True. But he’d never admit that, that’d mean he’d lose to the impertinent Fae! He nudges the plate closer. “Go on an’ glower, but do it while y’eat so it don’ get cold, aye?”

Rabid girl. He huffs before puttering off, aiming to serve the others.

“Welcome to O’Rourke’s y’pay wi’ coin or y’don’t get a drink. I ain’t acceptin’ paper money here.”

“That’s the second table she’s destroyed in th’ last bloody month...”

“Ah’ve got a shite accent but I know tha’ is no’ how y’say her name.”

“Christ on a cross... deaf are ye?”

He clears his throat, and the brogue disappates to nothing. A deep, New England accent is clear in his tone. “You come here for a drink? Or are we going to keep flirting?”

“Aren’t we all, lass.” He hums. “Drink?”

“You pay with coin. As much as you think it’s worth, no more, no less.”

“Y’want me to give y’a drink for free in my bar, lass? I’m ancient, but I like to think I’ve learned ‘ow to keep a business afloat.”

He heaves a sigh. “Fine. Nothin’ top shelf. Nothin’ Fae magicked.”

“Absolutely right,” he says, whilst beginning to pour a drink. “Don’ see y’often, Dambudzo. What brings ye to me tavern.”

He pours a shot of his cheapest whiskey. Then he waits for the coin as he slowly slides it toward him. “I haven’t seen you around and I know plenty of faces in this city.”

“Robbed eh?” Lachlan chuckles, pocketing the coin. “By who, if I may ask? Maybe I could do you a favor, help you out.”

“Well then, welcome. Am happy y’picked my humble establishment.”

He grins proudly. “Ah’ve done my best to curate a good selection.”

“Hm... What clothing was she wearing? And was she wearing plenty of jewelry? Or none at all?”

“Faith, trust and a whole lot of finessing the Authority.”

“I’ll just shake Áine for that.”

“Mm. Sounds like someone I know. Why’d she take what she did?”