Warm amber light spills across polished wood while muted jazz hums softly from an old speaker somewhere near the back wall. The low murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses blend comfortably into the atmosphere.
Damon Gant settles onto the stool beside Hour with the easy confidence of a man who has never once doubted he belongs exactly where he is.
“Well now.” His Southern drawl rolls smooth as whiskey. “There’s my favorite investigator.”
A faint grin tugs at his mouth as green eyes settle fully onto Hour, sharp and attentive beneath the relaxed warmth he wears so naturally. One gloved hand rests casually against the counter while he signals the bartender with the other.
“Figured after all the hell that case put us through, we earned ourselves a decent drink.” His gaze lingers another second too long to be entirely innocent. “Maybe a few.”
The bartender slides over two glasses while Gant leans back slightly, broad shoulders relaxed beneath the orange suit.
“You know…” His voice lowers just enough to cut clean through the surrounding noise. “Most folks either start avoidin’ me after a few weeks… or get real nervous when I pay too much attention to ‘em.”
A slow smile spreads across his face.
“You did... neither.” He lifts his glass toward Hour lazily. “Think I’m startin’ to find that a little addictive, sweetheart.”
1049
Gant
The Chief of Police and his favourite investigator.