Chapter 3

It was busy. However, Jill was a natural. Men were fighting for her attention all night. They were certainly surprised by her appreance. They'd only ever seen Edward behind the bar at the Pour House. Therefore, Jill had certainly captured the attention of the male patrons. They'd order a drink and flirt with her in the process. Jill took it all in stride. She smiled at each as they ordered their drinks and would quickly serve them and move onto the next.

Jack worked hard to keep up with the flow of traffic. He'd grab empty glasses, wash and rinse, as well as take a damp rag to the bar top when needed. He was impressed with Jill. When able, he'd glance at her and watch her work. Regardless of how busy she got or the attention she'd receive, she never lost her composure. She was in her element.

Edward watched his two new employees work. He knew he'd made the right decision hiring them both earlier in the day. He was finally able to take a step back and relax now that he had help. This was certainly one of their busier nights. He figured that perhaps Jill's appearance behind the bar contibuted to that. He could see all the men fighting for her attention. He couldn't blame them. She was absolutely beautiful. Her dark hair a mess on top of her head, her green eyes shining, the way the shirt he had chosen for her made her chest look. Even he couldn't keep his eyes off of Jill.

The night continued like that for hours. Jill poured and served drinks, Jack cleaned and followed up behind her, and Edward sat at the end of the bar and watched the two of them work in tandem.

"Last call!" Jill said aloud to to those in the bar.

A last minute dash to the bar. Drinks ordered, men flirting with Jill, trying to capture her attention before they were forced to leave. Finally the last drink was served. Jill wiped the sweat from her brow, she smiled even though she now felt exhausted. She leaned against the bar top and watched Jack clean up after the patrons as they slowly departed the Pour House. She went to help Jack, but Jack noticed her and put his hand up.

"It's ok. I'll finish up. Go rest." Jack said.

Jill felt bad, but she was exhausted now that the original rush was over. She smiled at Jack, then to Edward before she decided to head back to their small room at the back of the bar. Jack continued to finish the cleaning. Edward watched Jill leave, his eyes fixated on this beautiful young woman.

Once Jill was gone, Edward stood.

"Jack, I'm going to call it a night. Make sure you lock up?"

"No problem, Edward. Thank you again for everything you've done for Jill and I." Jack felt much appreciation for Edward. The job. The place to stay. He was extremely grateful.

"It's my pleasure. Get some rest, hoping for another busy day tomorrow." Edward said as he walked away.

Jack finished with the last glass and put it away. Just then he heard the door to the bar open.

"Sorry, we're closed." Jack spoke as he looked up towards the door.

Standing a foot inside the Pour House was a man of aveage height but a strong build. He had short dark hair, piercing eyes and clean shaved. He was dressed in what appeared to be an expensive, black tailored suit. Jack stood dumbfounded, looking at this man who didn't move or say a word.

"Sir, it's my apologies, however we are closed for the night. We'll open again in the morning." Jack reconfirmed that the Pour House was indeed no longer open for business tonight.

The man hadn't moved. His eyes on Jack. It was as if this man was studying Jack. Jack was unsure what to do. He stood in place. An awkard silence filed the bar. Finally, the man took a step forward and spoke.

"You're the man they call Jack, right? Grew up at Old George Orphanage? Today's your birthday, 18 years old." The last part more of a statement than a question.

Jack stood silent, staring at this man who apparently knew who he was. How had he known his name? Where he grew up? This man had even known that today was his birthday.

"Who are you?" Jack questioned.