Chapter 3
Ruby’s Bar was a small establishment with America’s Wild West as its theme—if you could call linoleum floorboards, fake cactus plants turned grey with dust, and wagon wheel lights a theme. The walls were charcoal grey and on them hung different sized prints of cowboys and cattle, some so faded that only the closest inspection in the dim light would reveal the picture. The bar’s owners had, no doubt, had grand ambitions but limited funds.
Nathan found a space at the bar, rested his arm on the edge and soon caught the barman’s attention.
“Hey Nat. How are you?”
Ted was the hottest barman at Ruby’s. He was tall, muscular and wore his cowboy hat with such confidence Nathan could almost believe he’d just tethered his horse out the back, dusted himself off, and come in to start his shift.
Nathan forced an uneasy smile. “Feeling lucky tonight.”
“The usual?”
Nathan nodded.
When Ted returned with a pint of Tooheys beer, Nathan held out a ten-dollar note.