At Lino's Bar, some of the patrons (mostly police officers who'd just returned from the funeral service) were half drunk. If their laughter was a bit wild or forced, if tempers were edgy, Lino was content in the knowledge that his Louisville Slugger was handy behind the bar. He kept an eye on detective Larsson Jnr., who was drinking quietly and steadily at the end of the bar. Since he was sticking to beer tonight, Lino didn't worry so much. It was whiskey that had gotten him violently drunk ever since his pops was killed.
The indefinite suspension following his father's death also didn't help much. Lewis McCarthy had matted him with the punishment after he showed up drunk to work and pulled his weapon on a civilian.
Today was hard for him, Lino recognized this and was glad he was taking it well at the moment. Although, he knew he'll probably have to swing his bat and kick a few butts before the weekend was over but tonight seemed friendly enough.
