Great descriptions. You capture all the detail in the scene with a powerful sense of character, of being out of place.

I went back and read the previous “Noir” stories to catch; this series is great! I’m looking forward to reading more.

One nit-picky question: If Nick doesn’t pay Tugger “enough to wear something nice” and he has a “small budget”, how can he afford absinthe?? That shit’s expensive, yo…

I think we’ll just run with the idea that we all make room in our budgets and prioritize for our individual vices.

My emerald consort – genius. And let him spend every cent on absinthe. Why not? The kid has to get his kicks somehow.

Very nicely written! It sets the mood wonderfully. Just one nitpick: it’s “indulgence”.