BAD WINE CRAPPY CHOCOLATE

CHAPTER SIX-5

Bardy saw his reflection in the polished metal and pretended to comb his hair. Tiffany giggled, but the two stiffs did not appreciate his antics. The weapon emitted a blue beam that struck the Vitala thief in the temple. His mind became paralyzed. Max Bardy did not know who or what he was. Those who had experienced the effects of the wand believed they had been momentarily reduced to a being with the mentality of an amoeba. Max lay motionless on the floor with a blank expression on his face, as Tiffany recoiled at the sight. After several minutes, the two men took Max by the arms and dragged him out of the club.
They placed him in an air craft, this particular one being the size of a compact car. There were no wheels on it, as the vehicle traveled above the ground, floating as though defying gravity. This was accomplished by having a powerful air stream emitted from the bottom of the craft. Another stream emitted from the rear propelled it forward.
"When I get Gino, he's gonna pay," Max said from the back after he recovered. "He contacted you guys and sold me out."
"We didn't need any help from Gino," the officer driving said with a grin. "Your companion's false irises tripped the alarm. An officer in the Security Bureau had been told that someone would be coming into the city using the identity of an old woman from the south side. "
Nathaniel! Max thought bitterly He gave me the lenses, so he must be in on it. And that wise ass up front knows damn well that Gino was a part of this, too. I never should have come here, especially with Cori. I fucked this up but good.
His traveling companion stood outside the building, petrified by the sight of her escort being dragged away. She was now on her own, in a city that had been transformed into an alien place.
"Don't worry, honey," Tiffany said as she walked up behind her. "Max knows people. He'll get out."
Cori was startled, and in her present condition barely resisted the impulse to scream. "I have to find Brandon!" she sputtered.
"I don't know a Brandon. What's his last name?"

"Cane. His sister is about to become a...senator. Yes, that's what Max said. A senator."
"I didn't even know Cybil had a brother. And I don't have a clue about how to find him. Cybil Cane and I move in different social circles," Tiffany pointed out with a grin. "But, like I said, I'm sure Max will be back shortly. Let's go inside."
After another exchange of clothing, the waitress suggested that Cori have a drink. She asked for something strong to calm her nerves. Tiffany recommended a butt buster. The drink was made with several shots of bourbon. Like the wine, it had a very bitter taste. The strength of the liquor also disappointed her; it had no effect on Cori's agitated mind.
I'm in deep trouble, she thought. I don't know where Brandon is, and Max might be locked up forever. Why did I ever come here? I should have stayed on the hill with the thieves.
"This is Vince." Tiffany's voice interrupted her thoughts. "I have to get back to work. He'll keep you company."
Vince was an amiable sort and, fortunately for Cori, possessed the ability to carry on a conversation all by himself. Tiffany's friend worked for the maintenance section of the bureau of city services. This self-important person spoke about his occupation as if he were a brain surgeon. Vince also took care to make her aware of his muscular physique. She listened to some of what he told her, but for the most part was focused on her current predicament.
"Without me, a lot of people would be in trouble. The work can be hard and complicated sometimes, but at least I feel that I'm accomplishing something."
Vince picked up his drink, being sure to flex his bicep while doing so.
"Oh, right," Cori said in a distracted tone.
"I go different places every day," Vince told her. "I'm never working in the same building. I feel
sorry for the people who are cubed." "Cubed?"
"You know, they work for Allisours or some other outfit, sitting in a tiny work space tracking sales and things like that. I'd go nuts."

"Oh, right, I know what you mean. I think I'll try a beer."
The ale in her stein was watery, with not even the hint of a head. Cori nursed it until closing time. Tiffany came over to join them.
"Where are you staying?" she asked.
"That is a very good question. I was supposed to be with Max."
"It's no problem, sweetie. You can crash at my place. Let's go."
Vince escorted them to Tiffany's building. They rode the silent elevator to the 22nd floor, where the waitress opened the door to her tiny abode. The apartment was minimally furnished, but clean and comfortable. Vince offered to pour them a glass of wine.
"Do you have something else?" Cori asked her host.
"Sure. Just give her some fruit juice, Vince. It's in the cool cabinet."
He reached up and opened a small door. There were several bottles inside the cabinet, each
containing a different chilled liquid. The two women sat on the long sofa in the living room. Tiffany waved her hand over a black square on the arm, and music filled the room.
Vince poured their drinks, and then filled a glass with wine for himself.
"You can stay here as long as you want," the waitress said to Cori after they had sampled their drinks. "Any friend of Max Bardy is a friend of mine."
"You know Max Bardy?" Vince sounded impressed. "You associate with dangerous characters, Cori."
"I only see him when he comes to Gino's," she improvised.
"Where do you live?" Vince asked her.
"On the east side. But I don't want to go there tonight. They might be looking for me."
"You must live an interesting life," Vince told her.
"It gets more interesting all the time," Cori replied. Then to herself: if you only knew.
They spent the rest of the evening engaged in casual conversation. Cori was careful not to reveal anything about her past. Tiffany and her guests eventually reached the point where there was nothing more to say. Vince broke the awkward silence by suggesting that they have one more drink before retiring for the night. He refilled their glasses, slipping a small capsule into the ones being used by the women.
After finishing her drink, Cori suddenly felt lightheaded. She dropped her empty glass on the floor. Tiffany tried to help her, but was suddenly overcome by the same malady.
"You girls are tired," Vince told them. "Let me help you to bed."
"What did you do to me?" Tiffany asked in a thick voice.
Cori's vision was distorted, as though she was looking through a fisheye lens. Vince's face
appeared to be absurdly long, as he bent over the bed to assure her of his swift return. As Tiffany's friend went back to bring her into the other bedroom, Cori struggled to stay awake. She soon discovered that her efforts were for naught.
"This guy is a sick bastard," she was barely able to mumble. "And I'm in big trouble."