters entered, carrying a birthday cake sizzling with little sparklers. Gloria gasped. “Oh, no, you didn’t!”

Kuan chuckled as the waiters placed a single candle in the middle of the cake and began to sing “Happy Birthday” off key. We all joined in. Then we heard drums and a trumpet and cymbals as the lights dimmed even more.

“What’s that?” Cheryl asked. The curtain parted and a huge dragon’s head appeared between the drapes. I gasped involuntarily.

Cheryl leaned over. “Are you okay?”

I nodded and took a deep breath. “Sorry, just frightened me for a second.” My dreams of the menacing monster and its swishing tail came flooding back. The dragon’s head was followed by a train of scaly cloth supported by men whose black-clad legs and feet were visible under the body of the dragon. Three musicians followed the dragon as it danced around our table, the dragon’s head moving up and down and sideways, serenaded by clashing cymbals, drums, and trumpet bursts. The noise was deafening in our small room. Gloria held her hands to her ears, but she was laughing. The dim lighting, the sparklers, and the clanging and banging of the instruments sent shivers up my spine. The dragon represents celebration, but still, there was something sinister in the eyes and fangs of the huge papier-mâché head. The men made three passes around our table and finally exited, the dragon’s head last as the men danced backward.

“Oh, how wonderful,” Dolores exclaimed. “I’ve never seen a private dragon dance before.”

Kuan was having fun, I could tell. As the lights came up, he stood. “The dragon is welcomed everywhere because he brings good fortune.” He bowed his head in Gloria’s direction. “Dragons possess great power and wisdom and the longer the dragon, the more luck. For our space, we could only hire a small dragon with five joints.” Kuan glanced around the table. “But it’s important to use an odd number of joints.”

“I thought the dragon dance was only for Chinese New Year,” Angela said.

“Well, the practice first started in the Han Dynasty for ceremonies to worship ancestors, but eventually it came into use for all sorts of celebrations. If this was a religious ceremony, the dragon’s head and tail would have to be burned and the body stored until next year.”

“I think it’s wonderful,” Gloria said. “Thank you, Kuan. That was so thoughtful of you.”

“May it bring great good fortune,” Kuan replied.

After dessert and more tea, and once the plates were cleared away, Angela and Dolores were the first to leave. I breathed a sigh of relief when the odious Gianni left with them. I asked Gloria and Kuan if I could drive the two of them back to Castle Alley, but they declined, saying they’d rather walk. “Are you sure?” I pressed.

“Yes, dear, we’ll be fine. It’s a nice night for a walk.”

I hugged my grandmother and gave Kuan a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Kuan. I’ll see you both soon.”

Cheryl and I climbed into my car and, waving to Kuan and my grandmother, headed down Grant Avenue toward the Mystic Eye. I pulled into the small parking lot at the rear.

“I’m so sorry, Julia.” Cheryl looked contrite. “I don’t know what made me say that, about a new man in your life.”

“Ha! I knew I should have stopped you after two glasses of that liqueur. Don’t worry about it. Are you okay to drive home?”

“Sure, I’ll be fine. The hot tea helped.” Cheryl opened the passenger door.

“Hey, before you go, there’s a place I’d like to stop into. Do you feel like walking across the way to Stoned?”

“Stoned? The club?”

“One of the women at David’s office plays in a band. Tonight’s their night. She invited me, so I thought I’d pop in for a drink.”

“Uh uh, not me. I’m pooped. It’s almost eleven. Aren’t you tired?”

“Kind of, but Googie Adano, the owner, is a friend. I thought I’d say hi. Kill two birds with one stone.”

“Thanks, but no. I’m heading home and collapsing until I have to come back here tomorrow.” Cheryl climbed out and then leaned down. “Leave your car here. It’ll be safe.”

“Good idea. See you Saturday.”

“Oh, don’t remind me. I have to get all the snacks organized for the open house.” Cheryl blew me a kiss. “Have fun.”

I climbed out and locked my car, waving to Cheryl as she got in her car and drove away. I hurried down the short alleyway and crossed Columbus, weaving through the crowds of late night strollers. I wished I’d worn something more casual, because now I was totally overdressed for a club night, but they’d have to take me as I was. I wanted a chance to observe Dani and her band and nose around.

