Act Four
Scene One
Sub-Scene One
Remembrance and Remedy
Elliot stood a distance from
the uniformed officers at the funeral. He felt himself as an outsider and
decided to remain inconspicuous. He saw the captain looking at him during the
speech, praising the loss of a good officer, and the attendees were about two
dozen nodding their heads. The speech went on like this.
“Law enforcement is a unique
endeavor; some would say it is a profession, while most involved would say it
is a calling. It is a noble calling for the protection of our community. It is
a service to make a difference in the community. No one shall ever question
that service or remain silent on our role here in law enforcement.”
“This is the work of Frank
‘Best’ Bastile, one of our best. Our tasks are inherently dangerous, with the
unknown out on the street every moment. We do fear confronting any suspicious
acts or danger, guarding the weak, and removing the treacherous. Frank was one
such officer.”
“The turnout today is not
only a tribute to their service in our community but an acknowledgment of the
amazing individuals that they were. It is a testament to the impact that they
have had on their families, friends, and the community.”
“His squad mates gave him
the nickname "Best Player"; he was ranked as one of the elites, and
his soccer skills are unrivaled. Just as in his works, he played well for the
team, although in soccer, we ranked the lowest in Rome. Play on, ‘Best’. We
will win on the ranks one day.”
It was the usual tears from
the ladies, while some kids took their fun running around the tombstones. The
ceremony ended with a gun salute and the final wailing of the ladies. Elliot
saw the captain approaching him.
“Good……” Elliot was cut off
by the captain.
“Elliot, your boss called
me. You are to remain here till further notice.” The captain told Elliot.
“There will be no local partners for you. You are on your own.”
“I …….” Elliot was to
protest when the captain added.
“I am without any spare
officers. More to it, with Best gone, you are a pariah in the precinct. So was
Lucas.” The captain looked at Elliot. “Get some bandages ready in your pockets.
You may need it.”
“And just to let you know
this: The Muddles are looking for you. The best was your partner.” The captain
walked away.
Elliot was confused as the
captain walked away. Was he to continue with the investigation, pack up, or go
back to his other role? He decided to pack his bags and leave the work.
Across the city, Enobarbus
was seated in an armchair in his living area. He was still in his bathrobe over
his nightwear and nursing the glass of water to take with his medicine. He had
complained to the doctor that he was fine.
“It was a nick on the
flesh.” But the doctor was insistent. Unknown to him, he was also testing for
heart ailments. Caesar was told of the condition.
“Dear, I am to go out now.”
His lovely wife of twenty years, or was it shorter, but he was not counting at
all. She registered her name as Jean Mortenson. For all he cared, she could be
any Jane Doe, but he needed a wife then. Soon they were married, and the
daughter came much later. There was love, some sex, and, on occasion, the
silent stares, but Enobarbus was more married to his work. She knew his work,
but it was the money that mattered. Enobarbus did not care much, for Vera, his
wife, was a former dancer on the stage and needed to feel the glamour of the
scene. His wife alternates between their daughter and the pet named Lover for
the numerous activities, including a huge walk-in closet with dresses and
gowns.
Enobarbus saw a cat named
Lover being rubbed against his left leg by his wife.
‘Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster that mocks
The meat it feeds on.’ (Othello by Shakespeare.).
“Boss, can we talk to you?’
It was three of his boys: Albert Buddy, Castella Louis, and Chapin Spenser.
Enobarbus nodded.
“We followed her.” Albert
reported then. Chapin imitated their mode of walking as if it were hiding
behind the vehicles and lamp posts. “She did not see us. She was uncaring at
all.”
No one dares to approach
Enobarbus’ lady unless they want to end up dead in the alley. Or be having
incontinence for the rest of their lifetime.
“She went to a few places:
cafes and stores, and always to the small tailor shop. We could get in there
but had a... Albert was cut off.
“She was there with the
tailor for a long time—an hour or more.” Castella was cut in. “We …….”
“We checked, and she is...”
Albert took back his cue.
“Enough! Give me the
address, and I will take care of it. Not a word out.” The boys knew their sworn
silence. Enobarbus dismissed them and then stopped Albert.
“Take the cat. Roll it over
dead.” Albert grabbed the cat and left with the others.
“On the street in front of
the house.” Enobarbus called out to the departing boys. “Fuck you, lover.”
He then picked up the book
on Shakespeare plays. He knew the passage he was to read. He saw that the spine
of the book was frayed from the constant reading that he did.
“You are Hermia.” (Hermia is
one of the three sisters in the Midsummer play by Shakespeare.)
“O me! You juggler, you
canker blossom, you thief of love! What, have you come by night and stolen my
love’s heart from him?” Enobarbus spoke of the passage that he had read many
times.
“Daddy! Lover died. She was
run down on the street.” His daughter came rushing in with tears.
“I am so sorry, but the cat
must have used up all its nine lives.” The father told the young girl. “We all
wished we had one more extra life.”
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