The crowd at the bar was beginning to get a little rowdy, just as they did almost every night at about this time.The crowd at the bar was beginning to get a little rowdy, just as they did almost every night at about this time. Bryan knew he'd have to start throwing people out in a few minutes. Meantime, he pulled out his pouch of tobacco and rolled himself a cigarette. Striking the lucifer against the coarse wood of the door frame, his face is lit by the flickering light. The long scar on his cheek seems to writhe with life, a long red snake against his skin. Just as he draws the smoke into his lungs, the first fight of the night started. "Damit," said Jim, "I said you will!" "No," said Sally, "Miss Lilly doesn't allow us out of the house during work'n hours. Its a rule!" "Screw Miss Lilly. I'll pay whatever it takes." Several of his friend gave up some rough laughter at this comment. Bryan quickly stabbed out the tobacco against the heel of his boot. "Asshole," he thought. Striding to the bar, he stood behind the unruly patron, waiting for him to threaten the girl, in any way. "Look," said Sally, "I don tol' you that I can't leave. Now either we go upstairs, or I find another friend for the evening." Jim was drunk. Otherwise he'd had the good sense not to grab Sally by the arm. There were few rules at Miss Lilly's, but this one was inviolate. //You do not bruise the Merchandise unless you've paid for it.// Jim hadn't. But he would. Bryan tapped him on the shoulder. "I wouldn't," he said, in a voice that could cut steel. Jim whirled, pulling Sally with him. Bryan briefly thought of reaching for his sap, but decided Jim wouldn't put up a fight with the proper persuasion. With the speed of a striking snake, one hand whipped forward, grasping Jim's throat, while the other balled into a massive fist. "You can let her go, pay your tab, and leave" said Bryan, still in that cold voice, "Or I can pay it, using the money I'm going to take from you. |