Barkeep

Chapter 7

The realization that he was no closer to uncovering the truth about Lu's murder quickly overshadowed Alex's brief moment of triumph at finally getting through to Gloria Bloom. As he hung up the phone, a sense of frustration and uncertainty washed over him like a tidal wave, leaving him feeling more lost than ever. The weight of his failure settled heavily on his shoulders, threatening to crush him under its burden.

As Alex stepped out of his neglected apartment, the world outside seemed to blur together in a haze of uncertainty. The soft glow of the rising sun bathed the streets, casting long shadows across the pavement as he made his way towards Goff's bar.

Each step felt heavy with the weight of his thoughts, his mind consumed by the endless search for answers. The cool morning air brushed against his skin, sending a shiver down his spine as he walked.

Surrounded by the city, he felt distant and muted, as though walking through a dream. The neon signs of storefronts flickered, their bright colors casting an eerie glow upon the near-empty streets.

Despite the early hour, its heartbeat pulsed with life and energy all around him. But for Alex, it was as though he were walking through a world of shadows, his thoughts consumed by the mystery that lay before him.

Stepping back into Goff's, the familiar sights and sounds of the dimly lit bar immediately enveloped Alex. The well-worn wooden bar and stools groaned under the weight of patrons, their laughter and sporadic bursts of excitement contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. Soft, mellow melodies wafted from the jukebox in the corner, blending seamlessly with the low buzz of conversation. The subdued lighting cast a warm, inviting glow, creating shadows that danced playfully along the walls. Alex felt a sense of familiarity and nostalgia as he entered Goff's time capsule. The comforting scent of whiskey and cigarette smoke permeated the air, mingling with the murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses. It was a place that had seen its fair share of secrets and whispers, a place where the past and the present intertwined.

Lu was there, perched at the bar with a faint smile on her face. But as Alex drew closer, a surge of concern and protectiveness washed over him. He yearned to shield her, to keep her safe from harm, but he was at a loss. Alex's heart pounded in his chest as he approached Lu, his mind a whirlwind of anxiety. The dim light of the bar stressed the worry lines etched on his face. The weight of his concern settled heavily in his chest, constricting his breath. He ached to protect Lu from the unknown perils lurking in the world, but he was too late. She was already there, sitting at his bar.

"Hey, Lu," Alex said, but before Lu could respond, the unexpected entrance of a new patron disrupted the usual calm atmosphere of Goff's bar. Alex glanced over and felt surprised to see someone new, but his attention quickly returned to Lu when he noticed her wince and grab at the back of her head.

"Are you okay, Lu?" Alex asked, concern evident in his voice.

A troubled expression crossed Lu's face as she nodded. "I'm fine, just a little headache," she replied, though her words sounded strained.

Alex couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. Souls didn't feel pain once they entered Goff's bar, so why was Lu acting as though she was in discomfort? The unease that had been gnawing at him grew stronger, and he made a mental note to keep a closer eye on her.

Meanwhile, a figure stood at the entrance, their features obscured by the dim light. They scanned the room, their eyes lingering on Lu. Alex's heart skipped a beat. It was a first at Goff's bar, where there was always room for one more. The patrons came and went with flawless orchestration.

"Sorry, we're all filled up tonight," Alex called out, trying to sound apologetic. But the new patron didn't seem deterred. Instead, he lingered near the entrance, his gaze fixed on Lu with an intensity that sent a shiver down Alex's spine.