One
Thirty minutes until happy hour.The bane of Knox McIntyre’s existence.
It wasn’t that he disliked his job as head bartender at the Gilded Lily—the swanky cocktail lounge located inside the Duchess Hotel. Unlike the rowdy neighborhood pub where he’d last worked, the Lily had class. But during happy hour, everyone staying at the hotel was entitled to a free glass of wine. Since they weren’t paying for it, they rarely felt the need to tip. They also kept him hopping with their demands for the bar’s seasonal specials, which were offered at half price.
He frowned as he peered at a note taped to the cash register. It had been left for him by Preston Hargreaves, the Duchess Hotel’s general manager, or GM.
Hey, Knox. Just circling back about your request to switch to fall-themed drinks now that September’s here. Let’s hold off until the weather cools down. Your tropical cocktails have made such a splash we need to keep the momentum going. And keep cranking those Jimmy Buffett tunes! Beach vibes for the win!
Beach vibes, my ass.Knox had spent the past three months mixing up all manner of sweet, fruity drinks. Not ideal, considering the two most popular selections—piña coladas and frozen daiquiris—required the time-consuming use of a blender. And the only blender in the bar was the noisy, janky one his boss was too cheap to replace.
Then there was the matter of Preston’s summer playlist. Knox’s preferred background music was a low-key mix of vintage jazz and swing. Instead, he’d been forced to endure songs like “Margaritaville” and “Kokomo” on repeat. Both tunes might have been acceptable if he’d been tending bar in Hawaii or Florida. But the Duchess was located in Victoria, B.C.Canada.Which was as far from the tropics as you could get.
At least tonight’s happy hour would be on the slow side since it was the Tuesday after Labor Day. And if he wasn’t elbow-deep in customers, he’d have time to chat with Charlie if she stopped by the bar. The thought of seeing her—even for a few minutes—coaxed a smile out of him. No one else who worked at the Duchess affected him that way. Just Charlie.
His thoughts were interrupted by a voice from the past. “Knox.Buddy. How’s it hanging?”
He looked up in surprise. How long had it been since he’d seen Logan in person? Three years? Four? His friend looked as slick as ever, designer shades perched atop his wavy blond hair. They’d met while working in Vancouver onThe Hidden Forest, the award-winning fantasy show where Knox had gotten his big break as a screenwriter, and Logan had learned the ropes as a production assistant. A great gig until Knox’s life had gone to shit. After being forced out of the show, he’d moved to Victoria and cut ties with everyone except Logan.
Knox crumpled up Preston’s note and shoved it into his pocket. “Good to see you, man. What are you doing in Victoria?”
“I’m here to visit my favorite bartender. Isn’t that reason enough?” Logan cast a glance around the cocktail lounge, which was almost empty, except for a couple seated at one of the high-tops. “Classy joint you’ve got here.”
Knox nodded. The Gilded Lily was one of the hotel’s best features, designed to resemble a 1920s speakeasy, with a tin-tiled ceiling, green glass pendant lights, and brown leather club chairs. One wall displayed framed newspaper articles and photos from the twenties, along with classic Art Deco posters.
“It’s a hell of a lot nicer than the last place I worked,” he said. “But I’m not buying your bullshit. You didn’t take the ferry all the way from Vancouver just to see my sorry ass.”
His friend let out a hearty laugh. “I’m here for work. I’ve got a new job. Hopefully, it’ll last longer than my gig at Sunshine Coast Productions.”
Like Knox, Logan had leftThe Hidden Foresta few years ago. But in his case, it had been by choice so he could take on the role of production manager at an up-and-coming studio.
“What happened at Sunshine Coast?” Knox asked.
“You name it. Money problems. Infighting. A CEO who couldn’t keep his grabby hands to himself. I’m lucky I got out when I did.”
“Glad you landed on your feet.” Knox gestured to the wall of bottles behind him. “Want a drink? On the house.”
It was the least he could do. More than once, Logan had asked him to come back and visit. Knox always shot him down. Vancouver held too many memories of his old life—the years he’d spent toiling away in a city so tapped into the entertainment industry it was known as “Hollywood North.”
Logan settled onto a stool. “I’ll have a gin and tonic. Black Fox gin, if you’ve got it.” He took out his phone and set it on the bar top. “Not to be rude, but I’m waiting on a call.”
“No problem.” For as long as Knox had known him, Logan wasalwayswaiting on a call. “What’s your new job?”
“I’m the field story producer for a ghost-hunting show calledCanada’s Most Haunted. That’s why I’m in town. I’m scouting locations for an upcoming episode.”
Knox snorted. “Seriously? I didn’t think you believed in that stuff.” He grabbed the gin and set about mixing Logan’s drink.
“I’ll believe in anything if there’s a paycheck. And there’s good money to be made in those paranormal reality shows. LikeGhost Adventures. OrThe Dead Files. Both series have been running forever.”
“Never seen either one.” Knox garnished the drink with a wedge of lime and passed it to him. “I always assumed they faked their evidence.”
Logan took a swig of his drink. “Some of the effects are exaggerated, but a lot of it’s real. I’ve felt cold spots, heard weird noises, and seen stuff I can’t explain. We’re planning on shooting an episode in Victoria next month.”
“You should go on a ghostly walking tour while you’re in town. Historic Hauntings does a great job.” Despite Knox’s skepticism, he’d taken one of their tours and found it entertaining.
“I did that last night. Good stuff. I’d heard of the Grand Duke Hotel before, but I had no idea it was flat-out haunted.”
“Yeah, it’s part of local lore. Word is, the Duke has three resident ghosts that appear on a regular basis.” Yet another thing the ostentatious hotel could brag about. Knox loathed the Grand Duke, as did all his coworkers at the Duchess. Not only was the massive hotel their fiercest rival, but its senior staff were total pricks. “I’m not a fan of the place, but it’s worth asking if they’ll let you film there.”
