As there was a pause in the conversation the picture on the TV hanging on a wall behind the counter caught their attention; Stone’s more than anyone else’s. It was about the murders in Washington. The FBI had leads they were running down. Several persons of interest were being questioned. And though no one at the Bureau would be specific, apparently there was a theory tying together the killings of Simpson and Gray.

Tyree said, “Hope that they catch the bastard. I think it’s some terrorist plot.”

“Towelheads on the run,” said Danny, chuckling. “Well, if they come here they’ll be pretty easy to spot.”

“No laughing matter, Danny. These crazies are trying to take over the world.” He touched his gun. “But I tell you what, if they do show up in Divine, they can expect some good old American justice.”

Stone turned to Abby. “What sort of work do you need done?”

Tyree stood, the rubbed leather of his gun belt squeaking slightly. “Danny, come see me later, boy, okay?”

It really wasn’t a question.

Danny grinned, nodded and went back to his over-easy eggs and grease-fried bacon.

“Supplies need to be brought in from the back,” Abby told Stone. “Storage room picked up. Windows washed, floor mopped. One of my dishwashers called in sick so you can pitch in there too.”

Stone nodded, wiped his mouth with his napkin and rose. “Just give me a quick walkthrough and I’ll get to it.”

“Don’t you want to know your pay scale?”

“I’ll leave it up to you.”

“You’re a trusting man,” chuckled Tyree before he left.

No, I’m not.

As Stone followed Abby to the back room Danny’s grin eased off his face as he looked at the dirty, tired men staring back at him. He finished eating, slurped down his coffee, jumped up from the table and made his way to the door. Before he got there, a lanky man rose from his table and blocked his way. He had greasy hair, three days of beard, a coal-dusted face, and eyes that were just begging for trouble.

“Hey, Lonnie,” said Danny. “You’re looking like shit just like always.”

“What you doing back here? Heard you bought yourself a ticket on the train. Had enough of Divine. Ain’t that right, Danny boy? Had enough of us?”

“Didn’t you know? Got the FBI on my ass for robbing that damn train. Came here to hide out. You’ll cover for me, right?”

“You think any of that’s funny?” said Lonnie as he slipped a wedge of chew into his mouth, pushing his fingers so far in it was a wonder he didn’t gag.

“I try to find the humor in everything, Lonnie. Makes life a lot more bearable.”

“You staying this time or not?”