2020-05-26 - Darts Night - Jack, Liam, Nico, Mitch, Sadie

An email arrives in your inbox if you’re on the Statute’s Patron’s Email list. They have regular theme nights, like the ladies nights or even Peter O’Brian’s famous Baseball Trivia Nights but tonight’s email is from Jack Douglas and the unisex invite goes out to the whole list.

Darts Night 8 till late tonight!

This one’s for the hand eye coordinated There will be a special on Mariner’s Polaris IPA. It’s on tap for half price. And for those who feel lucky to let that North Star guide you, we’ll have a friendly darts competition. House rules and safe social distancing of course. Come join the fun.

Cheers,
Jack Douglas

Jack hits send sometime in the mid afternoon, take a long nap to be fresh and then is behind the bar by 7:30 setting up score sheets, stocking clean glasses and instead of bowls of peanuts and pretzels he has individual bags on a rack with hardbite potato chips and a small assortment of pepperoni sticks in the era of Covid. There’s the usual stew on in the big crock pot and some bread to go with it. They always stocked it up in the freezer for easy defrosting and serving. After stocking up, he wipes the bar down and sets up a classic rock playlist on his iPod in the dock, not too loud but enough to relax to.  He’s got lysol wipes for the darts as needed and a few bottles of hand sanitizer out for folks to use as they need. Jack’s hair has grown out during the fog and he now wears it in a low ponytail at the nape of his neck. It’s still raven black but with more silver. He’s wearing a pair of blue jeans and a plain black t-shirt and his signature black boots.

Liam O’Keeffe had heard about the night on the street.  Literally.  Someone was reading it out loud to a buddy and Liam decided he would go and see about meeting some of the locals.  He goes to his new apartment and changes into a pair of black jeans and a grey henley top.  The crucifix around his neck and ring on his finger stay exactly where they are and he exchanges his more business like shoes for black sneakers.  Looking more like ‘everyone else’ he finds Statutes with ease and walks in, noting the dart board and Irish Pub atmosphere making him smile and his green eyes twinkle.  He steps up to the bar and as tall as he is looks down at the bartender.  “Mariner’s Polaris IPA, if you please.”  he orders and looks at the menu on the wall.  “And an Irish stew.”  he amends his order.

Jack looks up at the patron and newcomer “Hiya. Sure thing.” He pours the beer first “I’m Jack. Haven’t seen you around before.” He passes over the pint and then washes his hands before getting a bowl and plate for the stew order and dishing that up with a side of bread. “You wanna start a tab?”

Liam smiles and nods when he gets his beer.  “Cheers.”  he looks at Jack.  “Father Liam O’Keeffe at your service, Jack.  And I am indeed new to town.  I’ve been self isolating on a boat off the southern shore behind the clinic building.  Dr. McKinney cleared me to move into my new place.  Once the Ferry starts again, I’ll be going back and forth between here and my church in Vancouver.”  he considers.  “I don’t drink much, so let me pay as I go, eh?”

“A Clergyman…..good to meet you Father Liam. Welcome to Alexandra. So this round with the food will set you back $11.50. The IPA’s half price…” Jack looks cheerful and relaxed.

Liam takes his card out and holds it, hesitating.  “Thank you for the welcome.  Times have changed … how do you prefer to do cards?”

Jack smiles “Hey we take everything. Less fussy as the Covid numbers go down. Everything except AMEX. I think Pete might even take Baseball cards if they’re Chicago Cubs…” He jokes.

Liam hands his card over.  “That’s good to know.  I’m checking in with my congregation for a while, but I’m not being made to open the doors.  Not everyone likes it but ….”

Sadie walks to the door of statues dressed in a simple short sleeved cotton button up white blouse , capris and white sandals. Her brown hair is pulled back in a simple ponytail.  She  pulls the door open and walks to the bar . She smiles and waves to the other patron at the bar then to Jack. “Hey Jack .It'll take the house special IPa and bowl of stew please . She looks over to the other patron “hello. Dont think ive seen you . how are ya tonight ‘ she say with a grin as she waits for her order and his answer

Jack smiles and nods “Sure thing. Good to see you.” He pours the pint first and passes it over towards her and then washes his hands again and goes to dish out the stew into a bowl and lay out some soda bread beside it on the plate under it. Humming a little, he places it in front of her spot. “Start a tab?”

Liam watches the woman with the ponytail enter the bar and he smiles.  “No .. I expect I will get that question a lot for a while.  Father Liam O’Keeffe, just released from my self isolation by Dr. McKinney.”  he pauses.  “I’m good, and yourself?”  He turns the question back on the woman.

Nicodemus Caito opens the door to the bar and saunters in.  He’s dressed in jeans, dark runners and a snug AFD tshirt.  “Give me the special, Jack.”  he calls heading for the table between the fireplace and the restroom door.  He speaks to no one, but does note who is where.

Sadie just smiled big at the man at the bar ‘well. Welcome to freedom from isolation and welcome to Alexandra , I'm Sadie taggart.. Officer Taggert to most  ‘she nodded. I'm doing pretty darn good . You're a priest . is Alexandra getting a new priest?.   She says with interested.  She sees Nico nodding and smiling to him but turns her attention back to Father o’Keefe.

