Del decided he'd just go himself to check out the Startled Crow. Demetrius had wasted no time changing the name, but Del refused to conform. It was always gonna be The Crow. He'd been in once since the hostile takeover and wasn't impressed. There were a lot of new girls. A couple had obvious track marks, one was very pregnant, and quite a few others made it very clear that anything goes if the price is right. He was looking for one of the girls that had been here before. He noticed Cynthia hiding in a corner. She'd stayed as a server but the patrons tended to not notice who was willing and who was not. This place was trash now.

As Del approached Cyn, she didn't make eye contact at she asked how could she help him.

"I'd think of a new opening line with these folks, Cyn. You might send the wrong message."

She looked up quickly and almost broke down crying as she tried to smile. Not even two weeks and their spirit seemed broken.

"Oh my God, Del!" She wrapped her arms around him and then hurried to back away. Outbursts like that could get you punished.

"I've missed your smiling face as well, sugar."

She managed a blush.

"What the hell is going on in here? I leave town a bit and this place has gone to hell."

Cyn wanted to laugh but thought better of it. Her eyes darted around as if she expected an attack any second.

"I don't understand this place anymore. Demetrius doesn't give a fuck about us. Neither him nor Steel really runs the place. They are in and out a lot as if they are looking for something. They told us that Kari, Pop Tart, and Tiffany were all three dead. I think they are lying. I think one of them is alive and they are searching for them."

He looked at her thoughtfully.

"I'm not sure why they'd even bother.

"Hey, Del. How you been? You've been more scarce then usual." A man interrupted their conversation.

"Had to visit some family out of town. Of course I didn't realize that this place would get so rough in such a short time. Is it too late to complain?"

He chuckled a little bit but the light never reached either of their eyes.

"You know this town, Del. Change is always coming. You either adapt or get swept away. Ownership changes. I'm still making drinks. It's different but my kids still eat."

"You gotta respect a man that puts family first. You're a good man Phillip. I think I'll just have a rum and coke tonight."

"I'll get it ready for ya."

Del remembered when there was a band playing. That was so last week he reminded himself. Phillip was right. Change is always coming.

"So, you're not a fan of my club", the voice had come from the end of the bar. Del didn't have to look to know who it was.

"Well hello, sir. I'm not sure we've met."

"No need to be so formal. You've never met me but probably figured out who I was before I even turned around. I already called it my club, so that should narrow it down."

"Well, I figured you'd have to be Demetrius or Steel. Since I heard Steel had the face only a mother could love, you must be Demetrius."

"I thought you a little brighter than our usual clientele. These boys are a little more uncouth. You must be another remnant of the previous establishment."

"You are correct as well sir. My name is Del and I was a very regular patron of The Crow. My momma raised me on jazz and I still love it too this day."

"Well, I'm sorry we took that away from you. If you'd like, I have a pretty, young girl in my payroll named jazz. She loves older men." He smiled a toothy smile. Del had no choice but to carry on. This was a dangerous conversation.

"Like Phillip here said, change is always coming. I just wanted to see if there were any redeeming qualities to the place I've called my second home for a few years. I hate to move on. There are a lot of good people id miss still working here."

"We did retain as much of the staff as we were able. There were some "growing pains" at first but they were taken care of on the first day and there's been no issues since."

"I'm thankful you're good to them. I'm sure you're aware of the ratio of decent people in this part of town."

"I'm sure I am, sir. Pretty sure they all work here."

They both lightly chuckled.

"You can call me Del. Sir makes me feel even older. Am I permitted to inquire as to what kind of growing pains come from changing ownership of a bar? Seems pretty cut and dry."

Demetrius side-eyed him briefly.

"Well nothing of great concern. We had two dancers and a bouncer decide to seek greener pastures. They left and everyone else moved on."

"Did Wanda leave? She was always sweet to me."

"I can't promise to go down the entire roster, but Wanda is still here. In the kitchen most likely."

"I always liked Wanda. Not really my type, but ready with a smile every time I saw her. Between Wanda, Cyn, and Kari, I felt at home every time I walked through the doors."

He noticed a quick flash from Demetrius. Anyone else might've missed it. That's struck a nerve. So, they did have business with Kari. He dared not push his luck. Demetrius was no fool.

"I was sad to see Kari go. She was a pleasant enough looking woman. Something came up and she went home. Taking care of a relative or some nonsense. She has talent with music but her career was cut short by her leaving."

"I never had the pleasure of hearing her sing", Del's reaction was genuine. "It seems you are a man of good taste as well. Maybe I'm being to judgemental about your establishment. I may visit again if you can forgive my unkind words?"

"Please. There is nothing to forgive. It would be an honor to retain such a respectable looking guest amongst these clowns."

Phillip put the rum and coke on the counter. Del took the glass and raised it to Phillip and then to Demetrius. He took a drink.

"Perfect. Every time, Phillip."

"Thank you sir. Always a pleasure."

"And I'll be back again Demetrius. It's been a pleasure taking to you."

"The pleasure has been mine, Del. Let's have a drink together next time."

"I look forward to it."

Demetrius turned and walked away. Del stayed a while longer. He wanted to nurse this drink. He couldn't look to be in a hurry. They'd be watching him. He'd be surprised if someone didn't follow him. Well he'd come prepared for that. After half an hour, he finished up and headed out. He gave a wave and a smile to Cyn and nodded to Phillip.

"Time for the fun part." He muttered to himself as he walked out the front doors.

© The Moonlight Bard