It was a bright sunny day but you wouldn’t have known it from the inside of Rick’s Place. There wasn’t a window in the whole bar.
The fans were there, barely visible in the dim lighting. The sounds of blues chords could be heard in the background and went well with the decor. Frank didn’t recognize the musician but he approved.
The look on the bartender matched the atmosphere. Dark and foreboding.
To Frank it seemed like this mug knew him and had no pleasant memories associated with him. Dancing lightly was going to be the task for the day.
“What’ll it be Bub”
Bub? I’ve never been a Bub before. I’ve been a Dude, a Mac and one time a Mac and Cheese1. but never a Bub thought Frank.
“I’ll take a Scotch and Soda. Whatever your rail brand is.”
“We’ve only got one brand. We call it our bar brand.”
“Ok, sounds tasty I’ll take one”
“Do you want to know what our bar brand of soda is ?”
“Uh, no. Surprise me.”
Frank knew the bartender was showing off his witty repartee but Frank was not impressed. Over the years he had encountered many bartenders with wit and this guy couldn’t hold their bar rags but Frank wouldn’t let his opinion of the guy show. He had to play nice to get the information he wanted.
The Scotch and Soda was set in front of Frank with little fanfare.
Taking a sip Frank was surprised the bar brand was decent for a blended Scotch. The soda was nondescript but soda should not take the limelight anyway.
Frank waved over the bartender.
“Do you mind if I ask you a question?”
“Of course I mind. I didn’t like it in school and let the teachers know I didn’t like it but I am trapped here It’s not as if I can avoid you for the next 6 hours. So ask what you gotta ask.”
“The last time I was in here I sat next to a guy who gave me some good advice. I never got his name and I’d like to thank him properly.
He was a big guy, maybe six two. Looked like he might have been a boxer.
I got a line on some Jewelry and maybe he might like something for his wife.”
“I might know a guy like that except he’s not married,”
“Oh my mistake I just assumed he was. Well
here’s my number if you could give me a call when he shows up here I would appreciate it.”
“What’s in it for me bub?”
“Well here’s some cabbage and there will be another one if you call.”
The bartender looked down. “Oh ten bucks. Save your money Rockefeller it looks like you need it more than I do. I’ll call you if he shows up.”
Sensing this was a good time to conclude his business, Frank finished his drink and left. If he had turned around he would have seen the bartender making a call.
Walking back to his car Frank heard someone actually utter “Psst Buddy”. Looking around he saw a figure in the shadows.
Wow, his first case and his first “Psst” from the shadows all in the same week.
Things were really shaping up. Frank walked toward the shadow to investigate.
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