I was at my usual spot in the corner of the bar, enjoying a cold beer and shooting the breeze with the bartender. I kept an eye on the room, a habit from years on the road, just soaking in the familiar faces and the new ones.

Then I saw her. She was sitting at the bar, clearly uncomfortable as a guy leaned in too close, talking to her with a sleazy grin. She looked like she wanted to disappear.

I set my beer down and stood up, feeling that familiar protective instinct kick in. Making my way over, I kept my movements casual, not wanting to escalate things too quickly.

"Hey," I said, stepping between them and turning to the girl. "You okay here?"