Jack gives a nod to Nico as he orders with a friendly smile and then pours another and walks to carry it over to the table and sets it down. “Evening.” He greets briefly and then heads back hearing some folks out on the street and assuming they might be his next patrons. He washes his hands again.

Mitch Taggart opens the door to Statutes as he blows his last drag from his cigarette out to the side and steps on the butt of it after dropping it under the heel of his shoe. He’s wearing a black Misfits t-shirt, a black and white baseball cap on his shaved head and painter’s style low hanging blue jeans with red and white trainers. He has one of those chain wallet deals hanging down from one of his back pockets. He saunters in and looks around, gives Nico a little salute like wave and then sees a familiar ponytail at the bar and skulks up behind his sister, trying to give the ponytail a little tug. She’s chatting with some tall redheaded dude but he does it anyway “Mouse.” He greets with a cheeky grin and then nods at Jack “The Polaris Mister Barman.”

Liam shrugs a bit at the women.  “Good to meet you, Officer.  I had been under the impression that Aleandra has never had a church, so .. no I’m not new.  I delivered a girl to the island and stayed to visit with an old family friend.  But I like it and I may well stay.”  he notices the ponytail pull and his assumption that a voice like that had to come with a nickname is confirmed.

Nico nods at Jack.  “Keep em comin and put em on my tab.”  he orders and takes a couple swallows, returning Mitch’s salute with a lazy one of his own.  Then he just sits and waits.

Sadie is focused on talking with the father and notes Nico nonresponse but just goes with it . She continued to talk  Liam ‘yeah i know we don't have a church but anyways yeah don't know what i was thinking .  I've been in the big city too long . I came back when Alexandra came back . I guess i still city brain “she smiles ‘I missed family and all.  Alexandra a nice quiet place for the most part. I think ya might like it ‘’  she  turns as Mitch manages to pull her tail since she was wrapped up and chatting . ‘Mitch.. ‘ she says half annoyed but mostly amused ‘ How are you, big brother?  She start as if to offers hug holding her arms out then stops ‘shoot that social distancing thing ‘

Mitch had heard the word church twice and scowled at it. He looked warily at the tall man talking to his sister and then addressed her “I’m alright...you know shootin the shit...fuckin the dog as it were. Don’t get sucked into that organized religion now. They’ll fuck ya…”

Jack start waving his hands at Mitch as he gets into it about religion and tries to discreetly point at Father Liam and mouth the word “Priest” for what it’s worth before handing over his beer.

Mitch takes the beer and tries to clap Sadie’s shoulder in lieu of that hug, not having noticed Jack’s efforts at all “Don't Let me interrupt though...I’m drinking with Caito...come join us for one if you like…” He nods casually to the tall man.

Liam nods slowly as Sadie speaks.  "I see."  he takes another sip of his beer and looks around the room, casually.  His head turns back to Mitch.  He obviously hears every word out of his mouth and returns the nod.  He drinks a bit more beer, looks at Jack and stage whispers.  "I don't think he heard you, Jack."  he inks and then laughs, good naturedly.

Nico snorts as Mitch spouts off at the mouth and shakes his head.  He waits for Mitch to come sit and to see if Sadie will join them or not.

Sadie just winces slightly . She didnt agree on alot of thing of her brother but she did on religion. She respect people wishes because that was their life.  She turns to her brother and grabs her beer and bowl.  She  smiles at the father politely  “nice to meet ya ‘ she stands and follows. Even though Nico and her had fucked, she just follows her brother giving a short but upbeat ‘sure, Mitch ‘

Jack pours another beer and sets it in front of Father Liam as Sadie and Mitch walk away. He’s laughing but almost like he’s a bit embarrassed by the whole scene “Father Liam….on me.” He offers.

Mitch sets his beer down on the table. He takes his phone and a pack of Player’s Light out of his back pockets and sets them on the table and then seats himself across from Nico so he’s beside the fireplace, sliding his tattooed arms to rest on the table upon his elbows “Hey Caito...I hope it’s cool Sadie hangs with us.” She was already there so it wasn’t really a question. He takes a big swig of his pint “You guys piss on any fires today?” He jokes.

Liam nods.  "And you."  he says his farewells to Sadie and returns to his stew.  Jack sets the free beer in front of him and he nods.  "Thank you, Jack ...  or rather thank Mitch."  he chuckles and drinks a bit more of the first beer. He finishes up his stew. "Very good stew.  Compliments to the chef."

Nico looks at Sadie then back at Mitch.  "I don't care, man.  How you doin, Sadie?"  he laughs.  "Nah ...  we're having a slow time of year.  Fine by me."

Sadie set her bowl to the chair to the right of her brother and  then takes the seat ‘ Hey Nico ‘ she say in her usual cheerful masking awkwardness ‘ She takes a sip of her peer .’ Im doing pretty damn good . How about you? ‘ she says then takes a spoonful of her stew watching her brother and Nico as she eats .

