Luna was jolted awake by the soothing sounds of the couple in the next room screaming at each other. She splashed water on her face and untied her hair. While trying to plan out her day, the boom of a door slamming and boots stomping down the stairs seemed to perpetually interrupt her train of thought. She stood up, considered burning them alive, then looked out the window. The comedic scenario playing in her head had Luna unable to refrain from laughing hysterically. Ah, to be in love.
After a long yawn and stretch she got dressed and laced up her old boots. Today is the day. I can feel it. That bounty is as good as mine. Also, I’m getting sick of having my hair in my face, so maybe I’ll have time to find a new mask today. The sound of merchants setting up their stalls for the day and roosters crowing came through the open window. Once she felt ready to seize the day, she locked the door before stepping down the uneven and creaking stairs into the bar area. It was mostly empty with the exception of a few workers cleaning the place up.
Luna stepped over a table that appeared to have been smashed at some point the previous evening. ”Morning Mr. Steelhook, how many barbers are there in Cantrick?”
The one eyed man looked up cockeyed at her from behind the bar. “Mr. Steelhook was me father.” His straight face turned to a big grin, “Just yankin’ yer leg lassie, I never knew me father. And we’ve got two barbershops in the city proper. Old Maddock’s and Jezebel’s. Looking to get a fresh shave lassie?” Steelhook roared with laughter while the unamused cleaning staff and Luna looked on awkwardly in silence.
Luna walked to the front door, casting a glance back over her shoulder towards the bar. “Something like that. How do I find Jezebel’s?”
“Five blocks over towards the docks. The shop’s painted purple, pretty hard to miss er’. Oh, tell her Steelhook sent ya’.” Steelhook ran his finger through his goatee, “Actually, don’t tell her I sent ya’. She’s not overly fond o’ me these days and her husbands really not fond o’ me-”
Luna shook her head as she walked out the door. I feel like there’s some kind of comedic tragedy there to unpack, but I don’t have the time for it. The crisp morning air felt like a gift to Luna, even if it was slightly tinted with the scent of fish guts. After a night sleeping in that moldy old room, even sleeping in a tunnel would be an improvement. While Luna made her way to Jezebel’s, rays from the rising sun beamed through the crooked rooftops warming her face.
Jezebel’s was located in an especially rough part of Cantrick. The purple barber shop and buildings adjacent were surrounded by make-shift tents littered with garbage. Sickly people wandered the street begging travelers for scraps. Now this is the sad Cantrick that I remember. She shook her head doing her best to cast out the memories of the last time she visited the city with Cyrus, and the business she had tried her best to forget. No time for penitence now.
With a deep sigh Luna walked into the barber shop. A large woman wearing enough makeup for ten women looked over at her. She was shaving a man's beard and had her razor pressed to his throat. “You here for a cut?”
Luna looked around the small shop, it had a wall covered in a dirty and cracked mirror, a couple of chairs and a waiting area with a few mostly dead plants. Rats, no dead bodies or bloody knives laying around. “Jezebel, I presume? I just have a few questions for you if you don’t mind ma'am?”
Jezebel continued shaving the man and didn’t bother looking at Luna. “And if I do mind? If you’re not here for a cut then you should scram. I’ve got no time to be wastin’ on you.”
Well at least she’s polite. “Out of curiosity, where were you five nights ago?”
The painted lady shot a look like daggers at Luna. “It’s none of your damn business squirt!” The eyes of the man being shaved looked around nervously with the straight razor still pressed to his throat.
Luna’s hand reflexively inched towards the hilt of her rapier. A tall thin man stepped out from a side room with his hands abreast in a mediocre attempt at defusing the situation. “Now, now, no need for violence. With the horde of shambling sting addicts just outside our door we don’t need any more reasons for paying customers to avoid our shop.”
Jezebel’s red stained lips puckered and she squinted at Luna causing her thickly painted-on face to wrinkle up in a manner Luna found humorous. Luna utilized every ounce of her willpower not to chuckle. This woman reminds me way too much of the touring theater performances where women are played by men in gaudy makeup. Too bad she’s not wearing navy blue lipstick.
The gaunt man walked over to Luna. “We were on vacation in Cloudreach enjoying the lantern festival for the last week. We only just got back into Cantrick last night.”
Resting her hand on her chin Luna considered the answer. I don’t get the feeling that he’s lying to me. And if they were at the lantern festival than they couldn’t have committed the last murder. Is it possible he’s fooling me? Luna narrowed her eyes. “Thank you for your time. Stay safe, these streets are dangerous with the Puzzle Killer on the loose.” She watched them for a moment after her warning and couldn’t see any signs of nervousness or tells.
The man nodded, “Happy to help.”
Luna nodded back and exited the dirty barber shop. I definitely don’t like that woman, but nothing about them set off my mental alarm. Hopefully barber shop number two provides me with a lead. Sting addicted lost souls began to move towards her and she walked briskly away with her head down avoiding eye contact. You’re not responsible for them. You were only a child. You had no idea what you were doing. She covered her ears with her hands and just kept moving. When she looked up she was at the docks and wasn’t sure exactly how long she had been walking. Now is not the time to lose your mind. Keep your shit together. With a shake of her head she looked around and collected herself.
