Bar on the corner of the street - Prologue

 

Bar on the corner of the street

 

Prologue

I’m not afraid of werewolves or vampires or haunted hotels, I’m afraid of what real human beings do to other real human beings.

© Walter Jon Williams

 

Nick Lemongrass sat on his worn couch in his small apartment. His mind was clouded by the news he had just received - the loss of the person he cared about most: his grandfather, Edward Lemongrass. The air, stale from his absence, weighed down his every breath, turning it into a heavy, suffocating sensation. Just as Nick was about to give in to his blinding grief, the shrill ringing of his phone rang out, echoing throughout the room.

Nick reached for the phone and picked it up with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

«Hello?»

«Is this Nicholas Lemongrass?» - asked the deep voice on the other end of the line.

«Yes, I'm listening,» Nick replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. «Who is this?»

«I'm Jonathan Westwood, your grandfather's lawyer,» the voice replied. «I have some  news for you. I know your grandfather has passed away.»

A wave of sadness washed over Nick, and he was momentarily speechless. «I... I appreciate you calling me,» he finally said, his voice barely a whisper.

«I need to discuss something important with you,» Jonathan continued. «It seems that your grandfather left you a bar as a legacy.

Nick's brow furrowed in confusion. «A bar? But I don't know anything about running a bar.»

«There's more to it than that,» the lawyer explained. «It's not just any bar. It's called The  Bar On The Corner and it has a unique story. The bar is a really special place.»

Nick was even more confused, his mind trying to process the information. «Special place? You mean it is something exclusive?»

«Yes, that's right,» Jonathan confirmed. «Your grandfather owned and operated this special bar, and now, according to his will, you've inherited it.»

Nick's heart pounded at the incredible news, filled with curiosity. «But why me? I'm not a good businessman.»

 

«The reasons for your grandfather's wish are not fully known,» the lawyer admitted. «But he was convinced that you were the right person for the job. You can find all the necessary information and documents at the law office. I would advise you to come as soon as possible.»

When Nick hung up the phone, he was swept up in a whirlwind of emotions. The inheritance, combined with the revelation that the bar served as something special, was like a surreal twist of fate. How could his grandfather have gotten involved in all this?

The next morning, Nick stood in front of the huge law firm with a million questions buzzing in his head and uncertainty clouding his mind. He entered the office where Jonathan Westwood was waiting for him.

«Please have a seat, Mr. Lemongrass,» the lawyer said, pointing to a comfortable chair.

He sat down and began to look around the room until his eyes settled on something: a large envelope on the table. His name was clearly visible on it, written in beautiful calligraphic handwriting. He opened it with trembling hands, pulling out the contents.

Inside were legal documents, keys, and a photograph. His eyes widened in surprise as he looked at the photo. The photo showed an old bar, with an exterior facade that created an effect of mystery and magic. It was called The Bar On The Corner, and some intrigue hovered over the photo.

«What is this place?» asked Nick, his voice full of wonder.

«It's The Bar On The Corner, the bar your grandfather left you,» Jonathan explained. «It holds secrets and wonders you can't even imagine.»

Nick kept looking at the photo, and finally his curiosity was piqued. He felt like his life was about to turn into something new and unknown, and he couldn't help but feel a mixed sense of fear and excitement.

With renewed vigor, Nick Lemongrass fumbled for his keys to unlock the door of The Bar On The Corner, eager to discover the truth that awaited him.