Chapter 8

Once outside, Zyl assumed the lead, walking so fast Carl almost had to trot to keep up with him. The bar they went to was only a few blocks from the zoo, a bit off the beaten path and not one of the city’s trendy nightspots. It seemed more like a little neighborhood pub than an upscale nightclub. That suited Carl just fine. He wasn’t a big drinker or accustomed to much partying

Only a few patrons looked up when they stepped through the door together. Zyl led the way to the bar, and they each ordered a beer.

“You want to stay here or find a booth or a table?”

Carl shrugged. “What do you usually do?”

Zyl swept a quick glance around the shadowy room. “At least step back to the side. I’m not trying to catch anyone’s attention.”

Carl trailed him on a diagonal across the room to a vacant booth and slid into it opposite his new friend. For a few minutes, they sipped in silence. The place had an old-fashioned juke box, as well as a small band stand, for the moment vacant.