Chapter 17 - Collision course

Kyera had no trouble locating Luke's bar. It was strategically positioned at the entrance to the town, facing the main highway and close to the interchange. Dominic's comment about the motorcyclists who often stopped there now made sense. Mykaella had also mentioned that the place had become the town's main meeting place since the closure of the only nightclub, especially after the refurbishment that followed a devastating fire.

She parked her motorcycle in the large parking lot and walked up to the entrance. The façade had a rustic charm: a wooden structure painted ochre, a spacious veranda with casually arranged tables and a stylized sign proclaiming the name Luck's Beer. The large windows and the design had a country feel, evoking the spirit of the old west.

Upon entering, she was greeted by an even more captivating atmosphere. The dark mahogany walls gave the room a cozy, almost nocturnal feel, even in the daylight. Tables with green tablecloths dotted the room, reinforcing the mountain cabin feel. At the back, an extensive wooden counter took up the entire wall, with shelves full of bottles glowing under strategic lights. To the left, a discreet door led outside; to the right, the entrance to the toilets. A pool table occupied one corner of the room, while a small stage near the entrance suggested musical performances. Around the central dance floor, tables on a platform rose up, offering a privileged view. The place reminded Kyera of the nightclub where she worked in Manhattan, awakening an unexpected sense of familiarity.

A middle-aged man emerged from behind the bar. Brown, with long curly hair, he wore boots, jeans and a black T-shirt with a rock band emblem. A thick moustache shaped his friendly expression, and earrings completed his relaxed look.

— I'm sorry, but we're closed. – he said, smiling. – The bar doesn't open until five.

Kyera replied with a confident smile.

— I know, I know. I saw the sign outside. I came because I heard you needed a waitress. You must be Luke. I'm Kyera Winter, Paul Collins' niece.

She extended her hand in greeting.

— I know Paul. He's a good man, a bit bitter, but good. – he commented, as he lifted a crate of beers and placed it on the counter. – But you don't look like a waitress. You're more like a rock star. Where have you worked before?

Kyera kept his tone professional.

— I started out in snack bars and coffee shops, but it was in a famous New York nightclub that I learned to be a bartender. I can make any drink you ask for.

Luke whistled, visibly impressed.

— Well, here in Texas, people really like beer.

— But you're at the entrance to the city, right? I imagine many outsiders pass through here, perhaps some with more sophisticated tastes. – Kyera insisted, with a smile that defied any resistance.

Luke scratched his head and smoothed his moustache, pondering.

— It wouldn't be a bad idea to have someone who knows how to make a good Margarita. – he said at last, shrugging before smiling. – Tell you what: show off your tray skills tonight and we'll see how you get on.

Kyera jumped for joy and, without thinking, hugged Luke.

— Thank you! I promise you won't regret it!

Luke laughed, taking a step back.

— I'm sure you won't! You start at five, next to Ashley. But you'll need to present a license to work as a bartender.

— I've already brought my registration from New York. – she said, taking a piece of paper out of an envelope and handing it over.

Luke looked at the document carefully before handing it back.

— Here in Texas, you need a state license, as well as a criminal record certificate.

Kyera sighed, feeling the weight of the bureaucracy.

— Do you know how I get my license? Do I have to go all the way to Dallas?

Luke laughed, relaxed.

— First of all, just call me Luck. Only "you" are in heaven! – he joked. – And no, you don't have to go to Dallas. Go to the police station here in Lone Ridge. You can get the forms there. The permits usually go out the same day.

Kyera let out a sigh of relief.

— Thank you! I'll arrange it right away.

After saying goodbye to Luck, Kyera returned to the city center. Determined to resolve the documentation issue once and for all, she also planned to stop by the stud farm to organize the outbuilding.

She parked her motorcycle in the courtyard of the police station and observed the large, functional building. As soon as he entered, his eyes wandered around the spacious hall, where several police officers were working at tables spread out behind a large counter. At the far end, a door caught his eye. The sign read: "Sheriff Alec Stella". A sarcastic smile appeared on her lips.

"Of course he'd have an office like that, worthy of his insufferable arrogance,"Kyera thought, visualizing Alec sitting behind a desk, giving orders with that explosive manner. – she muttered to herself.

A policeman behind the counter looked up when he saw her and smiled sympathetically. He had striking Asian features and an approachable air. Can I help you? – Good morning! I've come to apply for a license to work as a bartender and a criminal record certificate. Is it up to you? – Kyera asked, in a direct but friendly tone.

