Salty and Cara – Purple Peak 5
Love and crime in a world of fruits and vegetables – A tasty fable. Third story, fifth episode: Hanano, Joe and Salty are climbing down the mountain again. And get closer to the bottom of things
What is this all about? [Overview and Table of Contents]
The Liquidity of Time
The way down was different. Now Salty could see how steep the mountain was and how narrow the paths were.
As the passage became a little less challenging, Hanano and Joe began to talk. Salty could not quite understand what they were speaking about. He had his own doubts and speculations that needed to be cleared up.
“To be honest, I kind of expected this. Just catching Gio would have been too easy,” he began.
“Why do you think that?” Hanano wanted to know.
“Well, for one, this whole thing is not just about a crook on the run. The Supreme Leader has made it quite clear that he is aware of the consequences for the two valleys and his own domain. Somehow, I think this has something to do with the bond that was forged between Big Valley and Purple Peak when they helped you save Queen Bromelia. I imagine that was a novel action. As far as I know, Purple Peak has always remained neutral.
Hanano smiled: ” You are quite right. The very act of giving me the potion back then was a statement in itself.”
“What happened to Queen Bromelia?”
“Her first king and his mistress tried to get rid of her. It was a poison that also originated from Purple Peak, so His Highness felt compelled to right the wrong. Ever since the first Eggplant was ‘enlightened,’ the Eggplants have lived by simple but very strict rules.”
“Enlightened?”
“You should ask the Supreme Leader’s aide, he will explain.”
“So you – Her Majesty’s close confidant and protector – set out to provide the magic potion. What happened then?”
“His Highness agreed to help on one condition: Bromelia had to promise to do her best to keep the peace between the valleys and to help anyone who wanted to evolve.”
“Not the worst attitude for a queen.”
“On my way back I was attacked by accomplices of the king and his mistress. I fought them off, but was badly wounded and barely made it back. When I entered her chambers, I made sure she got the tonic right away.”
“Why did you not use the medicine to heal yourself?”
“That was not my place. I did not know how much she would need to recover, so I delivered the full bottle to her resting place as soon as I could.”
“But she could not let you die …”.
“Well,now you understand, why we both age so much slower. Since she drank more and was younger, there is a slight difference in the effect.”
Salty just looked at his friend and smiled: “I see.”
“I don’t know what you are hinting at.”
“Oh, common, stop the mash, Hanano,” Joe chimed in, “his purple highness has already blown the lid off the pot. We know you are totally mesmerized by this crispy round fruit. And she is not so shy about it. Even the king knows. Not that he cares, because he has his own juicy secrets. They make a cute couple and have the right connections. Matters of state, nothing personal.”
“Anyway, back to the matter at hand,” the young investigator turned the conversation around, “catching Gio would not only have stopped an imminent threat by taking the ‘Blue Dew’ off the menu. It might also have shed some light on the “who” and the “why”. You know, that doctor at the hospital was very talkative about Gio’s uncle’s career and the work done at the university in New Valley. I have always wondered if there were other parties involved, although it did not seem so at first”.
“You mean Don Tomatoni?”
“That would be too easy, although I would not dismiss the concept altogether. It does seem a bit odd that the city’s crime lord would be so surprised by something so big and so obvious right under his nose.”
“So you think Don T had Gio executed to keep him from spilling the sauce?”
Joe and Hanano looked at each other.
“Maybe,” the agent agreed, “but again, that would be a little too easy. I have a feeling there is more to this. And the fact that – whoever is playing against us – is always up to date and one step ahead of us is not good at all. This is not only about New Valley, but also about the Palace. I have to get back to the queen as soon as possible, she might be in more danger than she already suspected.”
“Ah, now I see. She sent me to involve ‘an independent party’, but also someone who has a good reputation in New Valley. Officially. She would have made a good detective.”
Hanano laughed: “She is definitely smart and clever. And… as the Supreme Leader said, it’s a good thing she doesn’t look like that. Otherwise, everyone would be a lot more careful around her.”
Joe looked ahead: “Looks like you got your wish for speedy travel. We are about to have company.”
The elite unit that was supposed to accompany them on their hunt for Gio now intercepted them on their way down. You could tell by the expression on the front guard’s face that neither he nor his superior were very amused. He exchanged a few formal words with the bananas, and then the adventurous trio took their seats in a comfortable floater the escort had brought.
“Are we in trouble?” Salty wondered.
“Most likely,” their senior member replied, “but nothing we will be unable to deal with. You may have to plan for a nice long chat over some excellent nutrients with His Highness in the inner chamber of Purple Peak. Nothing you cannot handle, I am sure.”
“Why me? Aren’t you such a close friend of His Highness?”
“I have to go back to Big Valley right away. This is very serious. Joe will take you home right after the Supreme Leader finishes his talk.”
“Are you coming back to New Valley?”
“Don’t worry, my friend. You will hear from me soon. And please say hello to the lovely Cara when you see her.”
“So you think Don T had Gio executed to keep him from spilling the sauce?”
“… I have a feeling there is more to this. …”
Side Notes:
- If you’re curious about what happens next, well, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until the last Friday of next month. But next time you will find the year-end double feature here. And maybe a clue as to what’s going on in next year’s new story.
- You have no idea what is going on? Well, maybe take a look at the [Salty and Cara – Info Page], the [Salty and Cara – Who is Who] page or the [Salty and Cara – How About] page.
Needless to say, the stories about Salty and Cara are pure figments of my imagination. No resemblance to any person or place – present or past – is intended. But I am sure you have already figured that out 😉