Lifespan Deathwatch

[Damien McEwan]

Nivek took the woman's advice and reached into his pocket. When he rolled a double six on the bar, he followed his third white rabbit.

As he took the seat that was waiting for him, the blonde woman welcomed him with a warm smile, and made introductions.

"I'm Keighley Mackenzie, that's Alia Daeva, and you've already met Joaquin."

Nivek shook each of their hands in turn, returning the courtesy.

As he drank his coffee and shared in their plate of finger foods, Nivek was pleasantly surprised at how quickly they helped his mood improve. They were charming, disarming, and each one of them seemed genuinely interested in what he had to say, instead of simply waiting for their turn to speak.

He found it easy to like them.

The time passed quickly, and when the pub owner announced last call, Joaquin steered the conversation.

"Where are you staying while in town?"

Nivek was embarrassed to admit that he hasn't planned that far ahead, and was worried, because the bulk of his funds were spent getting here, and he didn't have anywhere to go.

Alia rested a reassuring hand on his shoulder, and let him know that they could help him if he asked for it.

Keighley expanded to explain that they all work together in a shop across the street, and each of them have apartments up on the floor above it.

Nivek felt the sting of pride and graciously declined their charity.

"We're not offering charity." Joaquin said to him. "You are more than welcome to crash on any one of our couches tonight that you choose, but nothing is ever free, and it will cost you."

"How much?" Nivek inquired, still embarrassed, despite Alia and Keighley's encouragement.

"When I approached you at the bar earlier tonight," Joaquin went on, "I asked you a question."

"What is her name?" He asked Nivek for the second time tonight.

His embarrassment was replaced by a fair bit of defensiveness as he replied, "Why do you want to know?"

"We have to hear you speak her name."

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