Liam squinted and looked into Bart’s face. “Your voice is familiar. I’m not thinking too straight, but I know that voice. I don’t think I like you.” He started to pull away, but Bart grabbed him.
“Sure you do. I’m Tom, a friend of Rick’s, and he’s made me your host for the evening, so to speak. You trust Rick, right? Let’s get you up off that stool.”
Bart gripped Liam’s arms hard enough to leave bruises and to brook no resistance.
Confused, Liam said, “Ouch. Is Rick back there? He said he’d stay with me or did he say he’d see me later? I’m confused. I don’t remember.” Liam’s words slurred. He tried to pull away despite Bart’s merciless grip.
“You don’t need Rick for this party, bud. He’ll catch up with you later.”
“Maybe this isn’t a good idea.” Liam mumbled.
Liam tried to say someth