Jack laughs at Father Liam “I like your attitude to it all Father.” He glances over to the table by the fireplace because Nico had said keep them coming and his was more than half way down. Jack pours another and takes it in that direction, setting it down “Hey there anyone else for a refill?”

Mitch glances between Nico and Sadie “Well I’m not fine. He downs his beer just before Jack comes and then nods at him “Oh please yes...in fact bring me two for this topic...cheer Jack…” Then he gets back into it “My fucking landlord and his girlfriend. Hippie snowflake potheads….guy shows up at my door to fix a pipe in a sarong...you know like a ….motherfucker…...and Mel’s like oh be nice we need the sink fixed. Then there’s this weird ass music...I swear to god they’re playing Enya up there. What woke hell have we moved into? We gotta move before we have this kid….”

Liam chuckles.  "I have nine brothers."  he explains.  "All but the youngest lapsed Catholics.  I've been listening to that attitude since before I started seminary school."

Nico motions for another beer while killing the first.  If he feels any awkwardness around Sadie, it doesn't show.  He damn near chokes on it when Mitch starts his nightly rant.  "Did Moon moon ya?"  he asks, laughing.  Then he hears about the music.  “Yea … I scored a chick that was into Enya … once.”  he leans back a bit, his legs parting in a typical manspread.  One knee may touch Sadie’s.  The other probably touches the wall.  He reaches for the beer.  “No easy task fucking to Enya.”  he snorts and starts in on the second beer.

Sadie dips her soda bread in the stew and sucks on it a bit before chewing it .  she watches her brother start his rant and doesn't see phase at all at it . This was for her standard  Mitch Taggart eating conversation . she just chews slowly watching him . she points and holds up her hand at her pint as she just barely had half left  . she  watches Mitch ranting then swallows hard when she feels Nico knee on her leg ‘was he at least wearing something under it this thing ‘ she looks at her brother and attempts to bump her leg back against  Nico, her eyes still on her brother . ‘Well it could be worse.. Like  I don't know how but it could ‘ she say then sip on her pint . she gives a side eye at Nico cock eyebrow ‘enya.. Thats um well that's not good. .. ‘ she finishes ‘well that just not good that more of relaxing thing if that is your thing ;’ she shrugs

Mitch holds up his hands by his head like he’s still trying to block out the sarong “He coulda mooned me….it was all billowy with a….you know what man...you don’t wanna know. You see another man come at you in one of those you just fucking look at the whites of his eyes...you know what I’m sayin?” He cracked up laughing at the Enya sex commetn and then sighed “They’re probably fucking to Enya rigtht now….thank god Mel wears earplugs for my snoring….” He gives Sadie an odd look at what seems to be her fidgeting with her legs and then shrugs it off.

Jack hears Liam, gives him a nods as he pours and then comes back with another round and passes them all out. “There ya go…” He takes the empty glasses back on the same tray and answer Liam “You have nine brothers? Big family. Are you from the mainland?”

Liam nods when Jack returns.  "Stereotypical Irish Catholic family.”  he admits.  “I was born and raised in Toronto, but my parish is in Vancouver now.  I’ll go back and forth once the ferry returns.

Nico snorts.  "Moon?  I doubt it."  he replies to Sadie.  As soon as he feels the tap against his knee, he moves it.  "Sorry bout that, Sadie."  he gives his attention back to Mitch and laughs at the ... lack of description.  Then he shakes his head.  "That's not really something I want to think about but ...  his girlfriend is a hot number, man.  But way too shy.  I actually wonder if she lets Moon fuck her as much as that body deserves."

Sadie just shrugs as she finishes her pint watching her brother a bit amused. ‘Gotcha white of the eyes .. big bro . ‘ she nodded as she ate. ‘The question is do you wear earplugs for that noise ‘ she says as she dips more bread in her stew  . she glances at Nico .  ‘no worries it happens ‘ she says as she stretches out her legs a bit . ‘ Anna is sweet and very nice . I'm sure he more that take good care of that queen goddess ‘ she smiles  and chews on more bread and swallow ‘ he seems different but they seem to be very content from what i've seen ‘ she say softly

Mitch practically downs his next beer in one go listening to the two of them talk “Oy who’s side are you on now? Just because she’s a redhead…..” He mock sneers at Nico “Fuckin dawg..” He jokes although he knows there’s some truth to it. He turns to Sadie “You sound like Mel on this one...go figure. She’s getting a little better but she still needs to crash for the night at like 8pm now. Oh man….” He starts on his next pint and blinks a bit. He had an early dinner at home and he’s feeling the beer a bit now.

Jack wipes down the bar while talking to Liam “Toronto eh? Always something to do there. But shit the east got hit so hard by Covid. How’s your family doing?”

Liam nods.  "Yea ...  Well two of my brothers died early last year, but there are still four in Toronto.  All of the rest are cops.  Four in Toronto and two of them got Covid.  One in March and one early this month.  He shakes his head.  “The others are fine.  I don't hear from them a lot anymore.  I’m the oldest but a lot of time they don’t want to talk thinking I don’t understand their lives.”

