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At a significantly less affluent end of the city, Gloria sat on a sofa in a dimly lit room, with her palms out open and stretched before, and the lingering scent of cat fur, and garlic pervading the atmosphere. Gladys stood to the side, and watched with amusement as Mrs. Murkowski perused Gloria’s left hand like an intriguing specimen from the wild.
“Well there is nothing strange here; everything is as it should be!” Mrs. Murkowski announced at last.
“Well surprise, surprise.” Gloria murmured, shrinking into deeper into her seat to avoid a grown cat that skipped upon and over the sofa. “See? I told you I was okay.” She said pointedly at Gladys.
“Oh you’re not okay-I didn’t say that! First off, that cat jumping over you was it forgiving you for kicking it the other day; your business should be back online now.” Mrs. Murkowski quickly broke in shaking her head. She now sat on an easy chair placed in such a way as to have both women in view, “But beyond that, you are about to embark on a roller-coaster; really intense emotions involved, but if you successfully navigate, I can see you growing from the experience.”
Gloria rolled her eyes as Gladys donned a smug look of satisfaction.
“Everybody has problems Mrs. Murkowski.” Gloria moaned adamant about the whole implausibility of the concept of palm reading, second sight and anything mystical in general. “It’s called life!” she stood up at that point, “Thank you for the time Mrs. Murkowski, at least now you can get off my back, and unto some cases.” She said pointedly at Gladys.
Gladys was giggling, but she pushed Gloria gently aside, “You lack imagination; Mrs. Murkowski did you see anything in there about a tall vampire-type guy who may or may not have the hots for Gloria?” It was a serious question despite the smile on her face, but Mrs. Murkowski gave no indication of having heard, and seemed much more engaged with three identically colored cats that had bounded upon her lap. Reiterating the question brought no answer, so Gladys gave up.
“You know I’m a believer, but that would be a much easier job if you actually showed up every now and then, or at least when you were expected to.” Gladys mumbled on their way out.
It was not yet quite eight o’clock when they finally opened up shop for the day, and they had barely settled in before the phone started ringing. Gladys mouthed an ‘I told you so’ before picking up the phone. Not surprisingly, the client was from the posh get-together from a few days earlier and an appointment was quickly set up.
An hour later, Gloria heard a nervous knock on the door, and tried to look busy as Gloria ushered a distinguished looking lady through her own office into hers. The swiveling chair did not squeak as she rose to extend her hand. Gloria did not recognize her from the party but it was clear she was almost on first name terms with Gladys.
“Mrs. Cowling, Ludmilla Cowling.” Gladys introduced her while Gloria offered her a seat. Mrs. Cowling’s jaw was hard set, but her eyes were soft, almost sorrowful. Gloria could see that she had never been beautiful, but she was strong, with force of character. Her clothes were expensive, but not flashy, and coupled with her dark hair, lined grey after every few strands or so, you had a dignified portrait of a strong independent lady; perhaps it was this dignity denied that had brought her to the, in actual fact, not so dignified offices of Patton and Patton.
“You know for some reason I expected a bigger outfit” she began the minute Gloria settled back in her chair. It was clear Mrs. Ludmilla Cowling was used to speaking her mind, “Not that it poses a problem; the services I require, need a smaller, more compact, mode d’operation.”
“Mrs. Cowling I can assure you about the absolute confidentiality of our services.” Gloria said with the best salesman smile she could afford. Mumbo-jumbo aside, now that this sweet old lady was in, she was not going to let her leave until they had her signature-it was do or die time.
“Well yes, I certainly hope so. The Dillinger guys seem a little too big.” Mrs. Cowling said, straight-backed against the chair she was in. “I think my husband may be up to some fishy business and I would like to know for sure.”
