Persona Non Grata

Scene 3 - The Barmaid

It was another bustling evening within the confines of the Zodiac Tavern, as a huge number of Don Penitente's contractors have just come back from their business trips to claim the 'commissions' for their contracts, with a number of invited clients here and there having their drinks. June has been a very busy month, and interestingly, the bulk of our clients lately have been coming from Tondo and Sta. Mesa - districts that have become opium trade hotspots after well-to-do Chinese traders have taken refuge here in the Philippines following the war that broke out between Japan and China recently. The whole place is just packed to the brim with patrons that I and my fellow hostesses just couldn't catch a break.

"Good evening, señorita. Virgo. 76." greeted one of the guests wearing a three-piece suit as he seated himself in front of the counter, sliding a silver coin towards me.

"One moment, please." I responded as I shuffled through the stack of neatly-filed brown envelopes behind my counter. "Would you like something to drink whilst you're here, Don Macaraig? By the way, you look dashing in that suit."

"Why, thank you. I just had this picked up from my tailor two days ago. I'm glad you like it." he replied with gratitude. "By the way, is there any chance you have seen Don Penitente around?"

"I'm afraid it's not within my authority to answer your question. Club regulations, sir. Sorry." I smiled apologetically as I shuffled further into the stack. "Aha. Here we are. Virgo 76. Fresh from the mail."

I took the envelope out from the stack and placed it on the counter. The parcel was packed, and the red seal barely holds the envelope shut. Don Macaraig immediately picked up the parcel and opened it to inspect the contents. He then proceeded to meticulously scan the documents one by one. The man was going through the documents thoroughly, discarding a page on the counter once he's done with its contents. However, on the 20th page he began to pause, and took a closer inspection of the document.

"Is anything the matter, señor?" I asked.

"Interesting...so that would be his offer to the bid." he muttered to himself. A few moments later, he turned to me and said with a big grin. "Thank you very much for the information, señorita. Your service has been most excellent."

"Likewise! We are grateful for giving us your full confidence on this matter. It has been a pleasure doing business with you, Don Macaraig." I said with a smile as I shook his hand. "If you would need our services in the future, please do not hesitate to send us a request."

"Oh, I definitely will, señorita. Give my regards to Don Penitente. I will definitely see you soon. Good night." the man bowed, retrieving the coin and his documents from the counter as he took his leave.

I wonder what those documents are about? He mentioned something about a bid. Is that the bid for the expansion project of the Bilibid? It has to be. Don Penitente told me once how these bids work. Bidders would have to submit their invoices separately so as to avoid...wait, is he trying to outbid Don Pelaez on the project?

"Cristina." called out one of the hostesses. "Don Penitente wants to have a word with you. He wants to see you outside."

"But who would attend to the guests?" I asked.

"I'll cover for you. The don says it's urgent. I'd hurry if I were you. Go on."

"Thank you. I'll head out now." I replied as I exited the premises. "Oh, and before I forget, we have a priority package for a group of gentlemen on the far left of the counter. Pisces. 25."

"Pisces?" she inquired, her expression showing mild shock.

The lady then turned to take a glance on the group of gentlemen wearing camisas seated round a table, playing cards and smoking cigars. "Ahh. Yes. Of course. Pisces is for-"