Broken Timelines

Part 5

New Scene: Diner

Max and Chloe enter the diner, the bell above the door chimes softly. They spot Y/N sitting at a corner booth, a cup of coffee in front of him. He looks up as they approach, a small smile playing on his lips.

Y/N: (smiling) Max, Chloe. Good to see you both.

Max: (cautiously) Hey, Y/N. You wanted to talk?

Y/N: (nods) Yeah, I've got some info that might help. But first, let's grab some breakfast.

Chloe: (raising an eyebrow) Breakfast? You're buying?

Y/N: (laughs) Why not? My treat.

They sit down, and a waitress comes over to take their orders. Y/N orders a stack of pancakes, while Max and Chloe settle for coffee and toast.

Max: (leaning in) So, what's the deal? What do you know about Rachel?

Y/N: (serious) A lot more than I thought. Turns out, Rachel was into some deep shit. Drugs, parties, all that. But there's more to it.

Chloe: (skeptical) Like what?

Y/N: (pauses) She was mixed up with some dangerous people. People who don't play nice.

Max: (whispering) Who?

Y/N: (shrugs) Not sure yet. But I've got my eye on a few suspects. That's where you two come in.

Chloe: (curious) How can we help?

Y/N: (smirking) I need you to do some digging. Look into Rachel's past. Find out who she was hanging out with, where she was going. There's a trail of clues out there, we just need to follow it.

Max: (nods) Alright, we can do that.

Y/N: (looking around) Just keep it quiet. Eyes and ears everywhere in this town. Don't want the wrong people catching wind of what we're doing.

Chloe: (grinning) Don't worry, we know how to play it cool.

Y/N: (smiling) Good. Now, about that breakfast...

The waitress brings their food, and they start to eat. The atmosphere is tense but exciting, the promise of uncovering secrets hanging in the air.

Chloe: (between bites) So, what's your deal, Y/N? Why are you suddenly so helpful?

Y/N: (leaning back) I have my reasons. Let's just say, I owe it to someone.

Max: (softly) Who?

Y/N: (smiling mysteriously) Someone who deserves to know the truth. Like you two.

As they finish their meal, Y/N's phone buzzes. He checks the message and his expression turns serious.

Y/N: (standing) Change of plans. We need to move. Now.

Max: (whispering) What's going on?

Y/N: (motioning them to follow) I'll explain on the way. Let's go.

Scene: Diner Parking Lot

Max, Chloe, and Y/N step outside the diner, the cool morning air hitting their faces. Y/N leads them towards a sleek, black car parked nearby.

Chloe: (whistles) Nice ride, Y/N. Where'd you get this?

Y/N: (smirking) Borrowed it from a friend. Don't worry, they won't miss it.

Max: (raising an eyebrow) Borrowed? You mean stole, right?

Y/N: (laughs) Semantics, Max. Get in.

They all climb into the car, Y/N behind the wheel. He starts the engine and pulls out of the parking lot, driving towards the outskirts of Arcadia Bay.