Chapter 27: Santa Baby

Travis sat on the left side of the bar in the Pendulum on 18th Street at Castro, drinking a Budweiser beer and observing the lights and garlands hanging on the walls. Conversations and laughter filled the narrow space, accompanied by holiday music of Eartha Kitt playing in the background. The scent of spiced drinks and pine was present, contributing to the atmosphere. Some patrons were deep in thought, while others were engaged in discussions, adding to the bar's activity.

Despite the bustling environment, Travis's thoughts were focused on Zeno, whom he had driven home for Ahad's planned attempt to access Abel's safe. Concerned about potential complications, Travis regretted leaving Zeno alone. To ensure that everything proceeded as intended, he decided to return to Twin Peaks and wait outside the house on Pemberton Steps for Zeno's protection. He couldn't allow Zeno to be harmed. He was distressed that Zeno insisted on being in the house during Ahab's robbery of Abel's safe.

After making this decision, he signaled the bartender for a shot of whiskey. At that moment, Jerry Adkisson entered the bar. Travis quickly finished his drink and approached Jerry, preparing for their upcoming conversation.

"Merry Christmas, Jerry," Travis said, greeting Jerry with a kiss on the cheek.

"Merry Christmas, Travis," Jerry replied.

"What are you drinking?"

"Heineken," Jerry answered, offering Travis money, which he declined as he ordered another Bud for himself. They then moved to a more private location within the bar.

"I thought you might be here if not with Zeno," Jerry remarked, sipping his beer.

"I just dropped Zeno off. We'll meet up later," Travis responded.

"Has Abel been informed about your relationship?" Jerry inquired.

"What do you mean?" Travis asked.

"That you're seeing each other behind his back," Jerry clarified.

"If he doesn’t know, he'll be told before the new year," Travis said.

"Good luck with that," Jerry said, raising his beer. "Abel Erikson is tough. From what I’ve heard, Zeno is more than just a partner to him. They had a real wedding in Denmark."

"Zeno plans to annul the marriage. We’ll be together, with or without Abel’s consent."

"Like I said, good luck."

"Thank you."

“In the early 1970s, I was involved with Abel and Harlan, who reminds me of Zeno. I loved Harlan, but he secretly ended up with Abel. Harlan, an artist, died under suspicious circumstances initially deemed suicide. As a Catholic, Harlan viewed suicide as a mortal sin, leading me to doubt that his death was self-inflicted.”

Travis sipped his beer. "What are you suggesting, Jerry?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jerry leaned in, his expression grave. "I think Abel might have had something to do with Harlan's death," he replied, his tone heavy with implication.

Travis's eyes widened in disbelief, and he nearly choked on his drink. He set his beer down on the meat rack with a trembling hand, his mind racing to process the gravity of Jerry's words. "Are you saying Abel is dangerous?" he stammered, struggling to keep his voice steady.

"I can't be certain," Jerry admitted, "but the similarities between Harlan and Zeno are too striking to ignore. You and Zeno need to tread carefully before confronting Abel with your goals."

Travis nodded slowly, his fear now unmistakable. "To prove this information of Harlan’s death is true, we need to gather more evidence before making any accusations," he said, his voice barely audible.

Jerry concurred, disclosing that he had already commenced his inquiries. This decision followed the police's failure to uncover any relevant information during their discreet investigation into Abel's history and potential motives. Jerry now believed Abel’s motive was connected to the insurance money Abel received following Harlan's death.

Abel and Harlan had been inseparable for years, he told Travis, their bond forged through a shared passion for art and a deep mutual respect. Many believed their connection went beyond friendship, but neither had confirmed it publicly. When Zeno entered Abel's life, the dynamics shifted dramatically. Zeno's charm and talent captivated Abel, drawing him into a whirlwind romance that culminated in their Danish wedding. However, lingering shadows from Harlan's tragic end seemed to haunt Abel as well as Jerry, who raised questions about Abel's true intentions and feelings for Zeno, though he suspected they were monetary.

"I spoke with Zaide, Abel's friend and attorney," Jerry persisted. "She couldn't share much due to her professional role but mentioned Abel is coming back from New York to surprise Zeno for Christmas Eve. She suggested I ask Abel directly. I'll do that tonight to get it off my chest."

"This is unexpected," Travis muttered, expressing concern about Zeno and the potential ramifications involving Ahab, Precious, and now Abel as well. He glanced at the phone by the door, realizing the urgency of warning Zeno immediately.
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"He should be home in Twin Peaks in a few hours," Jerry replied, checking his watch, "assuming no unforeseen travel disruptions."

"Excuse me for a moment, Jerry," Travis said, heading for the phone. He inserted a dime and called Zeno. After several rings with no answer and a growing sense of anxiety, Travis hung up the phone and informed Jerry that he had to leave. As he hurried out the door, his mind raced with worst-case scenarios. His heart pounded with urgency, and he couldn't shake the dread that something terrible might already be unfolding.

Despite the crisp air outside, a cold sweat clung to his skin as he climbed into his Jeep and drove up 18th Street towards Twin Peaks.