Chapter 00: Preview
Jack's Bar had its usual crowd. Classic rock played from the old nostalgic jukebox. For now, it seemed like just another quiet evening in Raccoon City.
Officer Kevin Ryman sat at the bar with a half-full glass of bourbon. He glanced up as Cindy walked past, giving her a friendly wink.
"Another round, Kev?" Cindy asked.
Kevin shrugged. "Why not? It's been a hell of a week. Might as well."
Cindy reached behind the bar and refilled his glass. "Don't let Chief catch you slacking,"
Kevin chuckled. "I'll be fine. Chief's not exactly looking for me here."
Nearby, Mark Wilkins, a security guard, nursed a beer alongside his close friend Bob. The two came in after their shift. For some reason, Bob seemed to be out of it.
Alyssa Ashcroft tapped away on her laptop at one of the window seats, working on her latest story for the Daily Raccoon.
David King, a plumber, sat towards the back of the bar. He took a shot of whiskey, setting the glass down with a sigh.
Across the room, Jim Chapman was hunched over a small table near a window, chewing on the end of his pencil as he worked on a crossword puzzle.
The door to the women's restroom swung shut behind Yoko Suzuki. She had slipped into the bar quietly and headed straight to the restroom. She stood in front of the mirror with scissors. She trimmed a few strands, trying something different.
George Hamilton was tired after a long shift at the hospital. There had been an influx of new patients, yet he still smiled at those who greeted him. The patrons at Jack's often sought his medical advice whenever he came by.
The door to Jack's Bar creaked open, and a figure immediately drew every pair of eyes in the room. The usual patrons turned to take in the newcomer. It was a man clad in a duster. The duster is a sleeveless black coat emblazoned with a United States flag design reminiscent of the colonial version. His face was concealed by a helmet that had clearly seen battle. Some thought he was a former military man.
The Courier strode inside. He did not attempt to blend in, and the contrast between his rugged look and the relatively normal patrons of the bar was striking. Conversations died down, and more than a few people exchanged wary glances.
Kevin Ryman was the first to notice the body armor underneath and the Big Iron on his hip. His easy-going posture stiffened, and his hand instinctively went to the holster on his hip and over his gun. His eyes narrowed as he watched the stranger. He wasn't sure if this guy would cause trouble.
The Courier, however, was unfazed by the attention. He briefly took in their faces as he approached the counter. He pulled out a stool and sat down like he were just any one else.
Cindy Lennox hesitated before approaching. "What can I get you?"
The Courier reached up and unbuckled his helmet. He removed it, revealing his face—tanned skin, dark brown hair, and warm brown eyes. He gave her a small, almost apologetic smile. "A shot of scotch."
Cindy blinked, momentarily surprised by the contrast. She nodded and turned to fetch the drink. "Coming right up."
Still watching the scene unfold from a few seats down, Kevin scoffed as he eased his hand away from his holster. He picked up his drink and took a sip, muttering under his breath. 'Another drifter with a flair for the dramatic…'
As Cindy placed the shot of scotch in front of the Courier, she couldn't help but glance at him again. "Not from around here, are you?"
The Courier picked up the glass and sipped before giving her a small shrug. "Just passing through."
Cindy smiled politely. "Well, welcome to Jack's Bar. It's a little quieter than most places, but you picked a good night for it."
The Courier nodded, appreciating her tone. He noticed Kevin's scrutinizing gaze, but paid it no mind.
Kevin sighed, shaking his head as he returned to his drink. 'At least he's not causing trouble,' he muttered to himself before taking another sip. 'Yet.'
The Courier leaned back slightly in his seat. He could feel the eyes on him, but he was used to it. It wasn't the first time and wouldn't be the last. For now, though, all he wanted was to finish his drink.
In the calm before the storm, Jack's Bar returned to its usual hum of activity. The Courier sat at the counter while the city outside began spiraling into the chaos none of them knew was coming.
#
AN: Special thanks to Seana, Jebest4781, Charles, vividlearner744, OmegaDelta, Henry Stickman, fearmegu, Kitsune Robyn, SonicSonicsSonic, Tapion, Dragon lord, Shooter1344, Alexander, Red Rasher, Ajax, trey hill, Asaf, Legion, DJC, $hane-08, Daniel, Alex, and nighnight!
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