If everyone in that room weren’t Strange Folk he would have stuck around and eavesdropped on the conversation, but the risk of Dr. Tarkirk discovering him was too great. He wasn’t in the mood to have another spell placed on him. A shiver ran down his spine just thinking about it. He shoved his good hand into his pocket bracing the cold air. Going out without a coat today was a bad idea.

Maddy gazed at the bus stop sign across the street and then back at the school. He still had a couple more classes, but between avoiding Dr. Tarkirk and still feeling awful he figured it would be better to call school quits for the day. He let out a huff, remembering his phone was still plugged in the socket at Bill’s place, he wouldn’t be able to get a bus back without it. He hunched his shoulders as a breeze bit at his exposed neck and tried to ignore the frustration that simmered inside him threatening to boil over.

Coat. He needed a coat. He’d go to his apartment, pick it up, walk the hour to Bill’s, and then call Dee and ask her what the hell is going on.

It seemed his plan hit a roadblock fifteen minutes later when Douggie’s Diner came into view and there were dozens of onlookers were standing outside, even the local news van was there. He surmised that Nanabo’s death must have made it on TV.

He weaved his way through the crowd, ignoring the crime scene tape, and banged on the front door.

“Maddy?!” Doug opened the door, wide-eyed. He pulled him through and quickly shut it. “What the hell are you doing here?” He looked Maddy up and down. “You’re not looking too good.”

“So everybody tells me.” Maddy huffed. “I came to pick up some more clothes.”

“Son, are you nuts?” Doug gestured to the tape around the room. “This is still an active investigation! The only reason why I’m here is to get the cash out of the register, the cops wouldn’t let me get it last night.”

“I just need to get my coat.” Maddy pressed his lips together. He really didn’t need another thing going wrong today.

“Be quick,” Doug said letting out a heavy sigh and slumped at one of the booths.

Hesitating, Maddy looked around the diner. The chairs were still stacked on the tables and the early afternoon sun casted its light through the large windows, giving the diner a soft glow despite the main lights being turned off.

For over two and a half years, this place was a source of comfort for him. It was a sense of normalcy. When he was having a bad day, he could just go to work and pretend he was just a normal student struggling with normal young adult problems.

But as he locked eyes with the crime scene tape wrapped in the center of the room, he felt cold. Dull gray eyes intruded his thoughts and he had to blink hard to make them disappear. He couldn’t even have this one thing. The noose around his heart gave a tug and he was once again reminded that he should have been grateful what he had while it lasted.

A different set of gray eyes popped into Maddy’s head. Then a set of pearly white teeth, a perfectly straight nose, and a jawline that was sharp enough to cut through paper. The full face came into view and he forced his gaze to Doug.

Bags, heavy and purple, sagged underneath his eyes, making him look older than he was. His head rested against one hand, fingers covering his lips. He was still wearing the same shirt and pants from last night and Maddy wondered if he was forced to go to the station to answer more questions.

“Are you okay?” Maddy asked quietly. He realized he was acting like a child who had their favorite toy taken away, meanwhile, this place was Doug's livelihood.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Doug turned his head from the window and gave him a smile that made the corners of his eyes crinkle. “Once the cops are done, business is going to skyrocket. I’ll need your help then.”

Maddy gave him a slow nod. He wasn’t sure he could handle the onslaught of new customers.

Doug gestured for him to sit across from him.

He slowly sat down in the booth and placed his good hand in his pockets. His body eased into the cushions and he hadn’t realized how badly he needed to rest until now.

“The cameras my nephew installed last year actually turned out to be useful.” Doug stated. “The police watched the recording and believe he might have just been confused and came here in a panic. I think they’re going to rule it an accident.”

Help me Belvie. Maddy pressed his lips into a firm line as Mr. Nanabo’s words echoed in his head, and the jingle of the door rang in his ears. “Dr. Tarkirk thinks the same thing.”

“But you don’t think so?”

The room filled with a heavy silence.

Maddy could tell Doug was staring hard at him, but he couldn’t bring himself to look at the older man, keeping his gaze focused on looking outside. There were no people here, just space for extra parking and some trees. Tears threatened to pool in his eyes.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Doug eventually asked.

Yes, with Dee. He didn’t speak afraid of what his voice would sound like. The last thing he wanted was more pity. He gave Doug a short shake of his head.

“Do you have a place to stay tonight?”

He nodded once.

“That’s good,” Doug said softly. “Is it with Adrianna?”

He gave another head shake.

“Oh? Are you staying at a hotel? You can stay with me if you’d like. Bunny makes the best breakfast food!” Doug gestured with his hands and smiled brightly.

“I’m staying with someone from school,” Maddy finally said, his voice a little horse. He looked away again as his cheeks grew hot.

“Son, there’s no shame in relying on the help of others,” Doug assured. “Can I give you some advice?”

Maddy turned to face him.

The older man’s eyes crinkled as he spoke, “It doesn’t make you any less of a man to share your burden with others.”

But he wasn’t a man. He was a monster, selfish and undeserving of his boss’s kindness. He mustered a smile, “Thanks, Doug.”

“You hungry?” Doug asked with a wide grin, already knowing the answer. He added, “Who am I kidding, you’re always hungry.”

Another smile brushed across his face.“It’s not my fault. I’m still growing.”

What he really wanted- needed were a couple of blood capsules, but he could bury the sensation down for a little longer and maybe something with meat would help.

“Same!” Doug let out a hearty laugh that was too contagious for even Maddy to suppress.

Fifteen minutes later, Maddy found himself with a case of beer, a corn beef sandwich, and some bar snacks in a bag.

“Now, make sure you don’t get caught drinking that, we wouldn’t want the cops coming around here.” Doug let out a small chuckle.

He grinned and nodded as Doug held the door open for him. He wasn’t sure for certain if it was his boss or the two other corn beef sandwiches he ate, but for the first time all day, he was actually starting to feel better.

That is until he made eye contact with the last person he wanted to see and everything he was holding in boiled over.