Chapter 3

Lou gave up on Jimmy Stewart. He contemplated how Ben’s round buttocks flexed as he bent to retrieve something under the bar. Maybe he would hang around and find out what Ben’s deal was. He snapped out of his reverie when a man with unruly red hair settled onto the stool beside him. Big and muscular, with a florid face and such an easy smile, Lou pegged him for a salesman.

The man ordered a beer and turned to Lou. “Merry Christmas.” His voice sounded kind.

“Yeah,” Lou said.

“Mind if I sit here?”

Lou shrugged. “It’s fine.”

The man thanked Ben for his beer, sipped it, and turned back to Lou. “You don’t remember me, do you?”

Lou dragged himself out of his haze and peered at the newcomer. He knew a lot of people on the central coast, but the face rang no bells. “Sorry. I’ve had a couple.” He gestured to his half-empty glass and extended his hand. “Lou Brand. Where did we meet?”