The only realization Gustavo trips upon is that this instrument, whether the legendary clairvoyant serpent or not, was not created to menace or torment. Despite the flexed hood and flattened head, Gustavo observes that it possesses a comforting nobility. He wonders if its designer's intention was to create a gift representing insight and protection.
Gustavo returns to his web browser and finds numerous images of Greenacres in the Benedict Canyon neighborhood of Beverly Hills. He recognizes the arched colonnades at the mansion's entrance, but cannot pinpoint which movies, television shows, or music videos were filmed there.
With heavy eyelids, Gustavo loses the battle to stay awake. He drops his phone on his chest and slumbers. His visualizations wander and whirl the relatively short distance between the Beverly Hills mansion and the Griffith Park Observatory mountain trails. No imagery is conjured to hint at the malevolent history.
Gustavo's dreams also include Aleksey. He sees his face and hears his voice. But he gathers no clues or secret messages.
33
Galleries
Ambling along the petite shops and boutiques just off of the Laguna Beach boardwalk, Zachary finds a second art gallery selling pieces from multiple artists. He does not even have to look at the painted name in the bottom right-hand corner to know the mountain stream painting in front of him is by Gustavo's hand. Set in Hawaii, with monstera leaves and yellow hibiscus flowers on the banks, the pristine and crisp water flows toward the viewer, inviting her or him inside, then swerves away at the final moment to journey downhill.
Lost in the painting, Zachary does not notice the gallery saleswoman standing beside him.
"You can hear the currents, both trickling and gushing," she says, "and smell the flowers and hear the birds."
"It is magical," Zachary replies, giving her a quick glance before returning his eyes to the canvas.
"There is enormous love for the Hawaiian Islands in this work, but, believe it or not, the artist is actually of Brazilian descent."
"Who is the artist?"
"Gustavo Vila Nova," she answers. "An insightful young man, an up-and-coming artist, and I think his works are some of the best we have. This is the largest piece. Do you have a wall in mind for it?"
"I don't know yet," Zachary replies.
"Would we need to ship it out of southern California?"
"No, I am within driving distance," Zachary says, grinning at her clever question.
"We never rush our customers," she responds. "Please continue enjoying it and if you decide it is right for you, or if you have any questions, I will be ready to assist you."
"Very well, thank you."
"I have two other possible buyers for this glorious work, so if you develop strong feelings, be sure to act without delay. It can be yours, but all it takes is one phone call from another purchaser and it will be off the market."
Zachary spends a few more minutes in the gallery studying Gustavo's art before exiting and heading to the specialty food store. He buys as much as he can carry and returns to the Spanish home. Gustavo wakes when Zachary knocks and opens his bedroom door.
"Come in," Gustavo yawns, stretching his arms.
Zachary moves close to the dresser and inspects the cobra wand from every angle in the natural light pouring through the bedroom windows.
"Is there anything more in the news about the body found in Griffith Park?" Zachary asks.
"Not yet," Gustavo answers. "It is maddening to sift through all of the nonsense online to find what you want. I would ask you if there has been word yet about Aleksey, but I already know the answer because that would be the first thing you mentioned."
"Any moment now. I feel something is about to happen."
"I do too. The calm before the storm. The quiet before an earthquake or volcano eruption. An eeriness."
"Will you cook again tonight?" Zachary asks. "You have much more talent in the kitchen than I do. I am looking forward to a hearty meal."
"Are you hungry now?" Gustavo asks, sitting up on the bed.
"Not quite yet. I want to take you to the beach first."
In caps, jackets, and sandals, the men arrive at Crescent Bay Point Park, which is only steps from the Spanish house. A sunset wedding has just concluded with the sun sinking below the sea line. At the edge of the bluffs, they peer down one hundred feet at the waves crashing into the jagged rocks, sending mist into the cool air blowing up into their faces. Nestled to their south is the fan-shaped beach and the captivating teal water of Crescent Bay.
"I want to paint this," Gustavo tells Zachary. "I will return here someday."
