Late Nights at Cafe Escape

Part 12

"I know you guys have summers in December and do basically everything in reverse," Alex remarked, "but does 'teeny tiny' stand for 'absolutely fucking impossibly huge' in the Pacific region?"

Kai bonked Alex with her fancy expensive art thingy. "You don't have much time, lah. If I were you, I'd be out there collecting money already in exchange for protection.'' Kai rolled up her sleeves, revealing extremely muscular arms, accentuating her point. "We can provide you with our muscle around the clock. No matter what time it is, one of us will always be there."

Nikka stepped in and asked, "What do you even need need the 6 million for?"

"Our presence is not cheap," Adi answers, still focussed on the screen on the wall. "You think Kai's gym sessions don't cost a thing? You think Cook's Union Jack branded Cybertruck was for free? Do you think I travel the world in eco- hurgh" He heaved, almost puking. "In economy class?" he managed to continue.

"Okay," Alex relents. "I agree your price may be fair. But I have absolutely no clue how to source those funds! If I already had 6 million, I wouldn't be running around the cafe making peace with doctors and begging you guys for protection!"

"Urgh," Cook interjected. "You've been in bed with those disgusting doctors already? Well, there go our dreams to get a slice of that organ trade money."

"Fucking hate doctors," Adi muttered in agreement.

Kai huffed and puffed and blew on her fancy expensive art thingy. "Alright, we understand you don't have the money right now, and that you're a bit desperate. So we will graciously point you to where you can get our financing from."

"Where?" Nikka asked.

"You've got to visit Cali," Cook replied.

---

"I have to confess," Alex said to Nikka as they stepped out of the Pacific gang dungeon and into the cafe's general space. "I'm very allergic to America."

"Allergic to America?" Nikka was bewildered. "Is that a real thing?"

"Yes, I break out in hives every time I see the US flag anywhere, even on a t-shirt."

"Um, okay. I guess I'll keep that in mind if we ever visit America." Nikka gave Alex a confused look.

"Wait," Alex said. "Aren't we headed to California right now?"

"Why would we be going to California? Did you forget your life is in danger right now? We don't really have time to pencil in a walk down Hollywood Boulevard in our itinerary for today."

"But Cook said we need to go to California?"

Nikka shook her head as she led Alex out the doors of the cafe, onto the dimly lit streets, glistening and wet under the soft rainfall. "She said we need to visit Caly, not California. Caly stands for Calypso, a member of the cafe who might be able to help you get the money you need."

"If she's also a member of the cafe, why did we just leave the premises?"

"Caly prefers to hang out primarily at her own establishment." Nikka opened her umbrella and began walking along the street. "Follow me," she instructed.

A couple blocks later, they arrived at a large Pantheon-style building with large decorative sconces adorning its walls. "Here we are," Nikka remarked as Alex raised her head and squinted at the signboard through her water-splattered glasses.

The Burgis Library, it said, but the neon lightning behind 'burgis' seemed to have malfunctioned. The lit sign just read, The Library.

-x-