Two hours later
I spent as much time with Harmony and Luke as I could before I had to hug them goodbye and head to the South Side of Chicago. There wasn’t much about the area that was ascetically appealing, but Hal’s Pub seemed to be in an area that was borderline decent. I parked my car and looked around the area. The two buildings that sat next to it appeared to be abandoned, so I didn’t think my bosses would have much trouble acquiring them. Hal’s Pub didn’t look like it was suffering in the least. I stepped inside and was immediately hit by the rancid smell of cigarette smoke mixed with stale beer. The locals were enjoying themselves, even if the pub smelled like a cesspool. I walked to a table in the corner where I had a good view and sat down, quickly looking around the room as I waited for a drink.
I guess it could be turned into a decent bar with the right amount of money behind the renovations, but it would require some work. It doesn’t seem to be very special, that’s for sure.
“Fancy meeting a girl like you in a place like this.” A woman walked up to my table started pulling out a chair. “Mind if I join you?”
“Angelina!” My voice raised, but I quickly lowered it. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Just like you—I’m getting a drink.” She sat down at my table and smiled.
“Did Harmony send you? What the hell?” I glared at her with a mixture of confusion and anger.
“Harmony has nothing to do with this.” Angelina shook her head back and forth. “I gave you my card and you haven’t used it. I decided to come find out why you’ve been avoiding me.”
“There’s no way—you….” I hesitated when the waitress brought our drinks and put them on the table. “You just decided to track me down while Harmony was visiting? That seems a little too inconvenient.”
“The events are not connected.” Angelina picked up her gin and tonic. “Obviously I know she’s in Chicago, but I’m here on other business.”
“What kind of business?” I tilted my head suspiciously.
“I’ll fill you in later, but for now—let’s just focus on you.” Angelina put down her glass and smiled. “You see that guy over there behind the bar?”
“Yeah, what about him?” I looked over her shoulder and nodded.
“He’s going to come over here and ask you out on a date. You would be a fool to say no.” She leaned back and smiled.
“What? He’s a bartender in a shitty pub. Why would I go out on a date with him?” I shook my head and waved her off.
“Because, my dear…” Angelina chuckled. “It’s time for your Infinite Fantasy to begin—whether you want it or not.”
“I didn’t call you. If I wanted your help, I would have picked up the phone.” I looked at the guy again.
He’s certainly attractive, even if he does look he could murder me as easily as he could kiss me.
“His name is Joaquin, and you’re going to get along great.” Angelina reached for her glass and nodded.
Oh god—he’s walking this way.
Chapter Two
Joaquin
Earlier that day
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??I gave you a key so you could lock up when you left, old man, not so you could spend the night.” I walked up to the white haired man sleeping face down on his arms and slapped the bar with my hand.
“What? Oh—hey, Joaquin. Can I get a whiskey?” Charlie lifted his head slowly and pointed at his empty glass.
“Your wife still won’t let you in the door after midnight?” I stepped behind the bar and picked up my bottle of cheapest whiskey—it was all Charlie drank.
“It’s worse, Joaquin.” Charlie grunted and eagerly downed the glass when I put it on front of him. “She said I have to choose between the whiskey and her—obviously, I’m still thinking about it.”
“How long have you been married now? Forty years?” I started refilling his glass.
“Forty-five.” He chuckled proudly.