City, Sister, Silver, page 32
Back out on the street, I stuffed the pictures into my jacket next to the Solingens, a cloud covered over the sun. I’d hafta go back and see Hadraba, that was obvious, I’d run outta leads. Maybe that was just some random street name she’d blabbered out to the cabbie. I wasn’t in the mood for Hadraba or Jícha. But those guys hadda know somethin.
Ach, She-Dog, your pupil and your chief, Potok the patient, Potok the wage slave, convict and merchant, the old actor has forgotten his part. Lost in the wings, plot forgotten … she made no reply, only I knew why. O my She-Dog, give me strength, together we were like Beauty and the Beast, it’s just that now and then we forgot who was who … till then it happened, and it happened to both of us, not just to me, you went and flew off into the air, cause that’s the way it was, I’ve gotta believe it … you went and flew off to a better world … hope you’re doin all right, wherever you are.
I waited for an answer from her, but heard only silence, the street full of sounds a city person can’t perceive.
Salutations, I uttered, nodding to Spidey. May your camels be as grains of desert sand, may your wives be forever pregnant, may your sons humble the tribes under their yoke …
Ah, ciao actor, you talkin Macbeth? inquired the simpleton. Care for a shot?
Absolutely not. I’m on the prowl. Beer.
The bar was empty. This time of day it was closed actually. Pleasantly dim, so the chance wayfarer could concentrate. And also to make it easier to relieve em of their dinero. Spidey was solvin a crossword puzzle. Can’t stand those things.
I need a four-letter word for alebezener.
Nura.
Huh? How’d you know? I donno. Intuition.
This is nonsense. The riddle’s not comin out.
I know whatcha mean. Černá singin here tonight?
Nope. Seven-letter word for metal… starts with U. That’s easy.
How bout tomorrow?
Černá’s through singin here. Six-letter word for sty … shit …
Huh? Wha jou say?
Sty, huh … corral?
What?
I donno. I just donno.
Wha was zat about Černá?
Her? Black Maria’s through giggin here, finito. What’s wrong?
I stood up.
Hey, Potok … with you there’s always somethin. C’mon. Have a beer. Relax. It’s early.
I need to find her. I want her address. Why isn’t she here?
I was articulating like an automaton. I had a terrible urge to slug Spidey. I don’t know why. He hadn’t done anything. Besides, he looked stronger than me.
Look, ask Hadraba. He’s the one gave her the heave-ho. His byz. I’m the bartender, get what I’m sayin? An what’s up? You got some kina deal goin with her? She owe you some cash? Cause tough luck, pal, she owes the club too. That’s all she was doin here was workin off debts.
I don’t got anythin goin with her. I just like her.
Well, she is good-lookin … if you go for that type. Want that beer or not?
Yeah.
But she’s a weird one.
Yeah?
Place like this, people gotta stick together. You know the hordes we get comin in here. She’s too into herself. Acts like the boss when she’s not.
But she is, Spider.
Not here. She’s her own boss, period.
Exactly, one of the few.
Few, heh, that’s a good one.
You havin anythin? One a those drinks a yours? Or’d you pull em off the program?
Nah. Not for me. Beer.
Hadraba comin in?
Any minute. I’ll buzz him you’re here. You’re one of us, right.
Absolutely. How bout Jícha?
Aw nothin. Cool. Carved a nursery rhyme here. Spidey leaned over the bar and read: I die of thirst beside the fountain … heh-heh, he looked up, good one for a bar, right? … blazing hot with chattering teeth, in my own country I’m in a distant land … nice, huh? said Spidey.
Yep, those’re real pretty words, I said. So old Jícha’s writin again?
Guess so. But, you know, we got work.
Crime an punishment?
Shut your mouth … an speakin a Černá … she’s always like no big deal, but that chick’s got eyes an ears everywhere, she’s a slippery one … she knew.
You’re nuts! She’s not like that. Not her … you’re outta your mind.
Hey, I ain’t sayin nothin. Ask Hadraba. He’s the boss. I’ll give him a ring.
If you’d be so kind.
I sat and sipped my beer. Tasted awful. Anything would’ve tasted awful. Spidey forgot about his crossword. Just stood and looked. Lotsa people earn a living that way.
Hey, Potok …
What’s up?
