Terrible Friend

27

Albert is apprehensive as they drive away. Leaving Jax standing in front of a crowd of people dressed just like the guys that have attacked him twice now. 

"He'll be fine Albert. Remember, he's immortal. The worst they can do to them is imprison him in something. It shouldn't take even if they tried because he's already bound."

"If you say so. I still feel kinda bad leaving the poor guy there with them his first day as a human. It's like dropping a baby off in a lion's den and hoping they don't eat it."

Beverly laughed out loud.  "It's more the opposite.  We just dropped a lion off in a playroom full of children.  He'll be fine. You hungry? I'm starving."

Albert looked over his shoulder one more time.  Jax was being escorted in the gate and the crowd of bald heads gathered behind him. Albert sighed.

"Yeah. I could eat. What are you in the mood for?"

"I know this great little diner out on 84."

"Jim's Diner?"

"Yeah. You know it?"

"Oh yea. Great little place.  Jim was a friend of my dad's. We ate there a lot when I was growing up. I haven't been there in a while. Be nice to be back there maybe.  Let's go."

They rode the rest of the way to the diner in silence. 

Albert and Beverly went inside and took a seat.  Albert looked around and noticed the place hadn't changed too much.  There was a new flashy jukebox in the corner and the product pictures were different, but otherwise it looked just like he remembered it.

The waitress, a dainty blonde in form fitting black pants and a button down white with green stripes approached.  "Hey folks. Welcome to Jim's Diner. What can I get you to drink?" She asked as she set silverware and glasses of water down in front of them. 

Albert ordered coffee and Beverly ordered a sweet tea.  "Is Jim around? He's an old friend of the family and I'd like to say hello." Albert asked the waitress.

"Sure is sugar. I'll send him right on over." She turned and sauntered off to get their drinks.

"Friendly girl that one."  Albert said to Beverly. An attempt to break the awkward silence that had developed between them. 

"Yeah. That's Jesse.  She used to be a man. Been working here about seven years now. Just as awesome after the change as before."

Albert turned and looked at her over his shoulder. She was talking to a man about his age at the drink station. "I never would have guessed. Wait, Jim's youngest son Jesse?"

"One and the same."

"Wow."  The man Jesse was talking to a moment before  approached with their drinks and set them on the table in front of them.  "A little bird tells me you fine folks asked to speak with me?"

Albert looked up and eyed the man.  "Jimmy?  Jimmy Dickson?"

"Yeah, that's right.  Who might you be and what can I do for you?"

"Holy shit man. You got old.  I was expecting your dad. You don't remember me do you?"

"Can't say that I do. I don't remember much these days though.  Picked myself up a brain tumor and it plays with my memory."

"Man I'm sorry to hear that.  I'm Albert.  My parents, Rose and Alfred, and I used to come in here a lot.  You and I, and little Jesse over there used to run around these tables together."

"Oh my. I vaguely remember that!  They were in the accident in..."

"Ninety-seven. Yeah, that's them."

"So, how have you been. It's been a while."

They make small talk and catch up, avoiding the topic of the pending end of the world as Beverly sits quietly sipping her sweet tea. 

"Pardon my manors." Albert glances at Beverly.  "This is an associate and friend of mine Beverly Beverly, this is Jimmy.  Jim, the owner's son."

"I'm actually the owner now.  Dad passed away a few years ago and I took over the place." Jimmy interjected as he reached his hand out to Beverly.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm glad it's you that took it over. It just wouldn't be the same feel belonging to someone else." Beverly replied.

"Thanks.  So, what else can I get you?" Jimmy asked.

Albert was dumbfounded and feeling guilty.  He spent a lot of time with these people when he was younger, their father passed away a few years ago and he had no idea. He really needed to be better about keeping in touch. 

They placed their order with Jimmy and he went to make it.  Albert looked at Beverly silent and brooding for a long moment. Finally, he spoke. "You knew the family as well, then?"

"Somewhat. We didn't spend time together outside of the diner here, but I come here a lot."

Albert nodded his head.  This family, and many more like them being destroyed by Dongorul flashed through his mind.  He looked around the diner. "So, what do I need to know about this Dongorul. How do we stop him?  More importantly, how are we going to know when Jax has the information we need.  We didn't exactly arrange a pick up time."

"We'll know. As for Dongorul, if we get there in time to stop the ritual, nothing.  We just have to yank the statue and prevent the ritual from being carried out. If he does get out, then I'll just need to trap him in something else. It's really all we can do with demons. Just, if he does get set free, don't get in his way. Defend me while I do the ritual to put him back." 

Albert cringed less at the word now.  It doesn't all make sense to him, but with what all he has seen now, it's starting to come together. Beverly spoke of it so matter of factly. Like it was common place for her. "So, it's stop the ritual or...?"

"Or, he starts destroying everything around him. Eating every one and everything in his path."

"Ok. Movie reference time.  Are we talking Godzilla or Cthulhu here?"

Beverly rolled her eyes.  "Yes. Dongorul is what you get if you breed Godzilla and Cthulhu together. The destruction he will cause in a short amount of time will be devastating.  He will destroy the mine in moments.  If he gets out of there, the rest of the world in a matter of days."

"Holy shit!" Albert rubs his face with his hands. 

"Yeah."

They finished their lunch and Beverly dropped Albert back off at the gallery. 

"Go home and get some rest. I'll call you as soon as I know anything." Beverly said as she parked and headed into the gallery.

Albert nodded and headed for his truck.  He made it home without incident.  He didn't make it much further though.