So as you’ve heard, I found Claude. Actually he found me. I was just checking into a new place when I heard a familiar voice out of nowhere.
“Tarot! What the bloody blue blazes are you doing here?!?”
I looked where I’d heard the voice but saw no one and Clyde the pigeon went nuts. I forced myself to remain calm and to not immediately jump on Claude, as I’d know his voice anywhere and I knew it had to be him. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” I said, trying not to yell.
“No kiddin’. Some wankers found me but I gave them the slip. Now what am I gonn
a do with you?” And then I felt Claude’s hand on my arm, guiding me away from the crowds into another room. Once we were alone he went visible. I was glad to actually see him, but he looked like he’d been through something rough, more so than usual.
“Are you OK?”I asked, worried.
“No. Bloody fridge in my room is empty and my stash of gin is runnin’ low too.” Then he added “I ‘ad a run in with some uninvited guests and you lookin’ for me hasn’t helped, either.”
“I was worried about you. Something isn’t right. Things have gotten more dangerous.”
“Understatement of the century.”
“It’s not the Company, it’s worse. I saw it in my visions. I think the government is involved.”
“Well that explains the blackops run in I had. You really need to be more discreet. Come wi’ me.” And he led me to where he was staying. Then he had me sit in a chair and he tied me up with some rope even though I said several times that I wasn’t going anywhere now that I’d managed to find him again. “Hush. I need to think.” He said. So I sat quietly and tried not to distract him. He grabbed some bottles and began to drain them, occasionally muttering to himself. The rope didn’t hurt. It was some kind of nylon like stuff, soft with no hard sliver like bits. It was kinda like the rope I’d accidentally hung myself with only softer. I couldn’t have gone anywhere even if I’d wanted too. Claude certainly knows his knots though I doubt any villains would have secured me in such a way that it wasn’t painful. Claude continued to drink and talk to himself until all the bottles were empty, and then he went to this laptop. It was a different one from the one I’d seen him using last. I remember him saying something to me along the lines of “you’re off your trolley,” and shaking his head. Then he untied me and told me we were going out but I was not to drink at all.
“Do you want me to read my cards?’
“Absolutely not! I want you to distract the mar-other customers not attract those wankers in black. And no drinkin’! I mean it.” Then Claude saw fit to go through my luggage. “Good no fake beards.” Then he said, “Smashing! Put this dress and cap on, and these stockings, and some make up too, that ought to work.”
I took the white scrub dress and nurses cap as well as a pair of fishnet tights, figuring that Claude wanted me to distract some guys at wherever we were headed. “What if some one tries to buy me a drink?”
“Turn ’em down. Tell ’em you’re on meds and can’t take anything. Probably be spiked anyway. I’ll be right nearby, not that you’ll see me and I’ll grab any drinks they try to give you.”
So I got dressed as Claude had indicated and we went out. I’ll let him tell you about where we went as I’m sure he can give you a better account. Only reason I’m able to blog at all is because when we finally got back, Claude just passed out on one of the beds and didn’t take the time to tie me up again. I don’t care if he does tie me up again, I’m just glad to have found him.