“And keep the fuck out!” The words echoed out of the Tavarish bar and I sidestepped out of the way just as a bedraggled man went flying through the open door and out into the street. The giant Rec’thian bouncer stepped out behind him, all but blocking the doorway with his large frame. Those wide, black eyes locked on the figure with a vicious glare untill the drunk scrambled to his feet and ran off into the darkness. With a laugh I stepped up, offering my hand to the large figure.
“‘lo there, Raj. Having some trouble with the rabble, I see?”
A deep chuckle escaped the bouncer, a sound reminiscent of gravel shifting, as his large, rough-skinned hand closed around mine. Rec’thian as a race are large, and at near 10 feet tall, and god knows how heavy, Raj Allcran was a giant among his race.If his jet black skin and pitch black eyes weren’t enough to terrify any would-be troublemakers, the ability to lift a full city bus ensured they wouldn’t be making trouble for too long. There hadn’t been a drunk yet that could stand up to Raj, nor a person that could drink him under the table.
“No trouble at all, Tristan, not f’r me at least. Good to see you again. I assume you’ve brought money this time? I don’t want to have to listen to Missy harp on at you for not payin’ yer bill.”
I laughed and waved him off with a shake of my head, and he stepped aside to let me in. As I moved through the crowd, the strains of the sweet jazz music pouring over the crowd, I heard someone call out my name.
“Tristan? Tristan Corret, is that you? Get over here, boy!” A hand waved from the direction of the bar, and I strode through the smoky air and towards the familiar voice.
As I reached the bar I met the smiling face of Missy Tavarish, the owner of the bar. With her dark, shining hair and plentiful freckles, there was no mistaking the Irish descent in her. I offered my hand to her, and she scoffed, grabbing it and pulling me over the bar into a hug.
“None of that now, boy, I’ve known you too long. I expect you’ve come to have a few more drinks. Can you pay your bill this time?”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a few bound bills, tossing them to her. She counted them out and smiled, shaking her head.
“There you go, was that so hard? What’s it gonna be then?”
I sat down in the stool and smiled at her “Just a scotch, Missy. It’s good to be back, and able to afford myself a drink this time.”
She returned with the glass of dark liquid, leaning across the bar. “Oh, I don’t doubt that. It’s good to have you back though. I know I’ve certainly missed you.”
I took a drink of the alcohol, letting it burn down my throat with a little shiver. With another smile at Missy, I looked over the crowd. At her bar, all races were welcome, and there was always a varied crowd strewn about it. I watched the crowd, letting the atmosphere relax me and forget my worries for now. Taking another sip, I closed my eyes for a few seconds, enjoying the music.
Suddenly, without opening my eyes, I shifted my weight. I could feel eyes on me, watching me intently. A few seconds later, a shiver ran across my scalp, and a tickling presence brushed over my mind. Fortunately, my innate senses drew up and I threw up a mental block to whatever was trying to read me. Opening my eyes half-way, I tried to locate who was watching me.
As I looked around, my eyes locked on a Evari male rising from his seat. The mental touch faded, and he began to head for the back door. I set down the glass, along with a few bills to cover the cost of the drink. As I moved through the crowd, I made sure to stay back enough to keep him from spooking. I watched him exit the door, and moved to stand by it. I counted to five, then slipped out into the alleyway after him. Moving quickly, I caught sight of him turning around the corner. Picking up my pace, I let my hand fall to my hip, where my handgun lay in it’s holster.
I turned the corner and drew my weapon, and a barely audible click was my only warning. I dove behind a dumpster across the alley as a hail of bullets tore across the alley. One struck the stone cobbles near me, and a chunk of flint tore up from the ground, cutting a gash across my cheek. I pulled out from cover, firing a few shots down at the figures in the alley, but they were already moving. I took up after them, but as I reached the end of the alley, I heard an engine roar and tires squeal.
As I reached the mouth of the alley, I saw taillights receding in the distance. With a curse, I kicked at a few of the spent shells on the ground. I turned to see Raj coming up to meet me, looking around. He nodded towards the receding car, and grimaced.
“Shit, Tristan, who the hell is trying to kill you now?”
I moved for the door as I shrugged. “I’ll tell you when I find out.”
