Barkeep

Chapter 4

As Alex stepped back into Goff's Tavern, the dimly lit bar felt both familiar and foreign, a place suspended in time where the outside world ceased to exist. For Lu and the other patrons enjoying their drinks, it was as though he had just popped into the back for another bucket of ice or a bottle of whiskey. But for Alex, it had been an endless night of learning the gruesome details of Lu's death.

His longing to return to her grew stronger with every additional detail he uncovered. He couldn't shake the image of her lying lifeless on the stone-lined path, the senseless violence of her murder echoing in his mind. He wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her, to protect her from harm and keep her safe for all eternity.

As Alex continued to immerse himself in the investigation of Lu's murder, memories of their childhood together flooded his mind. He recalled the days when they were young and carefree, their innocence a stark contrast to the darkness that now enveloped them. He recalled the countless hours they spent exploring the neighborhood, their laughter ringing out like music in the air. They would roam the streets hand in hand, lost in their own little world of make-believe and adventure.

One particular memory stood out vividly in Alex's mind—the day they discovered an old, abandoned house at the end of their street. It loomed before them like a haunted mansion from a storybook, its windows boarded up and its paint peeling from years of disrepair. But to Alex and Lu, it was a treasure trove waiting to be explored. With hearts pounding with excitement, they ventured inside, their imaginations running wild with possibilities.

They explored every nook and cranny of the old house, uncovering forgotten artifacts and hidden secrets along the way. They laughed and joked as they pretended to be intrepid explorers on a daring quest, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. But amidst the laughter and excitement, there was a sense of sadness that hung in the air—a reminder of the fleeting nature of their childhood innocence. They knew that one day they would grow up and leave behind the carefree days of their youth, but for now, they were content to bask in the warmth of each other's company.

As Alex reminisced about those simpler times, he felt a pang of longing for the innocence they had lost. He wished he could go back to those carefree days to relive the moments they shared together without the shadow of death looming over them.

Despite his longing for the past, Alex knew he had to move on and not dwell on what was lost. He had a mission to fulfill—to find Lu's killer and bring them to justice. And he would stop at nothing to see it through, even if it meant confronting the darkest corners of his own soul.

As he made his way back behind the bar, he couldn't resist the urge to reach out to Lu, to pull her into his arms and hold her close. And when he did, she giggled, her laughter like music to his ears.

"It's like you haven't seen me in days," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Sorry about that," Alex said, his voice tinged with a hint of embarrassment as he released Lu from their embrace. "It's just been a strange night, you know?"

Lu nodded understandingly, her smile gentle and reassuring. "It's okay, Alex. I understand," she said, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. "We've both been through a lot over the years."

Alex felt a wave of relief wash over him at her words. It was comforting to know that Lu didn't hold his odd behavior against him, that she still saw him as the same person she had known all those years ago.

"I told you about what I have been up to; now you tell me about you," Lu prodded, her voice filled with genuine interest.

Alex hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to answer. He hadn't really done much with his life since he had taken ownership of Goff's Tavern, and he wasn't sure if he wanted to share the truth with Lu just yet.