Fan Fiction
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Deja vu and the Clones
Chapter Eight
Looking Things Over
Harry dropped them off several blocks from the Ramos grocery store, simply named Comestibles y Más – Groceries and More. He gave them directions to find it, told them to be careful, and to call before sunset. He emphasized he wasn't particularly comfortable driving in this area after dark. Xena gave him a sarcastic "yeah, sure, whatever, Joxer" as he drove away.
The spot where they were had a mixture of different races – whites, blacks, Chinese, and Latinos. But the closer to the store they got, the more the balance tilted in favor of Hispanics. When they found the store and went in, only Spanish was being spoken, with a smattering of English thrown in here and there. Immediately, they were getting suspicious looks from almost everyone, but after Xena's piercing return stare, they looked away.
"How are we supposed to ask questions if we can't speak the language?" Gabrielle whispered to Xena.
"I have a feeling these people know enough English to understand us. In the meantime, we'll just look around."
Gabrielle walked up to the cash register. Behind it was a middle aged woman, who had been carefully eyeing them as soon as they came in, certain they were going to steal something.
"Are you María?" she asked, smiling at her.
"Sí," she replied, now even more suspicious.
"My name is Gabrielle, and your husband came to our office earlier. He spoke to Annie Day about some trouble you were having with some young men. My friend and I were sent here to look things over and see what we can do to try to help you."
María broke into a big smile. "Ah, sí! Welcome." She turned to a doorway that was covered by a faded red curtain and yelled at it. "Hector! Venga aquí, por favor!" She turned back to Gabrielle, still smiling. When Hector came from behind the curtain, he thought he recognized Gabrielle but he wasn't sure.
"Annie sent us," Gabrielle said as she pointed at herself and over to Xena, who was examining the layout of the store.
"Gracias, señorita. You came very quickly."
"Yes, Annie wanted us get on the case as soon as possible. She's like that. We'd like to look around if you don't mind."
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