Pluto Walks the Earth, Chapter 38

Buttoned Up

Read Pluto Walks the Earth, Chapter 37: Sangre de Pluto

A peregrine falcon spreads its wings.

Pluto

Dang, Manny’s spirit guide friend is nothing like I’m expecting. After I check into my room in the Casino Tower (2 king size beds, mirrors everywhere, a Jacuzzi and a Japanese toilet that is like a car-wash for your butt), I head down to where Manny suggested we meet, the Westside Deli. It’s about nine miles through the casino floor, past Krispy Kreme, past the Circus Buffet, past the Adventure Tours Desk. Finally I get there and look around for a table with a Mara’akame elder. Mostly though it’s senior couples and young families with little kids half asleep on the Formica-topped tables. (Doesn’t anyone have a bedtime anymore?)

There is one guy sitting alone looking at a menu. He’s wearing a green wifebeater that says “Kiss Me, I’m Horny” and a ball cap that says “Little Darlings.” Skinny guy, about 30, Hulk Hogan mustache, black pony tail flopping out of his cap just like Myrrh, shorts and flipflops. I catch his eye and he looks me over, then he nods, like, “Come on over.” I’m wearing a turquoise necklace that Gus gave me (lent to me, really) for good luck on my trip and that Manny told the elder to be on the lookout for.