CHAPTER EIGHT- OLD FRIENDS REUNITE
Friday 20th April, 2018- NEW SALEM, STATE OF WILLOW, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The Artist had returned to JayJay’s Jazz Bar, Pub & Grill from their sick leave, their presence was heavily missed by Sarah Perkins, who was the first to give them a big fat hug. “I’ve been trying to reach you for weeks. How are you doing?”, Sarah said with relief in her voice. “I’m getting better”, The Artist replied, “Thanks for checking up on me. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. It’s been a rough couple of weeks”. “I understand. I just wanted to make sure you were okay”, Sarah said, “Is there anything I can do to help?”. “Not really. I’m fully recovered and ready to get back to work”, The Artist replied. “Okay. Just let me know if you need anything”, Sarah replied. “Will do”, The Artist replied back.
The Artist then proceeded to dawn the JayJay’s uniform, a long-sleeved black formal shirt with a white apron that had the JayJay’s logo, a name tag with their role at JayJay’s stuck to the right side of their chest. There were no rules regarding trousers and shoes at JayJay’s, so The Artist just stuck to their standard dark grey denim jeans and black and white Chuck 70” canvas high-top Converse shoes. The JayJay’s logo was a stylish and artistic design that reflects the establishment’s jazz bar theme. It features a combination of smooth curves and bold lines, representing the soulful and rhythmic nature of jazz music. The logo incorporates musical elements such as a saxophone and musical notes, showcasing the bar’s dedication to jazz culture. The color scheme is likely a mix of deep blues and rich golds, evoking a sense of sophistication and nostalgia.
As a bartender, The Artist played a crucial role in providing excellent customer service and creating a vibrant atmosphere at JayJay’s Jazz Bar, Pub & Grill. While many bars may be more active during evenings, JayJay’s embraces a lively morning atmosphere, attracting patrons who enjoy jazz music with their breakfast or brunch. At 9:00 (AM), the bar may not be as crowded as it would be later in the day, but there are still regulars and early birds who come to enjoy the ambiance and start their day with some smooth jazz tunes. The Artist arrived punctually, being well-rested and fully recovered from their sick leave. After greeting their other colleagues with enthusiasm and professionalism, The Artist then proceeded to take pride in their work, knowing that their presence contributes to the warm and inviting atmosphere that JayJay’s is known for.
As the morning progressed, The Artist took on various tasks to prepare for the day. The Artist stocked the bar with the necessary spirits, mixers and garnishes, ensuring everything is in order. The Artist cleaned and organized the bar area, making sure that the counter is spotless and the shelves are neatly arranged. Despite the early hour, The Artist exuded a friendly and upbeat demeanor. The Artist interacted with patrons, suggesting jazz-infused breakfast cocktails and mocktails. Their knowledge of mixology and passion for jazz music created a unique experience for guests, who appreciate the attentiveness and personalized service. Throughout the morning, The Artist crafted signature cocktails and took pride in the artistry of their drink-making. The Artist skillfully shook and stirred their drinks, creating visually appealing and delicious beverages that perfectly complement the jazz-filled ambiance.
As the clock ticked closer to lunchtime, more customers trickled in, and The Artist’s efficiency and multitasking abilities shined. The Artist managed to keep the bar area organized while catering to guests’ needs simultaneously, engaging in conversations about jazz music, sharing anecdotes and fostering a sense of community among the patrons. But there was one customer that caught The Artist’s attention— Claire Sinkala Sinclair.
Claire Sinkala Sinclair held a special place in The Artist’s heart as one of their cherished childhood companions. From a young age, they shared countless adventures and formed an unbreakable bond. Claire, born on 29th November 1993, was a captivating woman with striking features. Her hair was a stunning shade of strawberry red-brown, cascading in waves around her shoulders, accentuating her radiant green eyes that sparkled with curiosity and joy. Her fair skin glowed with a natural warmth, complemented by the charming black nail polish that adorned her perfectly manicured nails.
