Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
I stared down at my pocket watch and, in the reflection, saw him. He stared at me with hatred in his eyes. I couldn't stand looking at him. Perhaps I just hated the sight of myself. Or perhaps I refused to accept that he and I were the same. The same monster that took away everything that I held dear.
Gabriel de Allare.
Arizona, 1987
I took another sip of coffee. It was dreadfully bitter and lukewarm. A reminder that I'm still alive.
I stood up as the sun rose. The warmth hit my body like a truck. Sitting on the diner's rooftop had always given me a feeling of peace.
I climbed down and entered the diner. Six, our cashier, was there waiting for me. She greeted me as she always does.
"Heya, boss. Welcome back."
"Morning, Sixer." I answered.
A small smile appeared on her face as she continued writing in her notebook. I walked over to the counter and picked up my fedora.
"So how's the Diner doing?" I asked her.
"Not good. We still have that unpaid debt, plus the sink just broke. Disgusting water all over the kitchen floor."
"Pff... I'll deal with it."
"M'kay."
I tossed her a coin as she grabbed it without looking away from her notebook.
"For your troubles."
"Thanks, Mr. Gabriel."
"I'll go fix the sink. Remember, I'm just a call away, Sixer. Stay safe."
"You got it."