— Exactly! If you bring your bartender's certificate, I'll register your license right away. As for the certificate... you'll need the sheriff's stamp, which, luckily, is in your office. – Kyera arched an eyebrow and smiled wryly.

The policeman shook his head with a restrained laugh and handed him two forms. As he reached for a pen, the badge hanging around his neck flashed in the light. The name caught Kyera's eye: Nakamura? – she asked, reading the engraved name. – Are you of Japanese descent?

He smiled, surprised by my curiosity: – My parents are Japanese.

— That's incredible! I really admire oriental culture, especially martial arts. – said Kyera, enthusiastically. – I've been training Krav Maga for years.

The policeman, who introduced himself as Lin Nakamura, laughed softly. But Krav Maga comes from the Middle East, specifically Israel. It's not exactly an oriental martial art.

Kyera blinked, realizing her confusion, and laughed to herself. My fault. I've never been very good at fight geography.

— No problem. – replied Lin, amused. – If you like, I can teach you about Asian techniques over coffee or a drink sometime.

The flirtatious attempt didn't go unnoticed, but Kyera smiled gently and replied:

— I'm sorry, Lin, but dating isn't on my list of priorities at the moment.

— Too bad! But it wouldn't hurt to try. – he said, shrugging and keeping his good humor.

While Kyera was filling in the forms, the door to the sheriff's office opened firmly and Alec Stella walked in, dominating the room like a predator in its territory. He was dressed in the typical Texan police uniform, hat in hand, and exuded an intimidating authority. As soon as his eyes met Kyera's, a mischievous smile took over his face.

— Well, well... Look who decided to pay us a visit. – said Alec, slowly approaching the counter, his voice laden with sarcasm. – Be careful, Lin. Anything can mysteriously disappear when that girl is around.

The provocative tone irritated Kyera, but she kept her debauched smile... You're still the same asshole, aren't you, Alec? The only difference is that you've gained some muscles. I bet you asked Santa for Christmas. If I were you, I'd have asked for a brain. – he replied, without blinking.

The response filled the room with muffled laughter. Alec's smile disappeared as quickly as it had come. With a hard expression, he leaned closer to Kyera, his eyes blazing:

— You think you're pretty smart, don't you?

— I don't think I am, Sheriff. I am, – she returned, facing him fearlessly.

The atmosphere became tense, but before Alec could react, the front door burst open. Dominic entered dragging a handcuffed man, bloodied and cursing loudly. Dominic didn't seem to mind and tightened the makeshift bandage on the detainee's wounded arm.

— Get off me, you lunatic! – shouted the man.

— Rough day, Sergeant? – someone joked.

— Every day is difficult when Dom answers a call. – Lin muttered ironically.

— That's Sergeant Stella to you, – Dominic replied harshly, with a glare. – Take that idiot to his cell and make sure his wound hurts a lot. Maybe he'll learn not to threaten a policeman, especially with a toy gun.

Kyera laughed softly at the scene, and Dominic noticed her presence. Everything okay? What are you doing here?

— I came to sort out my work permit. I got a job at Luck's. – replied Kyera, excited.

— That's great! I'll tell Alex and Allan to come over any night and see you in action. – said Dominic with a broad smile.

Before Kyera could reply, Alec took the forms from Lin's hands and, with a dramatic gesture, tore them in half.

— Only over my dead body! – he said, his voice full of authority. – This is just the beginning, Winter! Make trouble in my town and I'll find a cell just for you!

And you, Nakamura, stay in line, or you'll be back on patrol faster than you think.

With that, Alec turned away and disappeared into his living room, leaving the atmosphere charged. Dominic sighed and approached Kyera. Alec is going through a difficult time. Fill in the forms again and leave them with me. I'll deliver them to the stud farm later.

— Are you sure? – Kyera asked hesitantly.

— Of course! You can trust me.

Kyera nodded and, after sorting out the paperwork, left the police station. On her way out, she bumped into an elegantly dressed blonde woman holding a cup of coffee. A few drops splashed on the woman's low-cut blouse, and she glared at her furiously.

— Are you blind? Do you know how much this piece costs?

Kyera crossed her arms, out of patience. Maybe if you looked where you were going, this wouldn't have happened.

The blonde straightened her platinum curls, her face contorted in indignation:

— How dare you talk to me like that? Do you know who I am?

— No, and I don't care either. – replied Kyera, turning on her heels and heading towards her motorcycle. – There are so many crazy people in this town!

The woman stood still, stunned and squawking, something that Kyera completely ignored. Casting one last glance at the police station building, she started the motorcycle and sped towards the department store.

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