Nico considers.  "Queen Goddess?  Anna?"  he snorts.  "All women think they're queens."  He huffs then arches his bros.  "Oh man ... those redheads .. Just ..."  he seems to consider it.  "Anna might be one of those who is a lady on the streets, a tiger in the sheets."  he strokes his chin. He sort of likes that type.  Mitch calle him a dog and he smirks.  "Woof.  he nods about Melissa.  “Does she really have to just … lie in bed .. I mean she can still fuck you, can’t she?” He is curious.

Sadie nods assertively ‘well that because Mel is my best friend and she is right in that matter . ‘ she says standing her ground . she stretched her  legs out, rolling her shoulder . .  she looks over to her brother as he talks about Mel ‘ was just about to ask you  about her  . ‘ she looks very interesting scooting over to Mitch abit ‘aww i'm glad. I know that just killing her .. you tell her i'll be over there on one of my days off  . we can watch some horror movies and ill  bring some ice cream ‘ she say pointedly .  she just looks over  Nico not making any particular look then back to mitch focused on her best friend as she sip her beer .

Jack looks compassionately at Father Liam “I’m so very sorry for your losses. Does the brother who got  Covid more recently get through it?” He gives a little smile “One of my daughters is a cop, Tamela. The other one, Megan, she’s married to the town mayor...and she co-owns and runs one of the local businesses.” Seeing how he’s talking to a priest, albeit a seemingly open minded one, he doesn’t mention exactly which business Megan runs.

Mitch looks a little irritated by Nico’s choices of words, first about Anna, who he really barely knows, but then as he asks about Melissa crassly and a vein in his temple pulses a bit and he drains his third beer and sets the empty glass down a little loudly. “First of all they’re all ladies. Respect man….” Then he catches Jack’s eye and holds up his empty with one hand and two fingers with his other. “Second of all, I don’t fuck my wife. We’re not in some fuckin back alley…..we make love. And yes we can still do it. And I do treat her like a Goddess because as far as I’m concerned the sun rises and sets on her. It’s the best gig going Caito...you should try it sometime.” By that he means a committed relationship of course.” She just needs a lot of rest to keep her blood pressure in check.” He looks at Sadie’s offer to watch movies with Melissa and gives her one his rare smiles “She’d like that Mouse. Thanks.” He grabs his phone and his cigarettes and stands up “I just need a smoke...back in 5..” And he’s heading for the door with just a small stumble on his first step. He’s not drunk, but he’s clearly not entirely sober either.

Liam nods.  "As I am.  I had hoped I could save my youngest brother, but ..."  he clears his throat and moves on.  "He did ... and says he is just glad his wife didn't get it."  He looks interested in Jack's daughters.  "Well, you're better connected than any bartender I've ever met before."  he grins.  "May I ask about the daughter's business?"  he asks politely.

Nico catches Mitch's look and grins.  "You're so easy, man."  he laughs lightly.  "I know how you feel about Melissa.  Believe me, I do.  But for me."  he shrugs and glances a heartbeat at Sadie.  "I'll stick to the loose ones until I can find one I can really respect ... that isn't taken of course.  Kitty’ll marry Sam at some point, but that's OK because it isn't love with her and she gets it.  The rest...."  he watches Mitch grab his smokes and head outside.  He drinks deeply of his beer, sets the glass down and pulls out his phone to check on some things.

Sadie watches Mitch’s defense of women with pride but just smiles as she sip her beer.  “Ill get with her some time this week “She goes back to eating her soda broad and glances back slight at Nico when Mitch leaves not bothered at all . She felt the same way. She was young and had plenty of time to enjoy herself. She wasnt too focused on settling down either at the moment. She just looks at him  now that Mitch is gone and just clears her throat stretching out again.”So how's things at the firehouse  ‘she says plainly starts on her second beer chugging it a bit relaxing in her chair.

Jack sighs at Father Liam “You’ve had quite the life with your family…” Then he hears the business question and looks a little self conscious “Well uh….probably not one on your radar Father. Megan and her friend Kitty run the uh…….local sex shop in town. It’s that white and purple building by the laundromat. The Love Shop.” He shrugs sheepishly. He wasn’t actually ashamed of Megan’s work, but he was also aware it was not everyone’s cup of tea. He saw the hand signals for beer and which table and just started pouring another round, with two for Mitch as he had indicated. He loads them all up on a tray and walks to drop them off “You guys want some darts?” He casually asked as he set down the drinks. Darts was the theme but not in any way required if no one asked to play.

Liam laughs, genuinely.  "Nine brothers ...  the youngest born when I was eighteen.  How could it ever be boring?"  he asks. He listens to the info on the Love Shack.  "Jack."  he doesn't sound exasperated.  "In many ways the Church is still stuck in the Dark Ages in many ways.  "The whole act of sin surrounding sex … I have to admit I would much rather my congregants use a sex toy instead of have sex before they are ready.  And even more to use condoms to avoid disease and pregnancy.  The Church does not always agree with me but …”  he shrugs.  “I have two gay brothers … they don’t know that I know, but I know you know?  And I want them to be happy and safe.  A shop like your daughters helps that happen.”  he shrugs.  “Doesn’t make me the poster boy of Catholic Priests but I don’t molest children so maybe I even things out.”

