FE 2024 Prompt Table 2 Fill #36 - Pub

[innitmarvelous_og]

The evening air is crisp as it swept through Oxford streets as Detective Inspector Robert Lewis and Detective Sergeant James Hathaway made their way to one of Oxford famous pubs, The Eagle and Child. They'd had a long and taxing day at work, filled with paperwork and interviews related to their latest case. As they entered into the historic yet cozy establishment, the familiar scene of ale and the chatter of the patrons greeted them, instantly helping to lift their spirits.

Robbie stepped up to the bar, his eyes although tired still had a smile in them for the bartender, "Two pints of bitter, please."

The bartender nodded, and produced the requested drinks, setting them in front of Oxfordshire's finest before going off to attend to another patron.

Hathaway leaned against the bar, running more over through his close cut hair, "We've a bit of a long day, haven't we, sir?"

Lewis gave a nod, rubbing the back of his neck, "You could say that. So many days anymore it feels like we're swimming against the tide instead of with it."

James chuckled softly as he understood that feeling all too much, "Well, at least we're not alone and are in good company." He gestured to the busy pub around them.

Robbie raised his glass in a toast, "To having survived another day in the trenched," he remarked with a hint of irony.

Hathaway clinked his glass against his boss, a small smile playing on his lips, "And to all of the cases we've managed to crack already and the ones that are still waiting their turn to be solved." There was a hint of determination in his voice.

They sipped their beer once more, enjoying the familiar taste as it washed away the weariness of the day. For just a moment, they simply stood in cordial silence, happy in each other's company, and the sanctuary of the pub that once sheltered and Lewis and his friend.

James leaned back, his gaze pensive, "Perhaps not today, sir, but tomorrow is another day. And who knows what mysteries it might bring?"

Robbie smiled, a spark of hope lighting up his eyes, "You're being more optimistic than I feel."

Hathaway gave another soft laugh, mischief making his eyes shine, "Someone has to be a balance to your pragmatism, sir."

Lewis raised his eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, "Well, I suppose I can't really argue with that logic, can I?"

As they bantered back and forth, their conversation went from the mundane to even something resembling profound, while they savored their drinks and the camaraderie they'd built together over the years. The ambiance of The Eagle and the Child was comforting, helping to the weight of the day's troubles fly away as if they were on an eagle's wings.

As the evening wore on, the pub began to empty out, causing Robbie and James to reluctantly finish their drinks as duty would call them back to its embrace. But for a little while longer, they lingered in the warmth of the pub.

Then as they finally stepped out into the cool of Oxford's night, Robbie clapped James on the shoulder with a grateful smile, "Thanks for the company tonight, James. I don't know what I'd do without you around."

Hathaway smiled in return, "Likewise, sir. Until tomorrow then?"

Lewis nodded, "Until tomorrow. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, sir."

And with that, they went their separate ways, ready to face whatever challenges the next day might bring, knowing that they would face them together, one pint at a time.

PART TWO