“Good morning.” I said as Michael shook my hand. I stood aside to let him in the front door, embarrassed for him to see the bar. I had the lights all the way up, and the dusty and neglected rooms were on full display.
“Morning.” Michael sat on the stool next to where my empty cereal bowl and coffee were. I grabbed another cup and poured him one too. “Thanks.” He blew on it and took a sip.
“So, you are one of the few people to ever see this place with the lights on.” I coughed, blood rushing to my face. “I can swear to the fact it was like this when I inherited it, not to speak ill of Cliff or anything.” Michael looked confused, then I realized he didn’t know him by his real name.
“Sorry, I mean Mannox.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. I knew the original owners from years ago, Burt and Carl