Nico glances up from his thumb typing when Sadie speaks to him.  “The firehouse?”  he shrugs.  “Dunham has been out and his replacement annoys us all, but especially Reinhardt.” he glances at the back of his hand.  Three scars are visible.  “By the way, before he took leave, Dunham got a kick out of my injury.  Thanks.” The last word is a tad dry.

Sadie just continue to drink her beer polishing it off  then finishing off the last of her stew glancing up at him “oh hows he annoying ‘ she say in a slightly interested as her hand goes down to pull her phone. She glances  at it but pockets it looking back up just catching his glance to the scar ‘didnt realize it make that bit of a mark ‘ she say just as plain looking at him  directly . she did find the guy physically irresistible but she wasnt one of those girls that threw herself at a guy  unless he showed interest  which at the moment she wasnt picking up. . ‘Meepers an ass ‘ she just states ‘He got me  yesterday ‘ she  point to her  inner arm   revealing a tiny fresh scratch . she goes to stand  and point at her knees too ‘there too . she looks up at Jack ‘Sure, I suck at it but what the hell count me in for some dart . “

Jack looked at Father Liam in surprise at his forward thinking statements about sexuality. Then he laughs “You are one interesting priest Father Liam. One of my daughters is a lesbiam so believe me I’m an advocate. Tams, the cop. But she’s with a really good woman, another cop, I guess they understand one another right?” He blows out a breath “I think you have a healthy attitude.” He gestures to himself “God knows my people have been hurt by too many priests who don’t….I mean I respect all faiths, but I guess I’m a bit jaded.” He grabbed the darts for the table wanting to play and dropped them off “Knock yourselves out….just not with the darts….don’t wanna get sued..” He jokes and steps back to Liam.

Mitch power smoked about 8 feet away from the building while he scrolled through his phone and noticed a few people passing by here and there. Then he dropped the butt of his cigarette, twisted and stamped and sauntered back inside. Two beers await his return and he notices the darts and chuckles “You two wanna play? I’ll try and go easy on you..” He jokes. Mitch was actually quite good at darts. He had heard everything Nio had said before he left and just snarled about it as he hit the door. It was not a new argument between them after all. So now he downed half a beer. The darts board was to the left of the fireplace. Thirst after smoking, Mitch then downed the rest of his beer and reached for the darts with a bit of a weave, waiting on the other two.

Liam chuckles as Jack speaks.  "Than you and yes ... it sounds like they understand each other which is of course important."  he pauses and nods.  “I understand your … upset at the Church.  Believe me I do.  I won't tell you that I am not like them or anything .. actions speak far louder than words.  But .. I am just  a man, Jack.  Like you are.  Stinky shits and black marks on my record and all.”  he chuckles.  “And I have my share of black marks.”

Nico shakes his head.  “He’s Canada’s Perfect Fireman.”  he complains.  “And the perfect EMT.  The faster he gets back to Vancouver the better.  It’s only amusing because Reinhardt knows the guy and half the time his skin is as red as his hair when Mr Perfection gets sanctimonious on him.”  he notes the scar on his hand.  “I’m keloid.  A lot of Greeks are.”  He dismisses it and looks at her scars.  “Yea … that cat of yours has issues.”  his hand is still out and sars visible as Mitch returns.  It’s not impossible .. even probably that Mitch at least heard the comment about the cat.  “Yea let’s play.  I can crucify you in front of the priest.”

Jack chuckles, liking this guy already “Oh yeah me too. We’re all flawed humans. God...the Creator...whatever people call their higher power will be waiting for us in the end. So you got a place in town did you say?” He stirs the stew again to prevent sticking and notices some action around a possible darts game starting.

Mitch overhears something about Sadie’s cat from Nico and blinks slowly glancing between them. Was she letting the poor old fucker outside now? He saw the hand and the scar and a little something starts to percolate in his thick skull but it hasn’t brewed all the way yet. He snickers about the trash talk but looks a bit wary and sets his jaw a little, handing Nico the darts “Ok asshole, you get first shot. I gotta take a piss…” And he stumbles off towards the restroom.

Liam nods in agreement and answers.  "Yes.  That apartment where Water Street dead ends?  A studio in the back.  Not much for a view but that helps me to reflect.  And it’s cheap.  I take my vow of poverty very seriously, indeed.”  he quips.

Nico stands, takes the darts and moves to  the spot where darts will be thrown.  Then Mitch takes off to take a piss.  He snorts.  Typical.  Dropping the darts in front of Sadie, he only says.  “Yea … I got to drain the old eight inch myself.”  and he follows Mitch into the bathroom.

Mitch is leaning into the urinal, one hand guiding his stream rather badly down low and one hand bracing himself on the top of it. He hadn’t remembered to locked the door and hears it open “Da fuck?!” He hollars now definitely sounding drunk. He can see Nico in his peripheral coming in “Caito...I’m pissin here…..”

Nico turns to the toilet, which is on a separate wall.  “No kidding?”  he replies.  “I thought you were rubbin one out.”  he unzips and takes his cock out, aiming into the toilet.  As the stream begins, he grabs the sink with his right hand, on which in the better light of the restroom, clearly has three scars which, if you were familiar with such things, were clearly a gift from a cat.

