The four friends sat watching in silence. The bald-headed man who had taken their order joined his colleague behind the bar to see what the commotion was about.
Kelly noticed the barmaid whispering in his ear.
As he passed their table, the old man suddenly reached out his arm and grabbed Richard by the shoulder. The speed of his action caught everyone unaware, including his daughter and son-in-law. His daughter took hold of his wrist and gently tried to prize his hand off Richard, but his grip was too tight. “Father, come on,” she coaxed.
The old man looked directly into Richard’s face; his dark glasses reflected Richard’s concerned expression.
“Take it easy, buddy,” said Richard, gently trying to manoeuvre his shoulder away from the man’s hand.
The old man leaned in until his face wa