I walked the last two blocks to the entrance and pushed a ten-dollar bill through the tiny window. Googie’s partner, JJ, was collecting the cover. He’s a very large, very tattooed biker who helps Googie manage the business. His tough macho exterior is good window-dressing, and he can double as a bouncer when needed. He’s scary looking enough to keep customers in line but he’s as gentle as a large pussycat. JJ smiled in recognition and stamped the back of my hand with a purple stamp.

“Julia, nice to see you …”

“JJ.” I nodded and smiled.

“Whatcha doing here, girl? Surely you’re not here for the culchuh?” JJ growled.

“I’m with the band.”

“You shoulda said somethin’.” He pushed the ten-dollar bill back to me. “Go right in, honey. Googie’s around … you’ll see him.”

The blast was deafening. Dani’s band, Hoarse, was on, and Dani was on stage with her bass playing a solid rhythm. The lead singer, a male, stood rigid at the mike and screamed out lyrics I couldn’t for the life of me understand. I made a circuit of the interior, carefully avoiding the center where patrons screamed, cavorted, slid, and collided to the music. Actually, I thought Dani was pretty good … as a bass player, that is. The rest of the band she could do without. I spotted Googie on the far right wall behind the bar, wearing a florid Hawaiian shirt decorated with rhinestones.

Googie is devastatingly witty and works very hard at running his business, his dream come true. He absolutely loves what he does and spends every day and night at his club. What amazes me is that after all this time at the noise-a-thon, he still has eardrums left. I ducked under the bar and waved to him.

“Julia, sweetie.” Googie sped from the other end of the bar to embrace me and kiss me on both cheeks. He pulled back and looked at my outfit. “Oh, I’m so sorry, madam, the Junior League Tea was cancelled.”

I laughed. “Just came from my grandmother’s birthday dinner.”

“How’s she doing?”

“She’s great. Kuan organized a big do at the Asia Inn.”

“Well, then you’ve stopped by to tell me you’re leaving me your hair in your will?”

I rubbed the top of Googie’s thinning hairline. “No, sweetie, no. Just to see you and hear the music.”

“Likely story. Come up to my office where we can talk.” Googie walked to the end of the bar, grabbed a handle in the wall, and pulled. A black rectangle opened. He gave a wave to the bartender on duty, who nodded in return, and then took my hand and led me up a narrow stairway dimly lit with tiny white lights at the baseboard level. Once the door to the bar was shut, much of the noise disappeared, though the entire structure still reverberated. We climbed the stairway and Googie unlocked another heavy door that opened into a corridor leading to his office at one end and his and JJ’s living quarters at the other. Their apartment looked out over Broadway, a street once lit by the infamous neon sign of the topless dancer with flashing nipples suspended from the building at the corner.

“Now what are you really up to? You know, I have to come back soon for a reading, I’m actually thinking of sinking some more money into this hellhole, but I want to consult with you first.”

“Of course. Actually, that’s what started this … a reading for a friend. You know I’m acquainted with one of your musicians?”

“Oh, who, darlin’?” Googie offered me a cigar. I shook my head no and Googie lit one.

“She’s playing bass right now with Hoarse.”

“Oh, right, she seems real sweet. Not like that testosterone-ridden nerd who sings with them, but she’s all right as these kids go. What’s up?”

“What dates have they played this past week?”

“Well, we have them booked for tonight and the next three Thursdays. If they bring in a decent crowd, we could move ’em up to Friday nights. But they’ve been doing the Sunday evening jams.”

“Were they here last Sunday?

“Oh yeah. They were. You could always double check with JJ. He has a better memory for that stuff.” Googie waved his hand vaguely in the air.

“What time do they start up and how many sets do they do?”

“Four sets. On Thursdays they set up around seven thirty and start playing at eight thirty, and then go to last call at one forty. Unless of course they’re sharing the bill with someone else, which they’re not right now because it wouldn’t be worth it for me. Sundays, they play six to ten. They’re the main band. They play the whole first set, then the jammers have their turn.”

That schedule didn’t give Dani an alibi for either murder. “That’s an awfully long night, isn’t it?”

“Oh, no, sweetface, they have to work for their money. You know what an oppressive capitalist pig I am.” Googie smiled. “Listen, I’m thinking of a whole new look: white on white, with silver appointments, swing bands, and elegant jazz trios. Drinks, caviar, the whole thing … evening dress only. What do you think?

