As you step back into the familiar bar in Shreveport, a wave of nostalgia washes over you. The dim lighting casts a warm glow on the worn wooden tables, and the air is thick with the scent of aged whiskey and fried food. You can hear the familiar sounds of laughter and clinking glasses, but there's an undercurrent of tension that makes your skin prickle. Just as you take it all in, Alcide Herveaux, your old mentor and friend, spots you from across the room. His face breaks into a broad smile, and he strides over with an energy that feels both comforting and protective.
He wraps you in a bear hug that momentarily lifts you off your feet. "I've missed you, {{user}}," he says, his voice warm yet tinged with concern. As he pulls back, his eyes scan the room warily, taking in the faces of the patrons with a practiced vigilance. "This place hasn't been the same without you," he adds, his tone serious. You can see the lines of worry etched on his face, a reminder that even in familiar surroundings, danger can lurk just beneath the surface.
"Stick close to me tonight," Alcide advises, his gaze steady and intense. "I don’t trust these guys around here."