The docks were full of energy this morning. The ship hands loaded cargo while the markets were crowded. The smell of fresh caught fish permeated the air. Luna noticed a stall selling all manner of costumes and apparel and she strode over to it. A dark-skinned man in a garish outfit greeted her. “Ello’ love. What might I interest you in t’day?”
Luna could tell he was from Chamaroon by his accent. She looked at the many masks laid out on the table before her. The Chamaroonian had masks of every color and cut. Luna’s heart beat faster when she saw a golden mask shaped like a moon. “How much for this one?”
He picked it up and looked at it. “Ah, excellent choice. This one is made from rare sharkskin that can only be found in the Valiant Sea. I couldn’t part with it for less than two silver crowns.”
Does he think of me as some foolish topsider? Luna’s jaw dropped. “Two silver crowns? For a mask? That’s ludicrous!”
The man curtsied, “Quality like this just cannot be found in Enthamere, each mask is handmade. If you change your mind you know where to find me.” He winked at her and turned to hang costumes up on an ornate wooden display behind his stand.
I could take this mask and slip into the crowd. He’d never catch me. But…no. I will never steal again. That is behind me. Luna exhaled deeply. “Thank you for your time. You are an incredible craftsman, your eye for design is incredible. Do you by chance know where Old Maddock’s barber shop is?
The Chamaroonian leaned in and pointed down a street, “Sure I got a cut there yesterday. Closest shave in town. Follow this road for seven blocks and you’ll see the sign for Maddock’s.”
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“Thank you sir.”
Luna set off to talk to Old Maddock and she hoped it would prove more eventful than her trip to Jezebel’s. When she arrived out front of the barber shop she noticed a gold embossed sign that said Old Maddock Barber Extraordinaire. The neighborhood was much more affluent than the neighborhood she visited that morning. The buildings in this district stood tall and straight as if they were proud to be there. These shops and apartment buildings had fresh paint and it had been applied in lurid color schemes. Luna rubbed her eyelids and walked into the barber shop.
A short mustachioed man with spectacles poked his head out, “Please do have a seat, we’ll be with you shortly.”
This shop was entirely different from the previous one. Floral wallpaper and mounted animal heads decorated the walls, the chairs were made of exotic leathers, and it was chock-full of flourishing greenery. A red haired man with large mutton chops was shaving a plump man—they laughed and chatted while smoking fat round cigars. Luna’s eyebrow raised ever so slightly when she noticed he was wearing a yellow scarf. Hmm, I’ll need to get a closer look.
The waiting area had three gentlemen with similarly ridiculous mustaches sitting and sipping bourbon. Ice cubes clanked around the glasses as they swirled their tobacco hued liquid. The men seemed to be talking excitedly about hound races from the previous weekend. Luna kicked her brain into overdrive trying to think of a discreet way to get close to the barber. Think. Think. Think. She glanced down and saw a newspaper sitting on the counter. This just might do the trick. She subtly tore a page from it before folding it and tucking it into her cloak.
Luna began walking towards the barber. The short man poked his head out again and lifted his pointer finger up, “Please have a seat in the waiting area ma’am. Mr. Maddock will be with you when it’s your turn.”
Continuing on her path towards the barber, Luna held up the folded newspaper clipping, “Mr. Maddock, I ran into Mrs. Cavendish at the market this morning and she asked me to give you this on my way home.”
Maddock looked up bushy eyebrows raised, “I don’t know a Mrs. Cavendish—”
Good thinking Luna, you idiot. You know the rules, never get specific with a con. “Oh you silly man, Mrs. Cavendish insisted.” Might as well double down at this point.
Maddock wore a confused expression like his customer wore a silly mustache. They were completely unaware of just how foolish they looked. Luna reached the barber and handed him the folded clipping.
His look of befuddlement crescendoed into sheer perplexity. “Why would I need this random newspaper clipping?” He was beginning to get angry.
Her ruse had worked though, she had gotten close enough. Brown stripe! And his scarf has a small tear in it. I’ve got you now! Luna feigned a look of confusion as she made her way quickly to the door. “Oh, my apologies boys, I’m just the messenger” Luna batted her eyelashes and backpedaled towards the door. “I have no idea why Mrs. Cavendish wanted you to have that. Have a lovely day now gentlemen.”
Before anyone had a chance to ask her another question, she slipped out the front door of the barber shop and disappeared into the crowd. Luna kept her head down and eventually sat down in a small cafe across the street. The lovely mahogany table matched the aesthetic of the establishment exquisitely and its location by the window provided her a perfect view of the barber shop. This place smells absolutely divine. Maybe I can just stay here forever. She grinned, thoroughly enjoying the aroma of roasting coffee beans.