“Wow! That’s a change.”

“This whole urban punk thing has been done to death … it’s as common as dirt and hardly alternative anything. I’m thinking Café Googie … or maybe Café Giorgio. Sounds classier, doesn’t it?” Googie trailed off and smiled. “Besides, I’d love to see JJ in a tux. Can you hang around till we close up?”

“No, I can’t. Thanks anyway. I just stopped in to say hi and pick your brain. It’s a long story, which I won’t bore you with now. I’ll say hello to Dani and maybe buy her a drink. Don’t mention I’ve been asking questions, okay?”

“You got it.”

“Oh, one more thing if you don’t mind, Googs.”

“Anything for you, honey. After all, you’re a Sagittarius. I trust you.”

“Ever hear any rumors about a man named Roger Wilkinson?”

Googie squinted his eyes. “Name rings a bell, but I can’t place it. Is he one of my people?”

“Pretty sure. Here. Here’s a photo of him.” I pulled out the article Roger had written on health care abuses, which I’d fortunately remembered to stuff in my purse. It boasted a professional shot of Roger in a suit.

“Oooh, yes. I know who he is. Although I only knew the first name.”

“Well, tell …” I prompted.

“I don’t remember the details offhand. It was a few years back but there was quite a scandal. JJ might remember. I’ll let you know what I can find out.”

“I’d appreciate that. And again, don’t tell anyone I was asking, okay?”

“Don’t worry.” Googie made a silent gesture zipping his lips shut. “If I can find out more, I’ll let you know.”

I found Dani on the other side of the room. The jukebox was playing Patsy Cline, which was a welcome relief, and Dani was chatting with a young guy with a beer in his hand.

I approached slowly. “Hi, Dani.”

She smiled vacantly at me, then vagueness turned to amazement as she recognized me. “Julia! Ohmigod, I didn’t recognize you. You’re all dressed up,” she laughed.

“I just came from a dinner party, but I was nearby so I thought I’d stop in.”

“Hey, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend.” She turned to the young man. “Antho, this is Julia. She’s working at the firm this week.” Antho turned a somewhat pockmarked round face toward me and smiled a toothy grin. His eyebrows and lips were pierced in various spots. I thought his name reminiscent of the disease that affects a lot of sheep, but I smiled anyway and shook his hand.

“Antho’s our singer and lead guitar,” Dani announced proudly.

“Can I get you a beer or a drink, Dani?”

“Nah, I’ve got one, thanks, and I’ve got to go back up in a minute. Did you catch our last set?”

“I did. It was great,” I lied. “I just came by to hear you and say hi.”

“Can you stick around for the next set?”

My head spun at the thought of another minute in front of the stacks of amps. “Oh, I’d love to, but I’m on my way to meet a friend. Some other time maybe.”

Dani spun around and glanced at a signal from another guitar player on stage. “Uh oh, gotta go. Listen, thanks for coming by, Julia. I’ll give you some of our flyers tomorrow when I see you.” She kissed Antho quickly on the cheek and took off for the stage.

All in all, the hour spent at Googie’s didn’t net very much. Whatever alibi Dani might have for either of the murders didn’t involve a gig at Stoned. Googie’s memory was maddeningly vague, but I knew what a gossip he was and that if he remembered anything more about Roger, he’d let me know. I waved good night to Dani, now on stage, and made my way through the growing crowd to the front door of the club. I said good night to JJ, slipped out the door, and retraced my steps to the parking lot of the Eye to head home.

I pulled up to my garage door and searched for the opener. It wasn’t in my purse, the last place I’d seen it. I checked the glove compartment. Empty. Where had it gotten to? I gave up the search, backed out to the curb, and climbed out. I’d have to search for it tomorrow. I climbed the stairs, unlocked the door, and called to Wizard. He didn’t come to greet me. I heard his bell jingle somewhere in the apartment. It wasn’t like him not to rush to the top of the stairs to greet me. I turned on the lamp on the hallway table and spotted his paws underneath.

“Wiz, what are you doing? Come on out for a hug.” I petted his paws and made kissing sounds. Wiz returned the affection with a gurgle and rushed out to my arms. “What are you doing hiding there?” I cuddled him as I walked into the living room. I flicked on the wall switch and stood in stunned horror. My apartment had been trashed.