Infinite Loop

Chapter 5 - A Professor and A Gorilla

The tune played in his head like an earworm until Warren forced himself back to the reality he currently inhabited. Leaving too much for a tip, Warren rose, glancing at the woman at the next table. The vivid colors of green and yellow of her dress caught his eye, along with her long legs. He had a thing for long and lean. However, the woman's horn-rimmed glasses and her sandy hair tied back in a bun set him back. Another glance made him frown with disappointment at the woman's austere glare. She carried the cold impression of a librarian. Leaving the table, he headed to the entrance while the woman studied her menu, failing to notice her gaze following him out the door.

Exiting briskly through the wooden doors, Warren took a sharp turn, nearly running over a steward. He almost apologized, before remembering his character was a man with money. No doubt, that meant he carried an arrogant attitude. Warren scowled at the steward, demanding the crewman open his eyes next time.

"Do you have a barber?" he asked with his most intimating glare.

"Why, of course! The shop is down this passageway," the steward stammered out in an accent that was hard to understand at first. "I'll be happy to show you the way like I did yesterday."

"Never mind," Warren barked a little too loud quickly taking the path pointed out by the crewman. He cursed under his breath, realizing he should have assumed this already since he could not find a shaving kit. Such a mistake could be costly.

An hour later, Warren Baker emerged from the barbershop with a clean-shaven face and additional information. He wandered around the rest of the deck, taking in the warming sun while he reflected on his newfound knowledge about an odd lot of passengers.

"Hello, Mr. Baker," the short man said as he tipped his bowler hat. Warren looked at him with a blank expression.

"Max Minchin," he reminded Warren. "I'm in the cabin next to yours."

"Of course, Mr. Minchin," Warren Baker lied. "How are you doing?"

"It's doctor or professor if you like," Max reminded him politely. "I'm well, thank you. Are you enjoying your trip?"

Head still throbbing, Warren nodded slightly.

"My apologies. The morning has me out of sorts. I am enjoying the journey a little too much," he said, lightly tapping his temple. He hated being trapped in a conversation with someone he didn't know.

"Yes, I must say your party went well into the night," the professor told him. "It got quite loud, of course."

"Again, you have my apologies for my disturbing your rest," he replied with a smile.

He observed the professor seemed unperturbed despite Warren's nightly adventures. He also wondered if the girl got loud in the throughs of passion.

"I'll try not to interrupt you for the rest of the trip," he told him.

Max smiled agreeably, removing his hat. He pulled a handkerchief from his vest pocket to the leather headband.

"No need to apologize, as I'm a night owl," he said. "My studies keep me quite occupied."

"Studies?" Warren tried to act interested.

"Yes, as we discussed the other day, my upcoming book about Spanish art requires much time and concentration," Max told him. "Understanding the delicate nuances within the works of Velázquez and de Madrazo requires diligent study."

"Oh, but of course."

Warren looked around the area in vain hope that a porter might come walking by with a glass of water in hand. The idea of something stronger to drink crossed his mind. However, the deck remained empty but for him and his new friend. He hesitated when he thought he glimpsed the woman in the green and yellow dress near the passage leading to the dining lounge.