7 Traces Pt.2 (1/2)
”Yeah, I just left. Will come home in around an hour. Hmm. Hmm. I am going to swing by Trigman's house and pay him a quick visit. Do you want me to pick something on the way? Heh? We had burger yesterday. Hmm. No, I will bring some cupcakes. Hmm? We still have a couple of beers in the fridge, so we're good for today. Okay, I'm here, I'll see you in a bit.”
Hanging up from my call, I pushed the glass door inwards and announced myself. As expected, the clinic was empty. Nothing but two benches, a water cooler, and a television running local news channel.
”We're in the back, come on in.” Trigman shouted from the back.
I trotted and opened the door to his operating room.
Nothing.
I walked a little further and peeked into his office.
Nobody.
This time, I shouted.
”Where are you guys?”
”In the bedroom.”
Ugh. Is it safe for me to go there?
What if I caught them while they were playing?
I walked towards their bedroom and carefully peeked inside.
Mapalla was covered under the sheet, his eyes fixated on the LED.
Trigman was sitting next to him, clipping his nails.
SAFE
”What are you guys doing. No clinic today?” I asked.
”Hmm? Yeah, I opened in the afternoon. But this noob next to me said he wanted to watch a romantic movie with me.” Trigman said without looking at me.
I looked at the LED and saw 'The Other Guys' playing.
I looked at them and said, ”Is this you guys' idea of romantic?”
Mapalla finally looked at me and said,” We have watched Brokeback Mountain millions of time. So,
I picked the next best thing in bromance.”
I didn't question his thought process and proceeded to remove my heels.
Mappala gave me another look and asked, ”Wanna get comfy?”
”That's the plan.”
”Go to the kitchen and get a beer for you and me. I asked Trigger an hour ago, but he scoffed like an angry cat.”
”Wait. Who's Trigger.”
Mapalla pointed at Trigman,” This dummy. I meshed his first and last name Trigman Gallant. I added the 'R' at the end by myself. He also had a name for me following the same principle. Mappa.”
I walked out shaking my head and came back with couple of beers in hand. I handed one to Mapalla and jumped on the bed between the guys.
”So, how are you going to do it?” Trigman questioned.
”I have been here for four minutes, Trigger.”
”Don't call me that, and it doesn't matter. I have your earnings. Who are you going to meet first anyways?”
”I'm thinking to meet up with P.A. first. She is going to be here on her tour anyway.”
”When?” Trigman was not letting me go easy today.
”I, don't know exactly. I saw the news on her tour some time ago. I don't remember the date.”
”Stop screwing around, Mad. There is no way you don't know that.” Trigman's volume was going up, while decibels in my volume were starting to drop.
”I- I swear, I don't.”
”Message him. Message Cline. Ask him. Or message her. Message Harman. Ask her.”
”USA and India times are difficult to measure. I will text them when I get home.” A Solid Excuse.
”Cline is always eager to get in touch with you. Harman would love to talk to you. Nobody dislikes you in P.A.'s camp except P.A. herself.”
Mapalla chimed in to deliver the final blow, ”This thing about transparency is, Mad, that you are predictable. It is of no use to hide anything from us.”
I threw my hands on my lap. They clutched the cold can of beer, who transmitted the chills into my bone.
”Mad, we know its hard, but you have to do it. For yourself. For Kiyomi.”
I know it, dammit.
I took the phone out of my pants' pocket and opened the messenger.
Can life let me be selfish one more time?
I found Cline's chat and texted 'Hi' to him.
Please don't reply.
Moment later, my phone chimed.
Goddammit Cline.