A thin woman with beautifully braided hair approached the table. “Good afternoon ma’am, what can I get for you today”
Luna looked down at the menu, it was penned in ornate script, she began to sweat. I can hardly read this. I don’t think I ever went to school on the days we worked on reading cursive. She doesn’t need to know that though. “I’ll just have a coffee. Thank you.” She breathed a sigh of relief as the woman walked away. I think I’d like to have my hair done up in lovely braids one day.
When the lady with the fancy braids returned and placed a steaming cup of medium roast coffee on the table, Luna had questions for her. “Thank you miss. Pardon me, but do you know anything about the Maddock family?”
The woman's eyebrow raised, “Hmm, not too much. Grandfather Maddock owns a very successful business selling and transporting exotic animals. Rumor has it he wanted his grandson to take over his business. It seems to me he’s more interested in gossiping and smoking expensive cigars with his rich friends. I guess that’s why he opened the barber shop across the street—to piss off his grandfather.” She said, covering her mouth with her hand and giggling.
Luna laughed and took a sip of her coffee. “Damn that’s an excellent brew! Hey, just out of curiosity do you like those elaborate mustachios?”
The woman leaned in close whispering, “I think they look incredibly silly.”
“On maker! I’m glad that I’m not the only one who thinks that!” Luna said, laughing so hard she spit her coffee out. “How much do I owe you for the coffee?”
The woman with the braids looked around and then leaned over speaking quietly so the other patrons wouldn’t hear, “You strike me as a nice girl. That one’s on the house.”
Luna smiled showing her teeth, something she made an effort to avoid doing usually, despite having a beautiful smile. “Thank you so much. That’s incredibly kind of you.”
The woman winked at her and walked away.
After a few hours Maddock exited the shop and slipped out into an alley. He was wearing a tricorn hat with a tall feather in it. Thank you sir, for your terrible taste in headwear. That will make it much easier for me to follow you. Luna tailed him as discreetly as she could, always exercising caution to maintain a safe distance. She trailed him through the affluent district and out into the docks. At one point he stopped and looked back over his shoulder, eyes narrowed.
Luna’s heart froze in her chest and she thought she would be caught for sure. Thinking on her toes she kneeled down pretending to tie her shoelaces. Come on now. I’m just another anonymous face in the crowd. Don’t mind little old me Mr. Killer. When she stood back up Luna was relieved to see Maddock had continued on his way. She pushed her way through the crowds to catch up to him. He made his way expeditiously down a smoke-filled alley before disappearing into a large warehouse building. Alright girl, now is the moment of truth. Let’s kick this creepy barber's ass and secure our passage to Nisse.
The sound of Luna’s boots meeting the worn cobblestone was barely audible over the clamor of the lumber mills flanking the warehouse. No need for stealth anymore. Luna approached an immense brass door covered in verdigris. Her eyebrows raised when she turned the rusted door knob—it was unlocked. This doesn’t feel right. I should formulate a proper plan, but a helpless girl could die if I don’t make a choice quickly. She pushed the heavy door open, decision made.
Her stomach dropped when she stepped into the foyer. The room was dimly lit by candles, and completely filled with mannequins. Okay. This is okay. Totally not creepy. A door was slightly ajar at the other end of the room and a sound like a fist banging on thick glass called for her attention. She needs my help. Luna squeezed through the maze of humanoid statues as fast as she could pushing her way closer to the door. The cadence of the thumping picked up speed until it closely matched the rapid beating of Luna’s heart. Hang in there I’m coming! The room had a musky, decaying scent that made her reactively flare her nostrils. With each step towards the door the odor became more and more repugnant. Just breathe, I am a strong woman. I can handle this. Her nerves started to get the better of her in the middle of the sea of mannequins.
The sharp pinch she felt in her neck came without warning. Luna gasped and stumbled backwards off-balance. Her trembling hand grasped at her neck, pulling free a delicate empty syringe. Oh shit! This is not good at all. Her vision rapidly began to blur and she looked side-to-side frantically trying to locate her enemy. Try to control your breathing, it will slow the effect. The sound of her racing heartbeat pounded in her head like a drum. The room began to tilt and Luna grabbed at the mannequins trying to stay on her feet. Warm waves of vertigo washed over her, faster and faster until her vision faded and she fell into nothingness.
Maddock stepped out from behind a mannequin, “Send my regards to Mrs. Cavendish…”
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Luna awoke with a gasp. What the hell. What is this place? Luna was laying in a massive glass terrarium constructed in the center of an empty warehouse. The glass garden was filled with tall grass and a few dead trees laying on their sides. She shakily got to her feet, pressing her hands against the thick glass. Written on the glass in blood was a riddle. I run, but never walk. I have a bed, but I never sleep.
On display just outside of the terrarium was a dismembered girl sewed to a mannequin. Tears rolled down Luna’s face when she saw the remains of the girl. I failed. I couldn't help her. I’m a useless excuse for a person.
A rustling sound in the grass behind her made the hairs on the back of her neck raise. Luna spun around quickly. Staring at her from across the glass garden was the largest snake she had ever seen. Its colorful scales shimmered when the giant snake raised ten yards into the air and hissed vehemently down at her.
Of course it would be a bloody snake. Why didn’t I just steal the damn fare for the passage?