Another chill went through her and she hurried toward the bar on the other side of the street. If no one was going to help her get more information on Billy and why he abandoned his pack in America, then she had no other choice but to hunt down the one informant who might throw her a bone. It was a long-shot and definitely not one that would win Billy over to her side anytime soon, but Myra had entrusted this job to her and she was going to nail it.
Stasia hesitantly stepped over the threshold of the bar. The place was everything she imagined a small-town bar to be: two pool tables in the corner, a long row of bar seating, a scuffed-up dance floor, three dart boards, and a crowd of strangers who went silent the moment they spotted her. She shot them a nervous smile and lowered her head, making a beeline for the old bartender pouring a beer behind the counter.
“What can I get you?” he asked in a gruff voice.
“A Shirley Temple,” she said in an all-too-cheery voice.
He eyed her sourly, but began to mix the drink. Stasia propped herself up on one of the bar stools and did a quick scan of the crowd. Most of them had gone back to their drinks and conversation, but a few still gave her the distrustful stare of a neighborhood watchman. She was about to ask the bartender if he knew where her informant lived, when something near the furthest dart board caught her eye.
A small woman with blonde hair sticking crazily out of two buns on the sides of her head was jumping up and down. She had a drink in hand that was getting seriously close to sloshing out of her cup. A skin-tight tank top and the shortest denim shorts Stasia had ever seen was all she wore. Her feet were bare and the hint of a half-moon tattoo played peak-a-boo on her shoulder blade.
“Ashley?” Stasia slid off her stool and made her way across the room. “Is that you?”
The woman stopped her bouncing and squinted at her. There was a long moment of silence. Stasia could almost see the wheels turning in her head. Then, with a shriek, she threw her drink and wrapped Stasia in a bone-crushing hug.
“Stasia?” She screamed in her ear and hugged her again. “Is that really you?”
“Yep, it’s me.” Stasia gasped for air.
“Never thought you’d set foot back in this village,” Ashley said, her words slightly slurred. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too.”
Stasia looked her over again. Despite the years that had passed, Ashley still looked much the same as when they were kids. She was amazed to run into her old friend and possible informant just moments after thinking of her.
“Guess what, everyone?” Ashley pinned Stasia with a one-armed hug and swung her to face the rest of the bar. “My dear friend, Princess Anastasia Pavlosky, has come to Molodoy.”
There was a cheer and then a raising of glasses. Stasia bared her teeth in as big of a smile as she could muster under the circumstances. It hadn’t been her intention to reveal her true identity, but the word was out. She only hoped it would
help her case.
“But wait.” Ashley turned her forcefully by the shoulders so that their faces were only inches apart. She gazed blurry-eyed at her. “Does my brother know you’re here?”
Stasia slowly nodded her head and her eyes grew wide and helpless. No use keeping that a secret.
“That’s no good,” Ashley mumbled under her breath. “Not good at all. Billy won’t want me talking to you. He’ll be as angry as a hornet.”
Stasia shrugged, feeling her last hope fade away. If she couldn’t get Billy’s sister on her side, she might as well throw in the towel right now.
“Well...” Ashley picked up her drink, took a large gulp, and wiped the back of her hand across her mouth. She grinned at Stasia and humor twinkled in her eye. “Good thing my big brother doesn’t scare me.”
Chapter Four
Billy pulled his old Ford over to the side of the road and turned off the engine. He rolled his shoulders and glared at his reflection in the rear view mirror. Downtown was the last place he wanted to be — especially on a night like tonight. But he’d promised his buddy Garret Child he’d join him for a round of pool and calling in a rain check three times in a row on a guy like Garret just wasn’t the smart thing to do.
So, he put on his big boy pants and headed into Molodoy’s only bar. As it was Friday night, a good portion of its population were already present and the dance floor crowded. However, despite the press of bodies, it didn’t take him long to spot his friend at the bar.
“Billy Finley!” Garret slapped him hard on the back with his huge hand. “I was beginning to think I’d have to hunt you down and drag you out of that shack for a game.”
He scowled and dragged himself up onto a bar stool. “I made it, didn’t I?”
“That you did.” Garret didn’t seem phased by his friend’s grumpy demeanor.
The giant teddy-bear of a man had a grin permanently plastered to his wide face. He stood inches over most of the other patrons and had feet the size of skateboards. His shoulders were nearly too broad to fit through most doorways. A mailman’s uniform stretched over his generous belly, while a blue cap hid his short brown hair. They’d been friends since early school and Billy knew that Garret was the sort to remain in Molodoy his entire life, perfectly content with his lot.
“Have you seen my sister?” Billy asked, turning around to search the crowd.
He needed to find her as soon as possible and warn her to stay away from Stasia Pavlosky. When they were kids, Ashley would follow her around like a puppy. She was only a year younger than the princess, but for some reason she’d lapped up every word Stasia had uttered as if it were gospel. He didn’t trust her judgment on this matter or her sense to stay away from someone who would no sooner make you think you’re her closest friend, then drop you the moment your usefulness expired.