It's late, I'm in a strange town, the flight was murder, and I need to do something to unwind before catching some sleep. The hotel bar is quiet tonight. The locals have all gone home and the guests have long since departed for their rooms. The bartender brings me my beer, but I see he's in no mood for small talk as he starts to close up shop.
"You can stay as long as you want, but I've gotta head out," he says. "I'll leave the lights on after I clean up and the night crew will shut down after you're done. You want another beer before I go?"
"No, I'll just nurse this one for a bit before I head back to my room."
I sit at the bar and take a look around. I see a little game room off to the side that I didn't notice at first. It looks as if there is a pool table in there. I grab my beer and wander in.
The room looks like something out of an old movie; it's dimly lit with dark wood paneling, big high back chairs and an ornate ceiling fan. I pull a cue from the wall and take my first break.
"Not bad, mister," says a voice from out of nowhere.
Surprised, I look up quickly to see a woman sitting in the shadows over in the corner. Why didn't I see her when I came in? The lights are dim, but not that dim.
"Thanks," I say. "You surprised me. I thought I was alone."
"Well, I could leave if you really want me too," she says in a slow, almost breathy voice.
"No," I quickly say. "I could use the company. My name is James. I'm up here for the night"