That Ukrainian a yours … they been askin around about him. Bout you guys.
Who? The spooks? Which ones?
Nah, some Russkies. Talked funny. I told em I donno nothin. Like always.
Who could it’ve been?
I donno. Some wackos. Weird getups. An ya know what they said? They said his mom was lookin for him! Good one, huh?
Weird.
Mm-hm.
I noticed they had a new bulletin board. Shifted over towards it. You guys show movies? Since when is Hadraba a cinema buff?
Brings people in, said Spidey. Stuff theaters don’t show anymore.
I studied the schedule. All cult stuff: Blue Velvet, Winnetou, Land of Dreamers, Tame at Heart, Blade Runner, Mrazik* … I’ll come by sometime, as a reward, I promised myself.
In walked Hadraba. Spidey beat it over to the glasses, pretending he had a heavy workload. Yep, that’s what it looks like when the byznys path comes between former fellow warriors, which I’m assumin those two were back in that hicksville of theirs. Hadraba took me into the back, out of hearing range.
So how bout that Laotian? Where’d he go, he asked breathlessly.
Threw me for a loop with that.
I’ll be hearin from him, I’m sure. Hadraba, listen, we’re finished. The Organization’s done for.
Rudolf mentioned somethin bout that. You goin in with us then?
They stopped me on the street, Side Pocket an one other guy from those photos a yours.
Viška, Hadraba chuckled. Ex-jailbird. Diaper diddler. We got em shook up. Now the thing is to get hold a that gook an find out what he wants. Ess-tee-bee’re crawlin outta the woodwork for this guy. Find him. An … Rudolf tells me you’re lookin for a girl. Your colleague, Závorová? We got the nets in the water. If she’s out there, we’ll find her.
I strongly doubt it, I sneered. There’s somethin I need, Hadraba.
Hm?
Spider was talkin some shit about Černá … or whatever her name is …
Yeah, Cernä. Hey, I know it’s stupid, all these suspicions, but she’s … weird.
Got any evidence?
No such thing when it comes to that. But hey, better to make a mistake ten times than screw up once!
There’s no way.
Hey, tween you an me … it was Jícha’s decision for me to give her the heave-ho. He was interrogatin her an she just laughed in his face.
It’s obvious! That idiot! He was just hot for her an she wouldn’t give him any! Jackass! That poet. You’re all dummies, the spooks’re turnin your brains to mush. It worked. They finally got you, Hadraba!
It’s still far from over. An don’t get upset. Hey, she won’t get lost.
Already is, far as I’m concerned. You got her address?
No.
I thought my head was gonna explode. But I just laid it on the table. Hadraba was surprised.
You got a thing with her?
No, but I wanna. Bad.
You’re nuts, Potok. She’s a headcase.
But she’s beautiful. She’s amazing.
She’s a drunk!
Who isn’t.
Yeah, I kina get whatcha mean. I got bit by the bug once too … Hadraba scratched at his beard … it wasn’t even the slammer that got to me so much as not bein with her, it’s funny, Hadraba chuckled, but I was so wrapped up in it I wasn’t even embarrassed, like you right now … makes you feel like a little kid … but it’s nice.
It’s awful, I said.
That too.
There’s somethin weird with her though. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen her gettin a guy all hot an bothered just for kicks. Chick likes it best when she’s got six wolfhounds sittin around her droolin an goin at each other’s throats. Understand, even that doesn’t get her off. She’s just messin around.
Her business.
Yeah, an the guy that gets dumped on’s.
I can handle it.
That’s what they all say.
She with anyone?
Always towin someone around. She doesn’t give a shit. Chick’s got cocks comin out her eyeballs … an what’s she got? Nothin! I mean she ain’t exactly a work of art, c’mon, she’s all skin an bones … got her voice an her pussy an that’s about it.
Drop it.
