Page 31 of No Fear

“A beer would be great. Corona.”

The bartender uncapped the bottle and placed it in front of him.

“Thanks.”

“Here on vacation?”

Donnie took a swig. “Kind of. Quick trip catching up with a friend.”

“Nice. First time in Toronto?”

“Yup.”

“Baseball fan?”

Donnie grinned. “Yankees all the way.”

The bartender feigned horror. “Don’t say that too loud. We’re hardcore Blue Jays in this city. So, you must be catching a game while you’re here.”

“Oh, shit. Yankees are in town, aren't they?” He remembered hearing that when he and his dad watched the game.

“They sure are. It’s always a good game.”

“Yeah, it would be cool to see it.” Seeing a Yankees game against the Jays would be awesome, but that wasn’t why he was here.

The bartender turned his attention to another guest and Donnie scanned the lounge. Only a handful of people remained. The bar closed at one, and it was fast approaching that now. A young woman walking past him gave him the once over. He smiled, but turned away, not wanting to engage. He wasn't here for a hook up or a ball game. He was here for Charlie.

His phone rang. Jesus, did no one sleep?

“Hey, buddy. You do realize the time?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Am I interrupting your beauty sleep?” Steve’s drawl made him smile.

“Don’t need it. I’m beautiful enough.” He grinned as Steve chuckled at the other end.

“I hear you’re in Toronto. Just checking in, making sure everything is good. Dex mentioned you won't be at the brief tomorrow.”

“Yeah. I just arrived and need to take care of something.”

“Well, that’s vague.”

Donnie, finished up his beer and put a twenty on the bar, signaling to the bartender for another.

“Stop worrying. I’m good. I’m here to see an old friend. Make sure she’s OK.”

“She? Mmmm.”

“It’s not like that. She’s engaged. If you must know, she’s the sister of my best friend in high school. I haven't seen her in ten years. I’m just checking in.”

“She in trouble?”

“Nothing I can’t handle.” He took the bottle from the bartender and handed him the twenty, waving off change.

“So you’re there with her brother?”

Donnie paused. He’d never spoken about Nate to anyone on the team, but he didn’t want to lie.

“No. He died in a car accident.”