The heat and humidity had him drenched. By the time he arrived at

Rust Bar

, he no longer smelled like the cologne.

There goes the plan, Jack thought. He figured he'd tell Imogen the story anyway now that he didn't smell like he was trying to go on a date. Made for a funny joke to kick off the night.
Such an icebreaker was needed for Jack to calm himself. Because he actually didn't really know what this night was for. The only thing he could point to was that ridiculous story she had shared with him. A giant conspiracy spanning decades and a giant corporation and some social media influencer who was so powerful he could get away with multiple murders live.

But that conspiracy had to be a joke. Jack didn't not believe that it was possible -- the

conspiracy

that is -- but that really couldn't be what Imogen wanted to meet him for. She couldn't really believe that she was somehow intertwined into all this did she? That would be absurd, Jack thought. That would make her... make 

Imogen Howe

crazy.

"You know what's crazy?"

Jack looked into the bartender's eyes.

"How cold the PBR is straight from our tap. If it were any colder it would be ice!"

"Hit me with a tall, my man."

The bartender shot a click at Jack and turned around to pour. Jack was about six minutes early. Imogen was someone who more or less arrived on time. So he'd probably only be halfway through this beer by the time she walked through the door.

Wow what a strange thought to have. She would soon be walking in through those doors. In 

Westcity

. Not just a distant person he texted on the phone. But here in live and living color.

He really needed that beer now. His blood didn't have enough alcohol in it.

"Here you go, my man." the bartender handed a frosty tall thick glass over. Jack took a big swig and then made a sound of enjoyment. He immediately took another sip.

"You must've been thirsty."

"I was. Indeed. Thanks!" Jack took his beer away. Went to find a booth to wait at. He didn't want to spend the final moments before her arrival talking and listening to the bartender. Wanted to have his thoughts to himself.

As soon as he sat down at the vinyl seating at the booth he went back to thoughts of Imogen and her conspiracy. Jack had never associated Imogen with insanity. She was probably one of the most grounded people he knew.

Maybe if she was coming to him with all this conspiracy talk... maybe there was some truth to her involvement? Maybe he needed to listen?