Coffee and Consequences.
The two men sat at opposite ends of the mid century diner. They didn’t know I was watching from the customer’s blind spot in the kitchen. We three, and Willy the cook were the only inhabitants on this late Monday night.
“You fellas, need anything?” I interrupted the silence that rang louder than the falling rain drops.
“Coffee.” his voice had a low grumble to it like a growl.
“Sure thing toots.” I granted his wish, and grabbed the stale pot of coffee and headed over.
“I’ll take some too.” The man on the other end chimed in.
“It is a crazy world out there, but you would be doing me a favor if you two scooted just a little closer.” I request them to get a little friendlier.
Neither man wanted to. Finally the older one, agreed. I could tell he was older the edges of his black hair withered away to gray. They kept their space, but my job was easier. I poured the coffee for the weathered man’s first.
“How do you take it?”
“Just a bit of cream.” He replied.
“What about you?” I looked to the younger man. His hair kept its color, brown.
“Black is fine, ma’am.” He didn’t even look at me when he answered.
“Anything else?” I could tell neither of them desired to talk, but I wouldn’t be doing my duty if I didn’t ask.
The older man, flashed a grin and shook his head. The other one kept his eyes blankly starring at the plates in front of him.
“I’ll leave you to it.” I blurted out, as I disappeared back into the kitchen.
The fluorescent lights castes no shadows as the men sipped their beverages. The younger one was the first to break the quiet.
“The job didn’t go as expected, Roger.”
“Where’s the rest of the crew?” Roger was curious.
“The cops were waiting for us. It was a god damn set up!” The younger man’s facade of confidence was beginning to wane.
“What? Where’s the rest of the guys? Danny! You better start talking.” Roger spoke and faced Danny.
“They’re all dead or busted! The truck was supposed to be easy pickings! We set the road block, like you told us to. The driver threw his hands up, and opened the back compartment. Tommy hit him with tire iron, and down he goes. Louie threw the door open and that’s when the shooting started. Louie got the worst of it, he fell back and hit the ground. Tommy tried reaching for his piece but he wasn’t fast enough. Drew pushed me out of the way and turned tail towards his car. He sped out of there like a bat out of hell. I split and hid in the bushes near the road. That’s when I saw Drew again, he turned around and was racing to get away, there were three sirens coming right behind him. I turned away and ran through a farmer’s field. I never looked back.” Any sense of relief Danny felt as those words left his lips were quickly shattered.
“So you don’t, have the money?” Roger condemned.
“There wasn’t any money!” Danny countered.
“Sorry Danny boy, a deals a deal. You had till tonight.” Roger retorted.
“Now wait just a god damn minute! We’ve been a thorn in your side for months, then you tip us off about an easy job. I lose three of my friends. Now you want your money? Something doesn’t seem right……. You ratted on us!” Danny stood and walked towards Roger.
He was furious, a vein in his neck jutted forward, pulsing with every step he took.
“I’ve been in this business longer than you. How do you think I stay on top?” Roger leaned back stuck his hand in his coat.
Pow! Pow!
I shrieked when I heard the gunshots.
Danny collapsed upon the stools, clutching his abdomen as his white shirt turned crimson.
“Next time do yourself a favor and let the police catch you. Never run.” Roger hung over Danny’s ear when he spoke. He threw down a wad of cash, on the counter and turned towards the door.
“AAAAAHHHH YOU Son of a bitch.” Danny yelled as he flopped on the floor. He drew his pistol and squeezed the trigger.
The glass door shattered first, as Danny found his aim. The grey suit ripped as the bullets fell across Roger’s back. He collapsed and rolled down the stairs.
“Willy let’s get the hell out of here!” was the last thing I said that night.
