Iwas late for work. Again. Pinkie’s Bar didn’t open until noon, but I’d told Abraham I’d be in early to help set up. For a guy who could see a few minutes into the future, I was late more often than not. A fact my boss pointed out at every opportunity.
I’m not exactly a clairvoyant—some mystic in a turban who sees everyone’s distant future—that’s not me. I’m more of a discount off-brand clairvoyant like a street magician in Vegas or a sketchy dude playing three-card monte in New York.
I could see the futures of those near me and only the next few minutes of their lives. Not to mention my quirky gift caused frequent space outs, giving the impression that I was either high or stupid. Neither was true.
My particular brand of precognitive ability could be lucrative at the races or helpful in rush hour traffic, but it’s never helped me get out of the house on time.
I hustled through the back door into Pinkie’s, slipping by Abraham’s tiny office and into the mostly empty bar.
Even though we weren’t officially open yet, thesisterssat in their usual booth in the corner, Bloody Marys in front of them. The three women of a certain age, hair colors ranging from silver to red to blue highlights, chatted amiably. I gave them a quick wave on my way to stow my stuff behind the bar.
“Where you been, Hunter?” Blue asked.
The sisters were an exception to the rules. Their unique brand of witchy magic had saved the bar and its patrons several times, so they could basically sleep here if they wanted. Pinkieswas the only arcane bar in the area and sported a portal in the basement, so it often needed all the magical help it could get.
“Hunter,” Abe called. “Get in here.”
I poked my head in, my excuse forming in my brain. “Yeah, Boss?”
“There’s a thing at the Fulbright. I gotta go. I need you to handle the bar.”
“We’re not even open.”
“Then handle theBloody Marys.” Abraham used his name for our current customers. “They were here all night helping ward the place.”
“You got it.”
Abraham was a big man, six four, at least, with broad shoulders and a boxer’s physique. Built more like a bouncer than an affable bartender, he was known for his generous pours and sympathetic ear. At the moment, he was all business, and I was tempted to ask what was going on. Instead, I stood aside to let him pass.
His true form out-bullied his human intimidation factor by a mile. When needed, or sometimes just when he felt like it, Abraham Puck shifted into a lethal creature, catlike and complete with a barbed tail and claws. A Lyncus, an ancient rarity who could shred an enemy faster than a rotary cheese grater.
“What’s up at the Fulbright?” I found my voice as he grabbed his jacket.
“Just wolves in a tizzy. I’ll be back soon.” I heard the back door slam as he left.
I checked out the long grill area, empty at the moment. Then opening the door to the basement, I listened at the top of the stairs. No stirrings or ominous whoosh sounds that said the portal was active. Relieved there wasn’t some threat comingthrough the green orb of death, I closed the door and made my way to the main bar area.
I’d brought freshly made Bloodies to the booth when a vision hit me. Staring at the wall without seeing it, I felt my breath grow shallow and everything went black.
Blinking the fog away, I was immersed in choking thick white dust. My surroundings changed from the bar to falling plaster and brick. Hearing boards creak and break under my feet, I crashed to the floor. Reaching out, I saw my hand covered in white powder—chalk or plaster dust. Except it wasn’t my pale hand, it was Abraham’s dark-skinned one. His voice rumbled out from under the mountain of debris.
I blinked and found myself sitting on the bar floor beside the booth. Shaken, I rose and dusted myself off, though I was perfectly clean. It was Abraham who’d been covered in debris.
“Bad one, dear?” Silver asked, concern shining in her green eyes. I nodded and pulled my phone from my back pocket, pressing Abe’s contact number. I stayed at the table while it rang. Getting his voicemail, I hung up.
“I gotta go. Can you guys watch the bar for a few?” I asked them.
“Of course.” Blue nudged the redhead. “Nancy, you’re in charge of the till. I’ll man the taps.” Two of the women shuffled out of the booth seat.
The silver-haired woman stayed put, a smirk ticking at the corners of her mouth. “I’ll watch your drinks for you.” Blue gave her friend a look before sliding her newly refilled cocktail across the table. She took it with her to the bar.
I grabbed my keys from behind the bar and ran to my car, hoping I was quick enough.
I used my future seeing to navigate around the heavy traffic. I cut through an alley and parked around the corner ofthe hotel. I hit the front entrance at a run. Yanking on the heavy glass door, I hurled myself into the lobby.
Like Pinkie’s, the Hotel Fulbright was a haven for those beings we calledothers—folks with characteristics like Abraham, humanlike but definitely not. The wormhole portal at Pinkie’s was the draw for the supernatural. No one knew why the creatures flocked to the Fulbright.
In fact, most Philadelphians had no idea of the other beings who lived in the city. Those that did know kept a wary eye.
