You are at War

The welcoming bell agitates announcing a guest with a ring. Its chime welcomes a trio of patrons, unexpected guests. They stand at the end of the bar. The Yard foreman Alek and Donno tower over Ratka on each side. Benjamin the barrel-chested barkeep comes from behind the island wiping his hands on a white and blue bar towel. He meets them at the corner of the long polished bar passing the cloth over the surface smiling brightly.  He does not recognize the trio but offers a hearty welcome.

“Monsieur’s, Madame, How can I help you?”  His smile genuine.

Ratka looks around the large restaurant, a few patrons sit at the bar, a few at the booths and tables along the opposite wall.

“Benjamin is it?” Ratka asks to his surprise.

“Oui Madame, do I know you?” He asks surprised, his smile begins to fade.

“No, you do not.”

Few conversations are had without Saule overhearing. She approaches from the back of the bar, her curly black hair tied back. She wipes her hands on a blue and white bar towel dropping it out of sight.

“What would you like?” The woman asks knowing that this is not a social call. Beyond the plate glass she sees a group of hard men in the street milling around an open top cart in front of the stairs to La Savane.

“You must be Saule.” Ratka states knowing the answer.

“And you are?” Saule asks taken aback by the familiarity.

“Today, I am a messenger. I, we, bring a message from the Temple Yard.” Ratka states passing a hand over the bar’s edge.

“Thanks Benjamin, I have this.” She dismisses her barrel-chested barkeep, sighing deeply knowing this was a likely outcome.

“Did the girl live?” Saule asks.

“Rika, she did. However, her recovery is slow.”

“How about the driver, the courier.”

“Also survived. His recovery will be quicker.”

“Would you like something from the bar, maybe the kitchen?”

“No, I don’t think we do.” She states calmly, her demeanor is unnerving.

Sabot approaches, the sound of a crutch on the floor announces his arrival from the back booth of the restaurant. Without a word he pulls a high bar stool away from the bar sitting without introduction. Ratka cocks and turns her head slightly.

“Nicholas Sabot. Good, I do not have to say this twice or fear the message is lost in its relay.

Your people, whether at your direction or their own poorly considered action have encroached on, abducted and attacked people of the Temple Yard.

No less and very bold, on our territory. Nicholas, you have some experience with the reaction this requires do you not?

Not only the two that were abducted and assaulted, but we also lay responsibility for the three young men missing from l”Olympia at your door as well. Whatever smash and grab Apache operation is run from here is not our concern.”

“L’Chacal are so much more than Apache.” Sabot states unwilling to be lumped with the sash-belted thieves and striped shirted gangs

“Do not interrupt Nicholas. I have not finished.” Ratka raises a finger to her lips.

She continues, “We, the people of the Temple Yard do not engage in the affairs of Apache. However, l’Chacal have incurred a debt and there is a price. The three Cambroliers that abducted Rika and our courier as well as their meneur will be delivered to the Temple Yard entrance to meet our justice.”

“Who the fuck are you? You think these two meat sacks with you intimidate any here? Those day laborers milling out front?”

“These gentlemen are not here for my protection, but yours. My name is Ratka Cheffe de Cour of the Temple Yard. You have interrupted me twice. I will not tolerate a third.” Her face so placid and cold that a chill goes across the room stifling even the quietest response.

“The four shall be delivered by dawn two days hence. One shall be returned.”

“And if we don’t?”

“Well,” Ratka inhales, “l’Chacal are already at war. You just didn’t know with whom, but Nicholas dear I am sure you had a notion. To begin, we will run the streets red slaughtering your little dogs, we will burn everything you control and own to the ground.”

Sabot stands abruptly, everyone in the bar feels the tension about to explode.

“Two days, dawn.” Ratka says unfazed.

She pats down the front of her simple dress and smiles at Sabot and then curtseys to Saule.  Her smile is completely unnerving.

“Just know, I was going to begin by barring the doors and burning this establishment to the ground with everyone locked inside. Then deliver the message. My uncle thought the message was better delivered in advance.  But you remember my uncle don’t you Nicholas?

She looks up and down the length of the large restaurant then taps her hand twice on the bar. She turns her back to Sabot and over her shoulder.

“Two days, dawn. Oh Nicholas, Trapper sends his regards.”

Alek opens the door and he and Donno follow the yard boss to the open top carriage.

The bell chimes as the door closes.