No Time for Stories – Alicia Crumpler

“That’s good. He needs to take it easy,” Molly said, nodding her head.

“Can I get you a pint, Molly?” Tim asked, grabbing a glass.

“I’d love a Guinness, thanks.” Molly walked back around the bar and sat on the stool by her father.

“Shouldn’t you be at work?” Liam asked.

“I took the night off. The restaurant can survive one night without me,” Molly replied as she picked up the beer that Tim had set in front of her and took a sip. “So, what are you two up to?” She looked from Liam to Anne.

“Liam was telling me stories about the pub and how Kate Greely saved the original sign after the earthquake and fire.” Anne raised her glass, “Cheers to Kate! “

Molly raised her pint and Liam his empty coffee mug. “Cheers to Kate!” They chimed.

“Did he tell you about the ghosts?” Molly asked.

“Ghosts? No. No one mentioned ghosts.” Anne looked from Liam to Molly, then turned to Tim. “I think I’m going to need another cocktail.”

“Sure thing,” Tim said as he refilled Liam’s mug.

Molly stood up. “While you tell Anne about the ghosts, I’ll go upstairs and see what I can throw together for dinner.”

“Good luck. There’s not much in the fridge,” Liam said.

“Not to worry. I’m resourceful.” 

Anne turned in her seat to face Liam. “OK, tell me about the ghosts. How many are there?” 

“Three. Paddy, Sean, and a cousin.” Liam picked up the mug of coffee but didn’t put it to his lips. “In 1891, Paddy was killed late one night when he stepped out the front door of the pub and was hit by a team of horses pulling a wagon.” Liam shook his head.

“That’s terrible,” she said as Tim placed the drink in front of her.

“Well, as I was told, Paddy was a drinker, so it’s likely he stumbled out of the pub and fell in front of the team.” 

“But still, his poor family,” Anne said.

“Paddy never married and didn’t have any children, but Sean took losing his brother pretty hard. Never got over it. He died a few years later. Heart attack got him while he was pulling a pint behind the bar.”

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  1. Vanessa G says:

    How lovely to read this atmospheric story again! Congratulations Alicia.

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