Bronwyn's gut clenched when the woman -Tara- mentioned Chicago. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but it looked as if the big blond dope she was talking to had a penchant for bullying. And Bronwyn hated bullies. Especially bullies who picked on women.<br/>Chicago... the breeding ground for all of Bronwyn's nightmares for the last three months. She closed her eyes and winced as horrific scenes flicked by, all filled with death and desperate loss. She opened her eyes again and drained her glass, considering never closing her eyes again. As if by magick, a fresh glass full of good Irish whiskey appeared in front of her. The bartender was certainly earning his tip.<br/>Blondie was crowding Tara again, and the look on his face was a dangerous mix of fear and arrogance. Bronwyn stood and drifted closer.<br/>"Big city cop from Chicago? So what? What's he gonna do?" Blondie sneered.<br/>"I dunno, maybe I'll go ask him." Tara said, pushing Blondie away again. "I'm sure he'll be interested to hear all about you and your buddies."<br/>Bronwyn glanced around. Most people were ignoring the quiet little drama. She saw the bartender look up and quickly look back down again, avoiding eye contact. He was scared. Apparently Blondie had a rep or someone with a rep backing him up. Causing trouble with him could stir up trouble with everyone here, including Tara, the bartender, the bar, and the inn. If Bronwyn were smart, she would avoid trouble too and just sit back down at the bar.<br/>But Bronwyn really hated bullies, big or small. Blondie grabbed Tara's arm a second time, and she yanked it back again immediately. Blondie's face was starting to darken with anger.<br/>Bronwyn had an idea and crossed the bar quickly, setting her glass down on a table as she passed. She reached Tara and wrapped an arm around her shoulders and whispered quickly in her ear.<br/>"Forgive me, lass." Then caught her lips in a passionate, heated kiss.<br/>A few people nearby hooted and whistled. Tara froze for a moment, then pushed away just as Bronwyn broke the kiss. Bronwyn kept hold of her and steered her toward the door.<br/>"Jus' walk." Bronwyn muttered.<br/>"What the HELL do you think you're doing-" Tara started furiously, but Bronwyn cut her off.<br/>"Look at yer boyfriend."<br/>Tara glanced quickly back. Blondie was staring with his mouth slightly open, looking dumbfounded. By the time his mood rolled back around to angry, Bronwyn and Tara would be lost among the crowds of drunks along Bourbon Street. Hopefully he would get bored and find someone else to annoy.