Chapter 8 - THE SHADOWBOX ON THE COUNTER
Alexis turned back to the bar, looking down at the dust-covered shadowbox resting on the mahogany surface.
She stared at the old photograph—at her younger self standing amidst the desert sand, flanked by men and women she had led into the dark, many of whom had never made it back to American soil. A fleeting, bittersweet shadow crossed her face before her calm composure returned.
Pete reached across the counter, setting down a clean glass filled with two fingers of neat amber bourbon alongside a small, ice-cold cloth for her lip.
"I kept it behind the bar like you asked three years ago, Captain," Pete said softly, his voice full of quiet pride. "Didn't think I'd ever have to pull it out."
Alexis offered a small, rare smile—a genuine, warm expression that completely transformed her sharp, serious features. She took the clean cloth, pressing it gently against the cut on her lip.
"Thanks, Pete," Alexis murmured softly. "I was hoping to drink in peace tonight."
"Peace is hard to come by in a Marine bar, Ma'am," Pete replied with a faint chuckle, wiping down the wood beside her elbow.
May you like
Across the room, Bull slowly stepped backward away from the bar. He offered Alexis one final, deeply respectful bow of his head before turning on his heel and walking quickly toward the exit door, his head held low in total submission.
The surrounding veterans and service members in the tavern watched him leave in complete silence, before turning their attention back to the bar where Captain Alexis Kaine sat quietly sipping her bourbon.
