The Witching Snakes pt 6

Paul learns not to take gifts from women he just met. Talks to homicide detectives.

Read Part 5

The weekend started out well. He took the guitar to a jam session in a South Side duplex. For most of the party, he was playing the saxophone. Then he took out his new guitar, plugged it into the amp and gave his best Jimi Hendrix impression. From his drunk weedy brain, he was working the notes and chords. He saw friends and strangers' heads moved as if snake charmed.

An hour into the jam session, Paul saw hostility. Every time Paul looked beyond the circle, that same hairy face was glaring. Emily gave the bongo to a woman with talent. Paul concentrated on the chords.

When everyone was either going home or smoking pot, a girl asked him where he got the guitar. She said that it looked very expensive. Paul agreed. After more strange conversations and weak marijuana, Paul forgot her. A young married couple argued in the living room. Danielle showed off her fan-made Godzilla movie. Paul rode home with a sick looking guy and Ian, Paul's friend from high school. Ian was in town for a week.

Two days later, the police were knocking at his door and his roommate was letting them inside. Paul was smoking Purple Haze from a bong, thinking about what he writing a love letter to Agatha. He wanted to see her more, but didn't want to come off as needy.

The police didn't yell. They didn't even threaten him. They just asked questions. The friendly Hispanic officer was growing his hair out. He straddled Paul's chair. Paul's mattress was on the floor, so the “I'm just here to talk to you” stance did not put him at ease. The other cop was standing in the doorway - arms crossed.