NIGHT SHIFT

This is a VERY slow burn.
-----
Frank Castle has a routine.

Before a job-and sometimes after-he stops at the same twenty-four-hour diner. Same corner booth. Same black coffee. Same waitress.

Josie Monroe, twenty-five and new to New York City, knows Frank only as her quiet, intimidating regular. He barely talks, always sits facing the door, and occasionally shows up with bruised knuckles he refuses to explain.

She has no idea what he really does.

No idea that the man whose coffee she has waiting every night is the Punisher.

Then Frank walks in one rainy night beaten, bloody, and barely holding himself together. Josie grabs the first-aid kit instead of asking questions.

Frank knows he should stop coming.

Because somewhere along the way, the diner stopped being part of his routine.

Josie became it.