It wasn’t unusual to see these types lurking around at night – especially in bars at odd hours of the night. Unfortunately for me, the only open seat was the one next to him. Not that this was especially surprising.
I generally kept my distance from strangers, but I was cold and wet from braving the elements and if ever I needed a drink, it was now. I wasn’t afraid of his leathery green skin or his beat red eyes. I could handle myself in a sticky situation. I had proven it before and I’m sure I wouldn’t have had too much trouble proving myself again, if need be. Besides, despite all appearances, I never went anywhere unarmed.
Taking the empty seat next to him, I offered a slight smile and brief nod of acknowledgement before ordering a drink for myself. He seemed to take this as an invitation to start talking and staring down into his glass, he lamented. “Not sure there’s much worth livin’ for anymore.”
It seemed he expected me to listen. I sighed, raising my eyebrows, indicating that I was listening, despite myself.
“Made a huge mistake, I did. Killed me own wife and me own daughters – all because I was trying to make a quick bite to eat out of a foolish girl and her two sisters who decided to take refuge in my castle. Would’ve served her right, it would’ve. ‘Stead, she made a fool out of me. Took me for all I was worth. Left me with nothin’. Curse thee, Molly Whuppie!” He shouted to the air.
He downed the amber liquid in one, long swig before exhaling. “Never trust little girls.” He advised. He must have been drunk, as it seemed he hadn’t noticed that I was, in fact, a young girl myself. I drew my red cloak closer to me in hopes that it would continue to help shade my features from him. I wasn’t afraid of being able to defend myself, if need be, but preferring not to cause a scene.
“They might be tasty,” He continued, “ … but they ain’t worth it.”
I was, at this point, more or less certain he was off the stuff for good and relaxed a little. “So little girls have officially been taken off your diet, I’m assuming?” I asked after thanking the bartender for brining me the drink I had ordered upon sitting down.
“Yessireee,” He replied, his words slurred. “Certainly, learned my lesson.” He added with a chuckle. I was satisfied, for the moment, and went back to my drink.
They are, however,” He added, turning to look at me more closely, “my weakness.”
If I had learned anything, it had certainly been not to trust a man, beastly or otherwise, especially when he leered at you suggestively. Convinced he was lying and ready to pounce, I pulled out my trusty automatic and shot him right there and then.