Her attire, a gothic ensemble that perfectly reflected her unique sense of style, consisted of a skirt which featured a mesmerizing blend of black and red hues with intricate lace and velvet detailing that cascaded down to her ankles, giving her an air of dark elegance. The t-shirt she wore embraced the same color scheme, with a mysterious pattern of intertwining black roses against a crimson backdrop, adding a touch of mystique to her overall appearance. Completing her daring look were knee-high boots made of supple black leather, laced up the front, and adorned with subtle metal accents. The boots added a hint of rebelliousness to her outfit, embodying the essence of her gothic aesthetic. As she moved, the clinking of metal against the leather resonated softly, mirroring the quiet strength she carried within.
Around her neck, Claire wore a delicate choker adorned with a small, intricately designed silver pendant, adding a subtle touch of sophistication to her dark ensemble. Her slender fingers were adorned with ornate silver rings, each with its own unique design, complementing the black nail polish that adorned her nails. Though the outfit predominantly embraced the allure of black, the hints of red, like the sanguine tones of her hair, served as vibrant accents, infusing the ensemble with a sense of passionate mystery. With every step she took, Claire’s aura captivated all those who beheld her, leaving an indelible impression of gothic elegance that lingered long after she disappeared into the shadows.
Together, they navigated the trials and triumphs of their youth, finding solace in each other’s company and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Claire’s infectious laughter and unwavering support were a constant source of comfort to The Artist, making her an integral part of their formative years. Their friendship, built on trust and understanding, only grew stronger with time, solidifying Claire’s place as a treasured and cherished companion in The Artist’s life.
Claire seemed to notice this sentiment as she greeted The Artist right away. “Hi, it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”, Claire greeted in her neutral accent, “The last time I saw you was at your 23rd birthday party in New York, with Matt and the gang. Sorry for not contacting you sooner, I just had some issues to deal with”. “Its okay. I also had my own things to deal with”, The Artist replied, “How’s life been treating you?”. “It’s been fine. I actually came to see you. Can we chat?”, Claire said while gesturing to a nearby table. “Yeah, we can. Its actually my lunchbreak now”, The Artist replied, “Let me just get some food for the both of us”. As a JayJay’s employee The Artist was entitled to a free breakfast, lunch and dinner so as long as it was their shift, courtesy of Dan Russell— the owner of this fine establishment. While Claire sat at the table, The Artist went to retrieve to two glasses of cola and two plates of their signature ‘Jazz Bar Special Sandwich’, a delightful creation that combined layers of tender smoked turkey, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce and juicy tomatoes, all sandwiched between slices of toasted multigrain bread spread with a zesty Dijon mustard sauce.
Returning to the table, The Artist set down the glasses and plates with a warm smile. “Here you go, the Jazz Bar Special, just like old times”, The Artist said fondly, recalling the countless meals they had shared together in the past. Claire’s eyes lit up with delight as she took a bite of the sandwich. “Mmm, this is amazing! You always had a knack for knowing the best food spots”, Claire remarked, her green eyes sparkling with nostalgia.
They both began catching up on each other’s lives, reminiscing about their shared memories and discussing their respective journeys since they last met. Claire spoke passionately about her recent travels to various countries, exploring different cultures and immersing herself in the beauty of the world. She shared stories of the people she met and the adventures she had, igniting The Artist’s curiosity and wanderlust.
On the other hand, The Artist updated Claire on their experiences at JayJay’s and the various art projects they had been working on during their time off. The Artist talked about their love for jazz music and how it inspired both their art and their bartending skills. The Artist’s eyes sparkled as they described the joy of creating unique cocktails that embodied the spirit of jazz, combining different flavors and textures to create a symphony of taste.
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As they continued chatting, the morning crowd at JayJay’s gradually transitioned into the livelier lunchtime ambiance. The bar filled with patrons, and the smooth jazz music played in the background set the perfect atmosphere for their reunion. Throughout their conversation, The Artist couldn’t help but notice how Claire’s presence brought a sense of comfort and familiarity. It was as if time had never passed between them, and they could effortlessly pick up where they left off. The bond they shared was one that transcended distance and time, a connection that remained unbroken despite life’s twists and turns.
