Page 5 of Jack

Zuri approached the bar, her gaze scanningthe room for familiar faces. She found herself smiling as sherecognized friends and acquaintances, each absorbed in their ownworld of fun. Gary acknowledged her with a nod, and she feltreassured that things were running smoothly.

She decided to join in the tournament, hercompetitive spirit igniting. The first round was fierce, but she heldher own, drawing on years of practice and a natural flair. Herlaughter mingled with the crowd's, creating a symphony of joy thatfilled the room.

She made the rounds, her energy and readysmile putting the patrons at ease. The men made the usual passes andwere rewarded by her flirtatious banter and full-throated laugh. Shewas beautiful and vivacious and had her fair share of admirers. Shespotted Sean at a table and skirted the area. She was not ready todeal with him yet.

Making her way around the counter, she tookover from Gary as he piled drink orders on a tray and made the roundsaround the room. On the upper level, a rousing game of pool was inprogress with cues clanging and clicking, balls rolling along. Inanother corner, Mike, a regular was holding a pint of beer and daringanyone to beat his record at darts.

It was a familiar scene. Muted musicfilling the air and sounds of laughter and conversations with theoccasional friendly arguments from people who had been coming to theestablishment for several years.

Turning her attention to the men seated onstools around the bar, she quickly and efficiently filled orders. Theenticing aroma of fries and juicy burger rose from the kitchen andtempted the palate. She threw a quick smile at her brother as he tookover and started building the pints.

"Two o'clock." He murmured,handing the glass of whiskey to Sam as he settled on a stool andreached immediately for the bowl of mixed nuts that was alwaysprovided. "Unattended minor."

"Are you sure?"

He only lifted a brow. With a resignedsigh, she made her way through the crowd on the dance floor, avoidingthe eager hands reaching for her.

The boy looked lost and dazzled as he satthere slouched in the corner of the booth, the hoodie drapedpartially over unruly hair. Sliding in across from him, she reachedfor the bowl of nuts and took out a few.

"Hi."

"Hey." He slouched even further,his eyes downcast.

"Here alone?"

"So?"

Smiling at the belligerent tone, shestudied what was a handsome face with stormy gray eyes and a curl tothe lips. A lock of sable brown hair, tipped with gold was hangingover his forehead, giving him a vulnerable look.

"It's my duty as part owner of thisestablishment to demand to see some ID. How did you get in pastBoris?"

"That guy's name's Boris?" hesnickered. "Lame."

"Be that as it may, he would not haveallowed you to step foot inside without checking for an ID. How oldare you?"

He hunched even more. "Sixteen."

"Try again."

He shifted uncomfortably, eyes dartingtoward the exit. "I'm seventeen."

"Uh-huh. And I'm the Queen ofEngland." Her tone was light, teasing, but her eyes held a firminsistence. "Let's try this again. How old are you really?"

After a long pause, he finally muttered,"Almost fifteen."

She nodded, leaning back against the boothas she considered him thoughtfully. "All right, almost fifteen.What's your name?"

"Jason," he mumbled, stillrefusing to meet her gaze.

"Okay, Jason, where are your parents?"

"Not here."

"That much is obvious." Shesighed, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Look,it's not safe for you to be here alone at your age. Do you havesomeone you can call to pick you up?"

He shook his head. "No, I'm fine. Ican take care of myself."

Her lips tightened in a thin line. "I'msure you think so, but it's my responsibility to make sure you'reactually safe. Who do I need to call?"

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