Aqua Haze

Rob sauntered up to the bar, “What do you have, Mon?” “That all depends.” Barely breathing, “I’m looking for someone.” “Yes, Mon, a beautiful woman, I think!” “No, I wish I were! I need to locate a certain man about 6 feet, 185, brown hair, and eyes. Scar, right here. Prefers light clothing. Might be in a tan suit.” The bartender narrowed his eyes in deep thought. I do see him in here, now and then! His name is Glenn!” “There’s an extra big tip for any more detail!” “I am very, very sorry, Mon! But do not know this man that well. Ah, but he will occasionally show up late afternoon to mid evening. Very mysterious. He does not say much, Mon!” “Hmmm! That sounds about right. I’ll hang around for a bit.” informed Rob. Rob sighted many tourist types resting and imbibing. After 3:30, more folks, especially locals, entered the establishment. Rob glanced at his watch. It was nearing 4 PM.! It was time to return to St. Thomas. That’s when The Man in Tan showed! Rob spied him out the corner of his right eye. Then he slowly turned toward the bartender. The bartender shot an intense look. Rob’s heart went into that extra gear! Ah! There was another reason! Rob had a full bladder! It dawned upon him that he had to have a release. However, Rob had to maneuver to the facility without Mr. Tan taking notice! Glenn, in tan, was seated to Rob’s left, just left of the club’s center. Rob had to make it to the bathroom, which was to Rob’s right. It really wouldn’t be that difficult, but exiting might prove another matter! Soon, our hero was feeling rather relieved! However, that didn’t last long. The goal was to approach this Glenn person, without scaring him away! Rob slowly re-entered the bar area. “I need to go straight ahead, angle left near the front, go toward the left wall, then circle back.” figured Rob. Rob then advanced. “He’s not eyeing me, yet, observed Rob.” Rob then halted to stare outside very briefly. Soon, he had indeed circumvented his prey! However, Glenn, Mr. Tan, if you will, was seated with 2 other men! Rob, though, had slipped on a discarded apron. “Have you gentlemen decided, yet?” Rob posed. “I’ll have the jerked chicken, as usual,” replied the man in the dockers and plaid top. That’s when this Glenn began to raise his head up and stare increasingly intent. Suddenly, Glenn stood up, but then quickly was grabbed by Rob! They struggled, but Rob held on, until punched by Glenn’s friend! Rob easily, though, caught a fist, then rendered a hammer lock! The third man sat absolutely stunned! “I’m just an acquaintance, actually,” he pleaded. Rob to each man, “Don’t move! Either one! I’m law enforcement!” Then he jetted out the door, after the Man in Tan! Again, Glenn, struck for the docks! “He’s probably going to jump in another boat!” theorized Rob. Additional buildings came into view. Glenn soon bumped two tourists off stride. He was now in the hero’s sights. Next, Glenn rammed into some poor unsuspecting victim head on. He shot up like a missile and bolted, the confused still grounded. Several more persons were disturbed. There was a crowd on the wharf. Rob was nearing his prey! Glenn began forcing himself through the crowd. “Hey, Pal! Where the fuck are you going!” was bombed. The villain was in too much of a hurry to apologize! Rob was now in the human pile of people! Glenn was having some difficulty knifing through, though! He felt a hand on his right shoulder! “Now, I got cha!” yelled Rob. The duo was entangled in an intense struggle. They rolled around on the dock. Glenn, suddenly, leapt up, but then crashed right down! He was bleeding out! Everyone stared at Rob! “It wasn’t me! You don’t understand!” Rob then sprinted inland, weaving and bobbing, missing any nets, cargo, or people. “OMG! They think I killed him! They’ll be looking for me!” Rob decided on hiking to a bed and breakfast, in the countryside, high up. He reckoned that this location would have a vacancy. Rob politely helloed a trio folks at the front of the B & B. He was soon in the office. “Hi! I’m looking for a room. I’m Rob.” “Hi! Rob! Now, you can’t be all alone!” “I’m afraid that I am. No, actually, my lady is in St. Thomas. I was on business here.” “Could I possibly ask what kind of business? Oh, I’m Janet Hughes, co-owner.” “Nice meeting you! Rob Friday is the full name. I was seeking certain information from an individual. My girlfriend is a writer.” “Okay! Nice meeting you, too! I have 2 smaller rooms for you. There’s the price. Let me show you each.” Rob chose the most isolated room. Rob then asked permission to use a phone. There was some trouble getting through. But then, “Rob, Rob is that you?” “No, it’s actually Rob Friday!” “I like that! Very clever!” “Well, we have to get serious! They think I’ve killed a man!” “Oh, no! They’ll be looking for you. What happened?” “I spied him in a bar, a club, actually. His name is Glenn, the bartender says. A bit later, he walks in, and I tried to confront him. He’s got two friends there. Then I’m chasing him down the street toward the docks. Someone in the crowd stabs him. We’re struggling when he collapses in a puddle of blood! They’re all staring at me as if I murdered the guy!” “Where are you, now? I’m in the woods, high up on the mountain.” “How will you get back?” “The same way I came.” “But you can’t! The cops and the bad guys will be looking for you!” “Yes, yes I know. I’ll have to catch a ride or rent some sort of boat.” “But you’ll need a disguise!” “I could get a hat, maybe wear it backwards?” “But you couldn’t go around always wearing it! You should dye it!” “With what? I’d have to risk going back into town!” “I know! Go into the bathroom and see if there’s any hydrogen peroxide! Keep it in your hair for 20 minutes! Ah! But you don’t have any shower cap, do you?” “I’ll ask the manager for some cellophane!” “Good idea! And mix it with some warm water! Nothing else, though, or your hair will explode!” “You mean it’ll look like Don King’s!” Laughing, “Yes!” “I’ll leave early to avoid people thinking I’m Brad Pitt!” “Rob, he dies his black, now!” ‘So, he’s me, but I’ll be him!” “I’ll pray for you!” “God knows! I could use some divine intervention! Hope to be back by early or mid-afternoon!” “I’ll see you then!” Rob decided to honker down early. He had the most terrible, awful fitful night, though. There were gargoyles rivaling any middle age cathedral. Gigantic tongues, red angry eyes, elastic, elongated arms, and canine incisors all lunged at him. Rob’s pillow was a swamp of perspiration. His alarm alerted him to his task at hand. Rob’s hair was a bit straggly, but a tiny bit of conditioner and spray soon had him handsome, again. He dressed as fast as he could and dashed off! The sun was just beginning to extend its fingers of light over the mountain. The town now reflected its grasp. The channel’s water lapped at the docks. People were just starting to greet the sun. Rob had decided to hang around town, including the wharf to grab some grub. Occasionally, he would venture south or north, along the beach. After a restaurant opened he was able to consume breakfast. However, the only thing Rob could taste or savor was sailing away. He paid for his meal, then ambled toward the docks. “There’s an interesting boat! They might be able to help.” he contemplated. “Hi! How are ya!” greeted Rod. “We’re fine! You look like you’re in need of something, young man.” replied the older sea captain.