Sadie just nods in agreement to Meepers having issues. The cat had been though hell when she had got him and was alway on the defense even against her these days . she watches the exchange between Nico and Mitch before they both leave for the toilets biting her lip and looking amused but also winces abit  “This could get interesting ‘ she say to hersel’ she say as she watches her brother and Nico both go  . she looks over to the Priest as she picks up the darts. ‘ she  wasn't a bad shot being a cop with decent marksmanship but she did fair at darts.  ‘Hey Father .. did ya wanna come spot me a round while they're out ‘ she say looks over to Liam as she wanders to the dartboard doing abit practice throws and making half decent shots . she had two beer but she was tiny so it affected her aim alot . she was tipsy .

Jack laughs at the vow of poverty comment and while the darts game and subsequent exit of the other males had ensued he had told Liam he also lived simply and the barest version of the story of his migration from Cedar Point to Alexandra mentioning the oddity of the two earthquakes. “So now it’s me and Pete runnin this place….” He head jutted at Sadie as she addressed Father Liam about darts.

Mitch snorts “You fuckin wish man…” He finishes up before Nico but the floor is a little worse for wear under the urinal. Mitch heads to the sink and sees Nico’s scarred hand “Damn….what the hell happened to your hand Caito?” He reaches over to turn on the taps and start washing his hands.

Liam had listened to Jack's story with interest.  "An associate of mine.  Giovanni Bittetto, came here to live just before that last earthquake that made you all vanish.  it was horrible and very strange.  And then one day ... poof.  You're back."  he looks over at the small woman with the darts and he takes a nice sallow of the drink Mitch had secured for him.  "Sure Officer.  I'm not great at darts. I’m more into active sports with the kids in the parish, but I’ll do my best.”  he pulls out his phone and then sets it down here Jack can see a news article.  “Read this, if you don’t mind.  It took place while you guys were gone.  Just … an offering of my sincerity.”  and then he taps his half empty glass and looks at Jack.  “Don’t let anyone slip me a roofie, eh?” and he moves to where Sadie is and looks down at her from his considerable height of 6’7”.  “Ladies first.”

Nico is still draining the snake when Mitch mentions his hand.  Still peeing, the alcohol only partially leaves his body.  “Your sister’s fucking cat.  I’m OK … she had a first aid kit under her sink, so it didn’t ruin the night.”  he replies casually, finishing up, shaking dry and tucking himself back in his jeans.  He then looks at Mitch with the barest hint of contritement.  “So …  that happened.” he doesnt out and out say I fucked your sister but Mitch can’t be THAT drunk.

Sadie  pointed to her glass ‘think ill have one more.. Then ..” she say slowly ‘then that all folk ‘ she says more loudly the beers kicking her brain in the gut . ‘ she  looks over to the Priest ‘its okay .. i'm more of  a physical being myself but.Dart is the thing of the night ‘ she says nodding her head strong ‘and damn it Dart is what we do .. side .. i'm a bit tipsy so ya have an advantage.. ‘  she goes to hold out  the other set of dart for the Father ‘itll be fun so what the fuck right ‘ she say  laughly . she look up at him ‘fuck why is everyone so much taller then me ‘ she smiles at him. She turns and looks at the dart board ‘gracias Padre.. ‘ she says squeakily more annoyed being buzzed and throws the dart.. It lands not in where she aim at the 12 but its still on the board at 9 ‘ close enough ‘ youre up next Padre  she shuffles back to let him shoot

Jack smiles and nods and then looks at Father Liam’s phone, reading with interest and then finally he mutters “Holy shit…” Father Liam was listed in solidarity actions with the Wet’suwet’en Nation’s hereditary chiefs, David Suzuki, and the Mennonite Central Committee in speaking out against the RCMP. Jack had just been wrapping his head around all the pipeline conflicts as they came out of the fog.

Mitch looks between the hand and Nico’s face as the words begin to register. “So THAT happened?” He parrots back with a stare that could bore through titanium. And then his normally soft low voice goes from zero to one hundred in volume and he yells “Motherfucker, did you FUCK my SISTER?!!!” Which would be clearly heard through the bathroom door and into the bar.

Liam steps up to the board.  "If it helps, Sadie I am the tallest in my family.  My brother michael was only 5'11" but it gave him a bit of a Napoleon complex."  he is fine.  The beers have a decent amount of system to go through.  "All right now ..."  he aims and throws and the dart hits closer to center, but far from a bullseye.  he seems happy ith the results.  He opens his mouth to say something to Sadie when he heard through the closed mens room door 'Motherfucker, did you FUCK my SISTER?!’ and then takes in a breath, letting it out in a sigh.  “Oh … my…”  he glances at Jack, sure he heard it too.  His closet brother probably heard that yell.