“I heard about your parents. Sorry about their disappearance”, Claire said with sympathy in her voice. “Thank you. It’s been a little hard lately, but I’m managing. And by the way, how do you know about my parents’ disappearance? We haven’t spoken with each other for almost a year”, The Artist inquired. “At the Red Society’s Headquarters in Mesagok Creek. I saw you there with Sir. Haggins Hopkins, I even heard you met Rei Hajime, I would die to meet him. But yes, word got around the MBC community that your parents have been missing. A red alert was issued for them”, Claire replied. The Artist couldn’t believe what they were hearing, was it possible that Claire, their childhood friend, knew about the existence of Magickal Beings and Creatures. “Claire. How long have you known about MBCs? And why didn’t you tell me?”, The Artist further inquired. “Don’t get upset. But I have known about them for as long as I was born. I was born a Human-Mage Hybrid just like you, I inherited my magick from my Mom’s side of the family, my Dad is Human”.
“But Claire, we are friends you could ha…”, The Artist said with hurt in their voice, but was cutoff by Claire. “Look, what was I supposed to do? I just can’t break The Veil Policy for friends. Mom and Dad made me swear to it when I was ten. I understand your sentiment, yes it hurts I have been keeping secrets from you guys, but what was I supposed to do? You of all people should understand they are serious consequences to breaking The Veil”, Claire reasoned.
The Artist knew that deep down Claire was right, they had seen what happened to disobedient MBCs at the hands of Nate Black and his Deathstalkers. Claire couldn’t risk it even for friends, no matter how close, the Red Society wasn’t something to be trifled with.
“Okay. I understand”, The Artist said, “Tell me what you know”. “I can imagine how tough this must be for you, especially with so many unanswered questions. It’s natural to seek answers when it comes to your parents. But you have to be careful, too. The magickal world can be dangerous, and you never know who might be watching”, Claire warned, “All I know is what you know. Minnesota and Constatine have still failed to find them. They might have been replaced by The Cult of Blair and so on and so forth. I promise you this, though. I’ll do everything I can to help you find out what happened to your parents without putting them or anyone else in danger. Let me use my connections and knowledge discreetly to see if I can uncover anything”.
The Artist nodded gratefully, touched by Claire’s willingness to assist despite the risks involved. “Thank you, Claire. Your support means the world to me. Just knowing that I have someone like you by my side gives me strength”, The Artist said sincerely. “You should also get Rei and Sir. Hopkins to allow us to tell James, Lilly and Matt about this. I’m sure their expertise can help with the situation”, Claire offered. “I don’t know Claire. I wouldn’t want to put them in harms way but what choice do we have? If the authorities and Red Society have failed for the past two months, what else do we have to lose? I’ll call them after my shift, meet me at my house at 3:30 (PM), if they agree we will meet with James first”, The Artist said. “But there is still the issue of your boss, Dan Russell. Believe it or not, his actually the reason why you got attacked by the Salem Marauders that night. As for the creature you saw, I believe it was a Hollow trying to get you, your description of it matches up”, Claire said.
“Wait Claire. How do you know these things?”, The Artist asked. “I have my sources”, Claire replied, “The Hollow acted independently of the Marauders, it was just by coincidence that they had decided to stage the robbery then. Your boss Dan is actually an arms smuggler, the Salem Marauders were actually after him because of a botched deal he had with them weeks prior to the robbery. It was more like revenge for the botched deal”. “It explains why he was trying to silence me”, The Artist contributed. “Yes. And if I’m not mistaken, he tried to bribe you by buying your artwork and increasing your pay?”, Claire asked. “Seriously Claire where did you get all this?” The Artist asked. “Oh, little birdy told me with the help of little…magick”, Claire said sarcastically, her hands starting to crackle with a bit of red electricity.
