"Why do you look so miserable?"
Looking up I noticed the woman watching me with a smile.
"I don't see how anyone rests around here... Those gunshots didn't cease at all!" I felt mildly annoyed from the lack of sleep.
"Oh well me and Max are quite used to this. Happens every night!"
"Max?" I asked. Walking over to the counter I watched her closely.
"Yes! He is my husband and the owner of this fine diner!" I simply stared at her as she looked at me hesitantly. "Oh my... Did we not introduce ourselves?! My god! MAX!!!" She screamed.
Not even a few moments later did Max arrive from the kitchen. He looked around manacling before realizing there was no danger.
"Woman! Why in the seven hells would you holler like that!? Had me thinking we were getting robbed!" He fussed. Once he noticed the tears in her eyes he glared at me. "What in the hell did you say to my wife?!"
"Oh, Max! She didn't do anything. I'm just so ashamed!" She held her hand over her eyes as she wept. "We never introduced ourselves to this young lady! How can we say we have manners yet we didn't use them!"
Max looked at her dumbfoundedly. "Well introduce yourself to her then! I ain't got any time for such nonsense! Leave me be a woman!" He marched back towards the kitchen as his wife stood stunned.
"Oh... Well he does make a fair point... Well..." She turned towards me with a smile. "My name is Mary Clench! That was my husband Max Clench! We own this diner. What is your name?"
Ah... I'd rather not tell her my name... "You can call me Ami." It won't be far off but my family name... It would be better to not be using it. At least not now... "What is it we normally do while we wait for people to come in?"
"Clean, prepare everything for coffee and such, and make sure all the guns are loaded!" Mary smiled happily before retrieving a shotgun.
"My word... You keep that thing loaded?!" I had never seen such a lethal beauty in my life... Pull the fore end once and it is time to go. I watched her handle it easily before putting it away. "What time is it?"
"Oh it should be nearly 10. We open at 10 o' clock so I'd figure that's about the time. As long as you are here by 12 o' clock we don't care when ya come in."
"I just need to be here before the boss?" Well then... Grabbing my fiery ginger hair I glanced at Mary. "Do you have a spare kerchief I can borrow for the time being?"
Mary smiled before pulling one from her pocket. "I always keep one just in case! Need help putting in?" Walking around the counter I turned around so she could put my hair up. It has been quite a long while since I've allowed someone to do my hair... "There!"
I could feel most of the hair resting in the kerchief yet some strand flowed into a mess of waves. "This should do. I don't have a brush or a way of doing my hair at the moment so it is a mess."
"Well I would say you look like a hot mess then..." I was startled by the male behind me. Turning around I was surprised to see a familiar face. It was the man I stole $10 from nearly 2 days ago. What was his name...?
"Oh! Why is it you again!" I gave him a small smile as Mary squealed excitedly. "John Boyd Clench! It has been quite some time since you last visited us!" I was surprised to see Mary hug him so...affectionately. "Max, honey! Look who is here!!!"
"Now Mary you don't need to-" John began to speak.
"Now don't you start with that again! I know you and Max may not be on speaking terms but at least enjoy each other's company!" I watched her glare at John who protested. "I will not hear a word of it! Now then Ami can you take his order for me while I find this grumble bear husband of mine..."
YOU ARE READING
Devastation (Paused)
Mystery / Thriller"Keep talking and you'll end up as my pet..."