Nico sighs.  He knew that this was going to be awkward.  Raising his hands, he tries to explain himself.  “I’ve been avoiding it for YEARS.  You KNOW that.”  and he had.  “But when I heard how she could squeak from a buddy, I had to find out for myself, that’s all.  Curiosity, Mitch.  Come on, you know your sister.  She likes fireman hose.”  he shrugs.  “If it helps she lost me with a kiss.”  he shakes his head.  “I mean it was a decent fu … time … but not the best and not worth our friendship.”  he hopes his concerted effort not to swear or be crass helps, because his friendship meant more than pussy.

Sadie  picks the last of her bread as she watches the Father then goes to eat. She smiles as he nails his shot.  She watches looking at him as he appears to start talk and  cough hard as the bread goes down hard, nearly choking . she attempts to cough it up  as she looks at the mens bathroom .  she manages through the coughs ‘the motherfucker .. ‘ she says in a wheezy voice .

Jack looks up from the phone, hearing the yelling in the men’s room and steps out from behind the bar “Oh come on….not tonight…” He mutters. He glances at Sadie and Father Liam. Well they were a seasoned barkeep, a cop and a priest, Aside from possibly being the start to a cliche joke….Jack sighed and braced himself in case he had to intervene. He was never much of a fighter himself but he could often talk people down.

A gasket blew inside Mitch’s brain. Nico fucked her over her squeak…..on the advice of some asshole who had done the same? Was his little sister just locker room fodder for notches in all their bedposts? He grabbed for Nico’s shirt and if he got hold of it and could manage it he would slam Nico back into the bathroom door so hard it could fly open from the force “You fucking BASTARD…….MY FUCKING SISTER…” He wailed at him pushing the whole force of his solid frame into the attack.

Liam purses his lips and moves a little closer to the bar, glancing at Jack.  “I’ve kept a couple of young men from throwing away their lives … if you need a little … help with one of these boys.”  He was tall and fit.  Not muscle bound but in shape.  If people could get over his being a priest … and that was not something just anyone could do …  they found he missed his calling as a bouncer, perhaps.

Nico isn’t really surprised when he is grabbed and actually a little impressed when Mitch slams him through a closed door.  Faintly he heard the crack of the wooden frame’s protest and breaking as no one used the knob this time.  He’s half drunk, and being an honest drunk, he tries to placate his friend.  “I used a CONDOM!  Calm DOWN, Mitch!”  he stumbles backwards and nearly trips on the chair Sadie had vacated.

Sadie finally after several coughs clear her throat but had a wheezy and very squeaky voice ‘Fuck it Mitch. ‘ she screeche ‘both of you  stop already ‘ her protests very aggressively ‘ its my fuckin night off  ..  Im a grown ass woman.. And can fuck or make love or whatever to whom i deem worthy . she looks at her brother ‘i appreciate the chivalry and coming to my defense ,, really mitch but Its okay … it happen move on , turn page .. next chapter . ‘she seems embolden .sadie wasnt one to ever back down from what she believe in ‘its fucking 2020 woman can do that now .. ‘ she stand puffing her little chest out . ‘even your little sister Mitch . she say looking back and forth to Nico and Mitch . ‘ she was drunk so her rant was abit more strong then she would have done on the job . ‘

Jack nods at Father Liam appreciatively and hears Sadie trying to talk some sense into her hotheaded brother. He decides to try and talk to Nico thinking maybe they can be separated. He’s not really close enough to do anything physically but he holds up a hand at the fireman “Just step back Nico…..back it up….let him calm….”

Between Nico’s condom ranting and Sadie’s talking about fucking who she wants and the 5 beers Mitch is now just blindy rabid. He completely tunes out Jack and the tall man. He looks between Sadie and Nico incredulously and lunges at Nico throwing a full right hook towards the side of his still wagging jaw. If he lands the punch, he’ll wind up again and try to throw another more towards the nose on the second.

Nico hears Sadie and would have laughed had the situation not been so dire.  What Mitch’s sister was depended on who was looking at what.  He’d already known that she was in the same position as he, Sam and Gareth within their departments, yet he, Sam and Gareth were men.  The lack of morals as treated differently for them.  It wasn’t fair, it was just the reality of their times.  Maybe in another half or full century things would change.  But currently, he was in a precarious situation.  His friend meant far, far more than a piece of ass and he listened to Jack, backing up a step.  However, by the time he began, Mitch was throwing a punch and it landed.  Nico was swung half around and into the fireplace mantel.  He grabbed on and took a minute to collect himself before he stood and turned to face Mitch.  “I can’t change it, Mitch.  It was a mistake and I’m sorry.”

Liam sees it all quickly and he acts, as Jack is behind him.  The punch is sung and landed, but Liam, moving fast gets behind Mitch, quickly and efficiently putting him in a solid hold, using his superior height to his advantage.  “That’s enough, son.”  his voice at priestly levels of calm.  “Go on home and sleep it off.  No need to lose a friend tonight.” and he begins to herd Mitch to the door.

