Locals

John wanted me to turn the T.V off because it was too loud while he was eating. I wanted to see what the man on the loose sketch looked like, but I guess he doesn’t like that stuff. John, a regular, comes by at least five times a week for breakfast, so most days. Orders the same thing every time. Black coffee, scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. The ones who have worked here longer than me say his order hasn't changed for ten years. You learn to appreciate people like that. When someone familiar like John comes in, you know what he wants, you know how he likes things. It's so easy. I’d even say it makes you feel safe. That's Westchester for you. We all know everything about each other here, and hardly ever get tourists. Sometimes people stop for gas and food, occasionally we have some stay the night. So when someone new comes around, we can tell.

It was Sunday morning when that man came in. I’ll never forget that smell. It was as if his flesh was burning, with an after smell of boiled eggs. SO putrid. From the time he walked in to the time he sat at the bar, three people had already asked for their check. I didn’t want to serve him, but things were slow these last couple of weeks so I was taking any patrons that I could. His order was simple. Hamburger and fries with a side of ranch. I’ve never seen anyone dip fries in ranch, so I made a mental note to try that later when I had time. John was sitting three seats down, eating what he alwaysordered, reading the Sunday paper. Him being here made me feel a lot better about the smelly man, because John made me feel safe.

It happened fast. When you watch movies and people get shot, they undersell how much blood comes out of you. Especially when you get shot in the head. The smell too. I thought the man smelled bad, but I had never smelled what death was. I wish John hadn’t come in that Sunday. Cause he’d still be here. At least he wasn’t paying attention when it happened. Two shots. One through his neck, the other through his forehead. After he shot John, the foul smelling man got on his knees and waited for the police to arrive. Sheriff Sherman showed up with the boys and the man went without any resistance. A whole bunch of news trucks showed up to interview me and everyone else that was in the diner at the time. “Escaped Convict murders Grandfather of Seven” was the headline,

I wish John had let me see that sketch.