Dangeruss & Tazer

A little bit later on, that very same day, Jonathan Toews made his way to his favorite bar in Downtown Chicago. It was a place known as the “Hawks’ Nest”. It was a popular bar; in fact it was probably the most popular bar in the city. For a Friday, it wasn’t that packed.But given that it was around lunchtime, the scare crowd made more sense. Its reputation attracted young adults, “in” groups, and even tourists. And boy, did he need a drink or two real badly. He took his spot at the bar and ordered himself a Bud Light.

He sat alone, staring distantly at the shiny wood surface of the counter top and struggled to hold back his tears. He sniffled, as his stomach was churning and he was filled with fear for his best friend.

It had been exactly two hours, since the female officer had broken the news to him about his best friend’s disappearance. There was a good chance that Patrick Kane had been kidnapped. But why? Who would do such a thing to him?

The bar keep set down his beverage and he instantly lifted the pint of bubbling Bud Light beer to his mouth. He sipped the sweet nectar of the gods. It was only his fourth but he still felt completely sober. As he drank, a few intoxicated patrons danced and partied. Some got up on tables. One man had stripped his shirt off and waved it around in the air like a lasso. For some reason Jonathan’s stomach began to twist in knots, making him feel light-headed and nauseous.

Soon a man, who entered the restaurant and sat down at the bar, next to the Blackhawk forward. He seemed concerned about Jonathan’s condition but he didn’t make it obvious. He just tossed a few glances in the hockey player’s direction as if he wondered what was wrong.

He had a tight-fitting athletic shirt on that made his muscles bulge outward. He was small with a mop of curly dark brown, almost black-ish hair on top of his head. He wasn’t black, but it was clear to Jonathan that he had some African ancestry. Perhaps he was the product of a mixed marriage. He seemed pleasant enough.He gestured to the bar keep and ordered a Bud Light as well. After the bartender turned his back, the man turned to face Jonathan.

“Hey, man, you don’t look so good?” he spoke.

Jonathan set his beer down, rather sloppily. He looked up at this stranger. “Do I know you?”

“No. You don’t. Well, maybe you don’t. The name’s, Russell.” He held out a hand, kindly to the Blackhawk to shake.

Jonathan eyed the hand, suspiciously. Russell shrugged and dropped his hand.

“It’s okay, dude. Meeting a Seattle Seahawk can be crazy sometimes!”

Seattle Seahawk? Something inside of the Chicago Blackhawk’s mind ignited with curiosity. He suddenly cracked a small smile.

The barkeep returned with the beer for Russell.

“Russell Wilson? The quarterback for the NFL team? I remember you now. We had a Super Bowl party at the UC. They have great party rooms. In fact that’s where I saw you playing against the Broncos. The Seahawks played a great game. It was a super show – I love to see the Broncos get slaughtered.” (Cause he doesn’t like anything that Patrick likes, you see!)

Russell made a royal gesture with his hand, dipping his head lightly in the process. “It is I.”

“I actually rooted for the Seahawks. Patrick didn’t, he----” The hockey player broke off, looking down. He fought off the tears, screwing his face up. He shook his head dejectedly, “He wanted the Broncos to win!”

Russell cocked his head in interest and Jonathan could tell that he’d guessed that something was bothering him but he didn’t press for answers. Instead, the football player grabbed his beer and took a big gulp.

“What’s your name? Surely you can tell me that?!”

“Jonathan Toews. I’m the captain for the Chicago Blackhawks!”

“Hockey? Right?”

“Yeah, the NHL.” He put emphasis on the “H”.

Russell took another sip. He faced Jonathan, whose bewilderment was now showing on his face.

“So, if you’re from Seattle, why are you here in Chicago?”

Russell cracked a smile, laughing. “Business trip, actually. That and I have family, living here. They are fans of the Blackhawks, honestly.”

“We try our best to please our fans.” Jonathan was beginning to chuckle now.

And after a few minutes, the tension passed. Russell Wilson and Jonathan Toews became close bar buddies.

Notes

:)