Sadie winces shake her head ‘Mitch says softer gain back her sense from the drink ‘ she goes closer to him but keeps her distance trying looking up at him with her soft eyes brothers can't resist after all this ‘ You and Nico are friends .. Padre is right  . There's no harm done with what went on with me and him.. ‘ she said softly  and calmly ‘I meant to say.. .  Before the beer did my talking .‘I have to make a life for myself and I'm happy in it . you know me . I wouldn't just  let anyone take advantage of me. Like I let  that  happen.  I know you're just looking out for me .. and i'm very very appreciative of it ‘she is still assertive but takes the softer approach ‘i know you've done your best to make sure I don't let anyone use me  and no one has ‘ she say softly  as she tries to get his attention  “you taught me what it is to be strong  and independent now please big brother let me be that .. ‘ she smiles at him as she attempt to soothe him  . the action had stifled abit of her buzz and she was thinking clearer ‘i shouldnt just blurt it out like that and made you feel you had to come to my honor… but thanks anyways .Mitch ‘ he knew she was less leveledhead  and prone to say stupid shit when drunk “nico is right… its not worth losing a friend over it all .. ‘ she say softly

Jack looks shocked but then incredibly relieved when Father Liam takes charge and puts Mitch in a headlock. Who was this gentle giant who could take on burly bar dudes? He walked the distance around them towards Nico to see if he was alright.

Mitch is completely taken by surprise as the tall stranger grabs him in a highly effective headlock. “Fuck me…” he mutters, struggling at first but to no avail as he gets herded. He hears Nico’s words of apology and then Sadie starts talking. Mitch goes silent and still. On some level he knew he was out of order but it was buried deep between layers of his own ideologies and blurred by booze. He didn’t hate Nico. He hated what he’d done. He couldn’t hate Sadie. He loved her. In his mind she was innocent, a pawn among pigs, but he knew she didn’t see it that way. He couldn’t get into it right now with the hold and with the muddle of his head so he just addressed the man holding him “K fuck I’m done...let go….”

Liam is all calm in voice and manner .. for having another man in a headlock.  After getting the door open, he gently shoves Mitch out of it.  "Good night and God bless."  are his parting words as he closes the door of Statutes with him on the inside and Mitch on the outside.  He stands there for a while, to make sure Mitch doesn't try and reenter the fray, then heads towards the fireplace to make sure the other man isn't too badly damaged.

Niko straightens half hearing Sadie’s words as the priest herds Mitch out of the building.  He rubs at his chin and blows out a breath.  Sadie as a woman and it appeared she didn’t understand men like him and others like him.  But he isn't worried about that and rolls his shoulders.  “Gimmie a whiskey, Jack.  Don’t care.  Bushnell or Jamieson.  Whicher pours fastest.  He moves to the bar and sets his card on it.  “And settle up my tab.”

Sadie just watched her brother feeling bad but she was just living her life . She wasn't ashamed at her action with Nico but felt bad that this is why Mitch had to open his eyes to her being a woman .  she knew in his eyes , she was alway going to be some kid sister  . She looks down, stretching at her fresh tended to meepers scratches and remembers the times she was rough housing with the neighborhood kids. He tried to bandage her and then she being independent even at a young age would protest .   She looks at the priest ‘thanks father . she says softly appreciating his kind word and bit less peppy due to the alcohol and action taking a toll on her . “i'll settle my tab, Jack. she says as she approaches the bar, keep a careful and polite distance from Nico. She wasn't afraid or ashamed of what they did but more sorry for the effect they had cause on Mitch . She pulls out her phone and texts Mitch  still looking up a bit at Nico  ‘you know he cares about your friendship alot . He's just being a big brother . i know it'll work out  ‘ she say apologetically and looks sincerely  as she put down her card to pay still texting

Mouser: sorry i pulled you into all this ,don't be mad a nico.. Love you bunches and give mel and the baby my love.. Call when you're up to  love Mouse

Jack just watches Liam handle Mitch with poise and grace. He even blessed the man which made Jack guffaw as he nodded to Nico and Sadie and went to tally and print their bills, He came around with the whiskey and his portable debit machine to Nico first “$21.20. The whiskey’s on me. You ok Nico?” He would make his way to Sadie after and settle hers up too, thanking her for playing her brother’s tab.

Nico snorts and takes the whiskey, finishing it in literally 2 seconds.  "Yea.  I'm good Jack.  Lesson learned, right."  he blows out a breath and turns to Liam.  "Thank you, Father.  I didn't want to fight him.  I really didn't.  Not over nothing.  Not over a woman."  he blows out a breath not even aware Sadie was there and would hear him.  He takes his card and heads for the door.  "Night Jack."  and he's gone.

Liam looked around at all of the patrons and returned to his beer, downing it.  “Jack, it’s been a wonderful evening, but I really have to go.  You take care and maybe I’ll see you around.” he pays up and heads out into the night where it has begun to rain.

Mitch gets shoved out and looks at the closed door in front of him for a full minute before taking out his pack of Players and lighting up. He takes a deep drag and blows it out at the door and at the man on the other side who chucked him out “Fucker…” He whispers and then turns to walk home. About a block away he feels his phone vibrate and takes it out, seeing Sadie’s text. He doesn’t answer it but looks sadly at it “Little Mouse…” he says quietly, his voice back to it’s low soft register. “You don’t have to squeak for any of these motherfuckers….”. It begins to rain.  He butts out his cigarette and walks the rest of the way home with the rain doing it’s best to cleanse him of his righteous anger.