Dictionary Stories 2010-07-24

Tab

"Tab," Walter said, "put it on my tab."
"Can't do that," the bartender said, "you know that."
Walter reached in to his pocket and chucked some change, an empty packet of gum and a library card on to the bar. The bartender took the coins he wanted and placed them in the register. Walter scraped the remaining change, the gum packet and the library card back in to his palm and back into his pocket.
He took up the shot glass and ran his finger around the rim. He had the look of a starving man who had been given a fish instead of a net. He nursed the drink for a while before taking it down in one gulp.
"Two coffees," a tall man was suddenly standing next to him. He wore a long coat and handed over a ten pound note to pay for the drinks.
"What table are you at?" the bartender asked, "we'll bring it to you."
"I'll wait," the man said. He turned to Walter, "you are Walter Patterson."
"Who wants to know?"
"You are in some financial trouble. You were recommended by a friend of mine. This job stands to make you a very rich man. The other coffee is for you - we need you sober. Are you interested?"