“They always try to sugarcoat it.” The old guy down the counter shakes his head. Time to refresh his coffee.

The clatter of the glass pot, the smell, the steam rushing up—all familiar. Familiar as the sterile-sad voice overhead.

“Police say a full investigation will be conducted. They decline to release the name of the suspect pending notification of the family.”

“Suspect,” the old guy grunts. “Dollars to donuts it’s just a kid.”

Brick pays closer attention to his phone. “Maybe one of my guys. My phone is blowing up.”

My hand moves, almost of its own accord. Across the counter to cover his free hand.

BRICK

As I stroll out the diner, Noodle’s texting me up down and backwards. Where u at?

Taking care of some business, I answer.

Can’t exactly tell him I’m doing what I do most evenings. Eating mediocre diner pie and slow playing his ex.

Srsly, Noodle types. Get down here. It’s lit.

It might never happen, me and Jennica. Maybe it shouldn’t, either.

Ten cruisers on Peach. Paddy wagon rolling in.

Get clear of it, I instruct him. What is he thinking messing around with this? He’s reckless. Dives headfirst into a mess and expects to come up clean.

Can’t, he says. We’re throwing down.

Sigh. Sometimes I wonder what Jennica ever saw in Noodle in the first place. He has only two settings: pissed off about everything or high enough not to care about anything. She deserves better. He’s my boy, but come on. She’s too smart for him. She deserves some nuance. Some sweet. I have more to offer her than Noodle ever could.

I’m biding my time. I could close this deal anytime I want, though. I know what to say to make it happen. She moves like a frightened rabbit. She would fall into my arms, like she keeps falling back into Noodle’s. I could save her.

If it was any other girl, I might go on and get it done. See how it all shook out. We’d run fast and hot like a struck match, then flame out just as easily. But Jennica’s not just any girl.

She’s gotta know, she’s safe with me. However long that takes. Slow burn. Something Noodle could never comprehend.

I tell him again, We don’t need trouble. Get out.

Can’t, bro. Everyone’s here.

Goddammit. All right. Tuck my collar, glide toward the scene. My ride’s parked between Peach and the diner anyway. Easy enough to swing past and see what’s up. At least long enough to smack Noodle upside the head and bring him home.