She always liked draggin some kid in here, get him all steamed up, totally fuck with his head, just till things got goin, an then leave him, drunk. Way most a those poor bastards ended up! Stewbums were happy to take a whack at em. Fresh meat. She’d watch. An on top a that she’d pump em for cash. It got so I couldn’t stand watchin her games anymore. Yeah an finally these sailors got in a fight over her. She got em goin. You know how she sings an what she does durin her act. You know she sometimes dressed up like a little girl? I mean you know how she is. This shit was sick though. We hadda give the guys the heave-ho. One stayed. Think he lost some teeth. He was so tanked he didn’t feel it. Face all busted up. An Černá just sits there. Watchin. Chick was into it. This guy got the worst of it, but basically won, if you catch my drift. He was after her. She provoked em. I could see in her eyes how happy she was. Purrin like a kitten. An the guy walks up to her an goes: Would you care for a shot, miss? An she goes, Fuck off, faggot. Who’s been fuckin you, you stink like shit. Yep. Everybody shuts up. She’s sittin there in this little red sweater, skirt down to her knees. You know she wears little kid outfits sometimes? Guy was totally floored. Shoulda popped her one. I woulda let him, Spider too, heh, I’m tellin you we’d all had it up to here. But the sailor backed down. Chick was givin off some weird kina vibe. He went back an sat down, she got him. First they beat the shit outta him for trashin their buddies … all over that dumb bitch lousy whore.
Drop it.
Calm down. I liked her. But she started to overdo it. Not the ordinary crap like every chick. Every dude. She was testin how far she could push it. That’s what got her off. Everybody saw that thing with the guy. Hey, people started gettin pissed off at bein made into spectators for Černá’s passions. It was enough to make you puke. Anyway, brawler splits. An she steps up to the mike an says: Any a you urban poor wanna song … slaves? Or’d you rather have somethin else? Then she walks back to the bar an starts suckin it down. Secret Urge, that’s all she ever drank. An that’s not a drink for everyone. You know what I mean. What right’s she got insultin guests? What’s she so nasty for? She gets paid, she oughta toe the line! That’s how Spidey put it. She spit her drink in his face. Spider made like it was no big deal. Put on some hard rock. Things got goin again. But this sailor didn’t know when to call it quits. Had a drink, got up his courage, an went over to her. Guess he wanted to prove how tough he was. So he goes up an grabs her ass. I woulda stopped him … that’s the one thing Černá can’t stand, an I don’t blame her … all the weirdos we get in here … but at first she’s like nothin, just turns around nice an slow, says: Oh it’s you, honey … she kisses him, man, shoves her tongue like halfway down his throat, they’re standin there … I relax like, whew, she’s wasted … only then she takes a step back an nails him with her knee, the guy doubles up, just moanin … she grabs a bottle an smashes it over his head … he goes down, she jumps on him … that was enough … Spider went after her, it took three of us to drag her off … bitch.
Three Northies, not bad for a skinny little girl!
You moron. She fractured his skull. Serves him right, scumbag, she says when she found out. I figure she’s hidin now. Probly didn’t hear he survived, stupid cow. That chick loved it when guys fought over her. I’ve heard stories about her freakouts. Nonstop recently. I’m glad she’s gone.
Gotta admit though, she brought em in. With those dirges a hers.
Yeah, that’s true. Helped a lot at first. No doubt. But lately … a little guitar an some mood music, that’s the way to go. That stuff she’s been singin lately … human flesh … flowers made outta skin … I donno who’s been writin her words, probly some perv … or maybe she writes em herself … Jícha was furious … she’s got a good voice, I know. But I’d rather show movies. Let folks sit an keep their mouths shut. Peace an quiet. Černá just caused trouble. It’s the only way she knows to have fun.
Listen: If I don’t find her, the first thing I’m gonna do is go see the Laotian an tell him everything. An the next thing I’m gonna do is I’m gonna get in touch with Romul an tell him everything I know about you guys. You’re terrorists. If you weren’t blackmailin me, I’d be gone in a second. An Jícha’s a moron.
Yeah right, Potok. I was expectin somethin like this. I think you’re not normal. The address is 7 Balkon Street. That’s all I know. We need you cause you know the gook. Nothin personal. But seriously, I wouldn’t advise any leaks. You’re not just dealin with people who know you anymore.
Hadraba, buddy, I know you too. Thanks for the address. No thin personal to you either. I’m glad you offed the Martian an all. But I got my own stuff. I’m outta here. If she turns up, tell her I’m lookin for her.
Yeah yeah.
What district is it?
13.
Thanks. Ciao.
Ciao.