Zachary leads Gustavo down a residential road that bends and descends to give them beach access. Both men go barefoot as they reach the reach the shoreline and feel the wet sand swallow their toes. They leisurely trek the nearly 1,000-foot length of the beach until they reach the bluffs of Twin Points at the southern tip of the crescent.
"Would you sell this painting to me?" Zachary asks.
"I am not taking your money," Gustavo answers, "but I will happily give it to you."
"Then count on me to sponsor your return to this beach."
"We have yet another deal," Gustavo chuckles.
Hearing the word "sponsor," Gustavo's thoughts go to Lavonne Tejada, the artist who made his escape from Los Angeles with the legendary wand possible. He ponders a suitable gift for her or reimbursement for her as soon as he can afford it.
Gustavo's attention is jolted back to the present as he views Zachary's dark features in twilight. The wolf-like eyes, intense brow, and slightly crooked nose make Zachary's countenance remarkably interesting and unexpectedly alluring. Gustavo wants to hug him, wrap his arms around his back, and become filled with his confidence and self-assurance. Instead, Gustavo bumps shoulders with him, smiles, and walks closely at his side.
"You are having a moment, aren't you?" Zachary asks.
"I am," Gustavo affirms.
"The same thing happened to me my first time here. Actually, it is happening again tonight."
"I am extraordinarily grateful you are sharing this with me. There is nowhere else I would rather be right now."
"Hmm," Zachary mutters.
"What?" Gustavo asks.
"You are going to break many hearts through the years, my friend. You have a gentle and romantic soul, and it is very pleasant to share things with you because your appreciation runs deep."
"But I don't want to break anyone's heart. I dream of choosing to be loved-being enchanted with that blessing-and bestowing my heart and goodwill too."
"You make it sound easy," Zachary replies.
"I think it has to be, don't you?" Gustavo asks. "A relationship cannot be a competition or a prison. The partners must be able to help each other find freedom to grow, express themselves, pursue interests, and build a life together."
"You think you are ready for the right man to come along? Don't you need years to sow your oats and experiment?"
"Yes and no. Yes, I am ready to embrace the wonder of loving someone. No, I don't want to postpone creating something special just to have flings with men to feel powerful."
They stroll in silence until their steps are synchronized and their shoulders continually brush together. Zachary suddenly stops and turns toward Gustavo.
"If I ever could fall in love with someone, I would want him to be just like you, Gustavo. I mean that."
"You can never be in love?" Gustavo asks.
"No. Not for many years, anyway."
"Why?"
"I wish I felt like telling you the truth. But, through your eyes, I would see myself as a monster. I like the way you are looking at me right now. If I told you too much, there would be disdain for me in your eyes."
"I am not going to pressure you for an explanation," Gustavo replies. "Something you may want to consider though is that this is something incongruous about you."
"What do you mean?" Zachary asks.
"Something out of harmony."
"Why?"
"You seem to deny the spiritual side of yourself for the security of what you think is required for your career. It's the age old battle between materialism and spiritualism. But with you, there seems to be no battle whatsoever, despite your very thoughtful nature. Maybe I am wrong."
"Maybe you are wrong. Just because we stroll together on the beach does not mean we know what it feels like to walk in each other's shoes."
Gustavo nods and begins walking again, looking downward, then up toward the bluffs, filling his lungs with cool air.
"Aren't you starving?" Zachary asks. "Let's go back and fill our bellies with good food."
After completing a hearty dinner under a Spanish-style iron chandelier, shaped like a crown with candle-like lights along its circumference, the men rest and digest their meal on the living room couch. Instead of turning on the television or the overhead lights, they serenely relax. The only lighting emitting is from the adjacent dining room chandelier and the darkness gives Gustavo a bit more courage.
"There is something else I want in exchange for your painting of Crescent Bay," Gustavo says.
The sly and playful look on Gustavo's face signals to Zachary that his request will be a light-hearted one, possibly a joke or quip. Zachary slides beside him and puts his arm around Gustavo's shoulder. Both men have grown comfortable with body contact.