Major Fernan walked into the club, sat at the bar, and nodded to Lucia: "The usual, absinthe."
"Okay, Major."
Lucia skillfully poured 30 milliliters of absinthe into the glass, placed a perforated special flat spoon across the mouth of the glass, and carefully placed a sugar cube on it, to help dilute the bitterness of the drink.
Then, Lucia slowly poured in ice water, stopping right at 90 milliliters.
"Your drink, Major." Lucia pushed the glass to Major Fernan.
Major Fernan's eyes were fixed on the glass. He eagerly took a sip once he had it, then let out a satisfying breath, as if laying down a heavy burden.
"Busy lately?" Lucia maintained a polite smile. "You seem exhausted."
Chatting with guests was a good habit, not only bringing more business to the club but also serving as Lucia's main channel for gathering intelligence.