It was a typical ratty building. Too many of em on the map in my head. Outdoor walkways linin the courtyards, ruinin all hopes of solitude at the end of a long day of drudgery. Another site where neighborhood life is played out. Another place where you’re exposed to bullshit. Where they peek in your windows. Good Lord, so this is it: Černý, it said on the door. I’m gonna see her father, I can’t believe it. Platinum balls. A dazzling, illustrious man. Kill him slowly for all her suffering. And the cellar downstairs. Here comes a little kid goin there now, luggin a coal bucket down from the walkway, and there’s times he feels like he just wants to die but he doesn’t know how to describe it yet. A woman opened the door. Tall, thin. Curlers in her hair, suds on her arms. Cigarette hangin off her lip, face worn haggard from runnin around and: I can’t make it! Interrupted in the middle of endless errands, futile prayers, only the devil or nobody knows. Old gray she-wolf. This could be her. Same housedress on as every woman in these places at this time of day. Kitchen to living room and back again. They’ve all got the same one. That or sweats. I used to imagine the Midday Witch in that kina getup when I was real little. Good afternoon, I say. I came to give your daughter her check. I’m from Barrandov, the movie studio. That gets every mother’s attention, I think. It didn’t cross my mind for a second that Černá might actually be livin here still. Or even that she might be hidin here. There was nowhere. C’mon in, young fella, a voice thundered. Guy in his undershirt, newspaper and beer on the table. So how much is it … I heard Mařena was on TV with that singer, Korn,* he said from inside. One peek and I decided to stay out in the hallway with the lady of the house. “God grant this home happiness,” said an embroidery. Not likely. Where’s my little girl? the lady said, mouth hanging open. Can I offer you something to drink … Mr. Producer sir … I’ll sign that thing for ya, the guy boomed. You’re not her father, the lady shrieked. And oh boy, another tragedy, right in the eye of the hurricane, I thought. How much is it, said the guy. Come in the kitchen, she said, taking me by the elbow, he’s got nothing to say about it. I’m supposed to get her signature, but we can work something out, I whispered to the lady before the guy came barrelin in … and saw me … you, from Barrandov? he crowed, fat chance. Get out, boy. I went. Whatever’s supposed to happen is already goin on. I waited in a passageway. Then relocated to the dairy next door. Stepped in line so I wouldn’t stick out. It was a long one.
Finally she showed up. She stood outside lookin around. With the scarf on her head she looked older. Do you know where she is? she said. Do you know? No, ma’am, I’m trying to find her, I’m a friend of hers. So then you don’t have any money for her. I do, I do, and I’ll give it to you. But can you tell me where I might find her? Are you with the police? No, ma’am, I swear. I believe you. Martička … I think that lady was truly fond of her daughter … she was living in a flat with some friends at one point … I begged her to come back … but she had a mind of her own. That was when she was working down at St. Francis, the night shift …
She’s a … doctor?
No, oh no, just a nurse’s aide, she wanted to go to school, but …
Where’s that flat she was staying in?
Růžová 3. South City. Who are you?
Who does the flat belong to?
I couldn’t say. These days, you know …
Who’s written on the door?
Mr. Hozner. From the TV station. He used to give Martička a ride home sometimes …
Any girl friends?
Martička? No. None. I donno. Who are you?
I gave her some cash. Looked right at her, tryin to drink in her face, since if this was my sister’s mother … but no, it didn’t work.
So. Černá used to be a nurse’s aide, huh? I woulda thought she’d’ve made it at least to nurse … sister of mercy, yeah right. I picked up the pace.
I’d been through this underpass once before. Somebody’d thrown a cobblestone at me. Missed. When I caught the bastard and asked him why, he said he didn’t know. Today it was empty. Guess he grew up.
I found the box I wanted, got on the elevator, and rode up, alone. Everything the same, anonymous. Nobody knows anybody. No questions. I kina liked it. Here comes justice, Mr. Hozner, you’re through givin lifts to Martička … I buzzed, nothin. Just a second ago, though, I’d heard footsteps and coughing. I waited half an hour, then tried my luck with a different Open Sesame. Three buzzes in a row, fast and urgent. Pause, then again. There isn’t anybody that hasn’t used this simple signal at least once. In their childhood, say. Pound on the door and it’ll open. You just gotta know how.
