Chapter 20. The sign in the window said Spencer's Place. Its construction probably made more sense to the casual observer when the buildings on either side of it were still standing.

Right now, it looked like it had been airdropped into the middle of a quiet desolation, as though having delivered peace and democracy.

The U.S. Air Force was now sending the world third-rate gin holes. I stepped through the door and was hit by a wall of stale air, delicately

scented by stale beer. The low light didn't do much to hide the cobwebs in the high corners,

but only because I was looking for them. Whatever else he might be, Mr. Spencer was not

much of a housekeeper. The place could do with what

they used to call a woman's touch when what they really meant was a couple of hours

of back-breaking labor. It seemed unlikely to get it, to judge by the astonished faces turned

towards me from the bar. There were six barflies in the place, all seated around the long

bar, none of them seated next to one another. It looked like the sort of

place where you stared quietly into your beer for a few hours, wondering where it all went wrong.

They had all turned when the door opened and stayed turned when they saw yours truly.

Apparently it was ladies' night for the first and only time ever. Hurray.

Even in folks, said a gruff but booming voice from behind the bar.

Can I help you find something?

You can help us find a couple of beers, Jack said, sidling up to an open space at the bar.

I joined him, not out of any desire to do so, but from the logical standpoint that standing apart from my gentleman companion might be seen as an invitation

for one or more of the moping barflies to try his luck. That was a conversation devoutly to be

missed, so I stuck with Jack. The bartender pulled his tab open and began filling a glass.

What brings you folks down here? he asked. Jack shrugged, nostalgia, I guess i guess he said i used to have a place down here

years ago before the war the bartender nodded his neck was thick and his hands were like two large

flattened-out hams his nose had the look like it had been broken once and not set quite right

...