He could feel the weight of every assumption Gary had made in the last five minutes about the jacket, the boots, the skin, the cash. He reached for his coffee. Gary slid it across the counter hard enough that it sloshed. Brown liquid spilled over the rim and pooled on the saucer.

“There’s your coffee.” Gary smiled again, that gated smile. “Enjoy your visit.”

Maxwell picked up the cup, took a sip, set it back down. Then he said very quietly, “What’s your full name?” Gary blinked. “What?” “Your full name, first and last.” “Why?” “Just want to remember who I’m talking to.”

Gary puffed up, straightened his tie, tapped his name tag with two fingers.

“Gary Wilson, floor manager, six years, and I’ll be here long after you’re gone.” Maxwell looked at the name tag, looked at Gary’s face, and something in his eyes shifted, so small that only Denise caught it. Not anger, not hurt, something closer to a decision being made.

“Six years,” Maxwell repeated softly. “Got it.” He picked up his coffee, turned, and walked to a table near the back wall, sat down with his back to the room, set his phone on the table face down, and waited.

Maxwell sat at the back table for twelve minutes. He drank his coffee slow, ate his pie in small bites, watched the room from under the brim of his cap. Gary watched him, too, not subtly.

Gary stood behind the register with his arms crossed, eyes fixed on Maxwell like a hawk tracking a rabbit across an open field.

Every few seconds he’d mutter something to Denise or glance at Marshall. The message was clear. I’m watching. Don’t try anything. Maxwell set his fork down. The pie was good, buttery crust, pecans roasted just right. Whatever was wrong with this restaurant, wasn’t the kitchen.

He stood up, carried his plate and cup to the counter, set them down gently. “Thank you, that was real good.” Denise reached for the dishes. “I’m glad you…” “Hold on.” Gary stepped forward. He planted both hands on the counter.

“You’re not leaving yet.” Maxwell looked at him. “I paid, I ate, I’m done.” “Yeah, well, I’ve been watching you.” Gary tilted his head.