I had a small budget and time to kill, so I took ample time in their restroom. It was a lovely restroom, quite fancy. After that, and a turtle paced circuit of the joint I plopped myself at the bar, making sure my jacket was in place.

The bartender, quite snappy in his white shirt and well pressed vest, just gave me the eye.

“Absinthe, if you please.”

He didn’t look like he pleased. The raised eyebrow questioned my taste in potent beverages while his hands fetched a glass and a dusty bottle. Half to check the time and half to avoid his gaze I took careful study of my pocket watch.

7:09

I’d really hoped it had been later.

People were in the club, not many, but enough. As much as I looked from resplendent gown to taylored suit I hadn’t the foggiest for what or whom I was looking. They all looked rich. They all looked smug. They all looked full, yet they sat to eat and drink.

I fought the urge to draw and start shooting at them all on the spot, instead turning to my emerald consort, a liquid indulgence.