“I’ll tell you everything in due course, but for now we need to deal with Dan, otherwise he’ll continue with his bullshit”, Claire continued, “We won’t kill him, will simply just use him. His an arms smuggler, which can come in handy, The Cult of Blair is no joke, so we will need all the fire power we can get”. “Okay. So, what do we do?”, The Artist asked. “Just leave the talking to me”, Claire replied.
(1:33 PM)
Claire stood in front of Dan Russell, the ex-Marine turned arms dealer, with a calm and composed demeanor that belied the tension in the room. She had gathered all the evidence, meticulously linking Dan to the Salem Marauders and the dangerous world of arms smuggling. As she held a file containing the incriminating information, a hint of determination sparkled in her green eyes.
“Dan”, Claire began with a steady voice, “We need to talk about your ties to the Salem Marauders and your involvement in illegal arms dealings”. Dan leaned back in his chair, seemingly amused by Claire’s revelation. “Oh, really? What makes you think you have any proof of that?”. Claire placed the file on the table with a confident smile. “I have plenty of proof, Dan. Undisputable evidence that connects you to the Marauders and your illegal activities”, Claire responded. She proceeded to lay out the evidence one by one, detailing the transactions, encrypted messages and connections that tied Dan to the Salem Marauders. Her explanations were clear and logical, leaving no room for doubt. As Claire presented each piece of evidence, Dan’s confident façade began to waver. He couldn’t deny the accuracy of the information presented before him, and the gravity of the situation started to sink in.
“I must say Miss Sinclair, you’re quite clever”, Dan remarked with a mixture of admiration and surprise in his voice, “But why are you doing this? What’s your endgame?”. Claire’s expression turned serious as she replied, “I want answers about my friend’s missing parents, and we know you’re involved somehow. Whether you intended it or not, your actions have put them in danger”. Dan’s face showed a flicker of remorse. “I never expected it to have anything to do with your friend’s parents”, Dan admitted, “I was just trying to protect my own interests”.
Claire’s tone softened slightly. “We don’t want to see anyone else hurt”, she said, “But we need some firepower, lots of it. The people who might have taken Samantha and James are no joke, we believe they plan to kill them, and they maybe some higher powers involved”.
Dan took a deep breath, realizing that he was backed into a corner. “Fine”, he said, “I’ll provide you with all guns you need, but you need to promise me one thing. Promise that you won’t involve the authorities or anyone else. My life depends on it”. Claire hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement. “We won’t involve anyone else”, she assured Dan, “But you have to understand that we need to find out what happened to James and Samantha, so things might go awry and you might get involved somehow”.
Dan nodded, knowing that this was the only option he had. He proceeded to reveal what he knew about the Salem Marauders and other dangers that resided in Willow. As the conversation unfolded, the suspense in the room was palpable. Claire and Dan navigated a delicate dance of trust and suspicion, with the weight of their secrets hanging heavily in the air. Claire’s clever tactics and compelling evidence had forced Dan to confront his past and the consequences of his actions.
In the end, they reached an uneasy understanding. Dan agreed to cooperate with Claire and The Artist, providing them with valuable information and resources to aid in their investigation. He knew that he couldn’t undo the damage he had caused, but he hoped that his cooperation would prevent further harm and perhaps lead to some form of redemption.
(3:30 PM)
As the meeting with Dan Russell concluded, Claire left with a mixture of relief and apprehension. She knew that relying on someone like Dan came with its risks, but she had little choice if they wanted to find answers about The Artist’s missing parents and confront the dangers that loomed over their lives. As the clock struck 3:30 (PM), The Artist returned to their house, where Claire was waiting. Together, they prepared for the meeting with James and whatever secrets it might unveil. The shadows of the MBC world were growing longer, and the darkness that lurked within it seemed to await their next move eagerly.
With their friendship rekindled and their purpose defined, The Artist and Claire took a deep breath, ready to face the unknown and protect what mattered most to them— the truth and the hope of finding The Artist’s parents. Their journey had just begun, and the pages of their story were waiting to be written with every step they took.