Under The Bar Lights

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“Miss, what can I get for you today?"

“Just the usual.”

”Your usual red wine coming up.”

The dim, amber glow of the bar lights cast long shadows on the worn wooden tables. Amidst the low hum of conversation and clinking glasses, Elena Reid nursed her drink, her gaze fixed on the back corner where the bartender is cleaning wine glasses.

His tousled black hair, just long enough to grabze the collar of his crisp white shirt, a small golden name tag pinned to his left-chest pocket. His movements were smooth and methodical.

The way he subtly adjusted the positioning of the glasses, always ensuring that someone remained within his line of sight, piqued Elena’s suspicion.

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...Elena’s POV...

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I sipped on my wine and watched the bartender do his job. My eyes focused on his name tag.

“Ethan. Ethan Blackwood.”

I muttered to myself. A name that I see often, reason one is because he’s a wanted murderer that i was tasked to catch, and also because I come to this bar almost daily. It’s unfortunate that his looks are a sight for sore eyes. I sighed to myself thinking about how he probably is the man to every girl’s dreams… mine at least.

“Can I get you anything else?”

My eyes perked up when i heard that voice. Ethan. His voice, smooth and warm.

“One margarita please.” I replied with a hint off shyness. My eyes shifted from his face to his chest then to his hands. I could see his skillful hands work as he made my drink. Focus. I smacked my face, bringing my mind back to the mission.

I could hear his low chuckle.

“What’s so funny?” I said.

“Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t laughing at you, I just found your action interesting.” Ethan replied while placing my drink on the counter.

I took the drink and downed it out of embarrassment, forgetting to check whether he had poisoned it.

“What’s your name? Pretty lady.” I could see him smirking while asking that question. He obviously knows what he’s doing. What a manipulator.

“Elena Reid.”

“Elena. Pretty name for a pretty woman.” Somehow, the way he said my name makes my heart flutter.

Feeling a little drunk, I decided to leave and wait for him at the back door, there was no way I can apprehend him in a crowded bar.

I was checking my watch multiple times, taking deep breaths to calm myself. You can do this Elena. The smokers must have thought that I’m crazy, seeing me lurking at the back of the bar, they all left.

Then, I heard the backdoor open. A familiar voice was heard, followed by a intoxicated woman’s voice.

Why’s there a girl with him?! His girlfriend? A fling?

I got nervous and hid behind the door, praying none of them saw me. Being called a stalker will ruin my reputation as a detective.

As they walked further away, I sighed and peeked from behind the door. The girl was wearing an eye catching, sparkling black dress, blonde hair, hands wrapped around his arms. My eyes shift to Ethan. A clean suit, a sweet smile, sparkling eyes… dimples.

I shook my head. I can’t seriously be envious about her right now.

I followed behind them.

How can she casually follow a murderer?! Is she an idiot? Or is he innocent?

Impossible. He killed many people. The girl’s probably his next victim.

My surroundings changed from bars to hotels as i stalked both of them. My eyes not leaving them until Ethan led the girl into a hotel. It looked expensive as well.

You’re kidding…

When I walked in, the reception area is filled with high class people but the two of them were not in sight.

I was greeted withth a warm smile when I walkedd up to the counter.

“Can you find someone for me?”

“Sure.”

“Is there a Ethan? Ethan Blackwood.”

The receptionist frowned when she typed the name before looking at me. “Unfortunately, we don’t have that name in our system.”

“It’s fine.” I replied with a hint of disappointment. I was panicking inside despite my calm reply. Where did he bring her?!

I walked around the hotel, walking into every girl’s restroom. I was relieved when i saw her unharmed in one of them and walked in to warn her about Ethan.

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I’m finally home after 5 hours of being out, still a little disappointed that the girl refused to tell me his room number. Task unfinished.

I drifted to sleep once my head touch my pillow.

The next morning, I woke up to check the daily news.

“Girl found dead in a dark alley near X Hotel”

My eyes widened with shock as they described her. Black dress, blonde hair. However, this time, she was stabbed multiple times and had a pool off dried up blood around her lifeless body.

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