Frank’s fingers tapped on the bar.“You know anything about ‘em?”
That’s when it hit me; they weren’t making conversation.They were digging.Friendly smiles, casual tone, but their questions were all aimed in the same direction.
I gave a shrug and turned to wipe down the back bar, giving myself a second to think.“Not really.Just that they came in for burgers and whiskey.Didn’t cause trouble.”
I saw Nick exchange a look with Frank in the mirror behind the bar.
Frank leaned in slightly.“They’re not from around here.You know that, right?”
“I figured,” I said, keeping my voice neutral.“Didn’t really seem like Wisconsin born and bred.”
“They’re setting up shop,” Nick added.“Clubhouse and a business.A whole operation.”
I turned back toward them.“Yeah, I heard.”
Frank tilted his head.“You okay with that?”
I blinked.“What does that mean?”
“Just asking,” Frank said, and lifted his beer finally to take a sip.“Seems like a big shift for downtown.New faces, new muscle.Not everyone likes that.”
I placed both hands flat on the bar, smiling lightly.“Isn’t Madison all about welcoming everyone?I’m pretty sure there’s a billboard that says so.”
Frank let out a chuckle, but it didn’t sound amused.“You got a sharp tongue, Tempi.Just like your old man.”
“Must be genetic,” I drawled.I normally liked Frank and Nick, but right now, they were rubbing me the wrong way.I grabbed another glass to polish.
They fell quiet for a moment while they both finally drank their beer.The tension didn’t break.It just shifted, thinner now, like fishing line stretched tight.
Nick leaned forward.“Just… keep your eyes open, alright?If you hear anything about what they’re doing, who they’re meeting with, what they’re planning, maybe pass it along.”
I kept my expression flat.“I’m just a bartender.”
Frank smiled, too wide.“Exactly.Bartenders hear everything.”
I didn’t reply.
“We all gotta look out for each other,” Nick added.“Especially now.”
I gave a tight nod.“Sure.”
They finished their beers in silence.When they stood, Frank pulled out his wallet and dropped a few bills on the bar, more than needed, but not generous enough to feel like a bribe.
Nick adjusted his jacket and looked at me again.“Just be careful, Tempi.You don’t know what kind of people you’re letting into your place.”
“Thanks for the warning,” I said evenly.
They left with a nod.Frank gave a parting wink before the door swung shut behind them.
I stood there for a moment with my heart ticking a little faster than I liked and a polished glass still in my hand.I set it down and reached for another, but my focus was gone.
They weren’t just nosy.
They werewarningme.
Or threatening me.
And I didn’t like either version.
