Afflicted

I moved into the shop, setting off a small bell above the door as I entered. There was a black sofa to the right of the counter and a door which led to something labelled ‘family room’ on my left. I strolled up to the counter and waited for someone to appear.

After a few minutes, a woman hurried out to greet me, patting her dark hair down as she arrived. Not Mr Hoffman or his sons then.

“I'm so sorry, I was on lunch,” she explained as she wiped at her face, obviously worrying she may have some food there.

“No problem, I won't hold you up. I've come to collect some ashes,” I said briskly, glad to have an excuse not to linger.

Her face slipped into a mask of condolence and sympathy that she had obviously spent years perfecting. “Of course, Mr…”

“Walsh. I'm here for Nathaniel Walsh.” I confirmed, trying to convey that I didn't need any sympathy.

Presumably she wasn't used to that and laid a hand on my arm, gazing at me in a very understanding way. “Would you like some time with him in the family room?” she asked in a soothing voice. “It can be a very emotional moment.”

I couldn't help but bark out a laugh. “Thanks but no. I can assure you that the only emotion I'm feeling is relief. Besides, I'm a little late for my own lunch so if you could just bring it out.”

The woman bit her lip, clearly choosing whether to say anything in response. She obviously decided against it as she ducked back out of the room with a slight nod.

I pulled my cellphone from my pocket and quickly tapped a message to Kai.

12:37 - I'm running late as you've probably gathered. Feel free to order and I'll be there asap

The seconds dragged on, defined by a large grandfather clock which was tucked into a corner and made a loud ticking sound.

Kai 12:38 - Already ordered. If you don't hurry we'll eat yours

I smirked at the message and glanced up as the woman reentered carrying a silver urn.

“I'm so sorry for your loss,” she said sincerely as she passed it over.

“Don't be, he was no loss,” I replied as I reached out to take it from her. I hesitated for a moment, somehow reluctant to hold it.

The little box which used to be my father felt heavier than I expected. I frowned at it for a moment, half considering dumping it in the nearest trash can.

“If you need a moment-“ the woman began softly.

“I don't. What do I owe you?” I looked up at her, intending to smile but finding my mouth didn't want to cooperate.

“The account has already been settled-“

“Great. Goodbye.” I turned my back on her and walked outside, setting off the tinkling bell again as I went.

I headed straight for my truck and dumped the urn into the bed on the back.

I jogged around the hood and jumped in the cab, starting the engine quickly. I let out a deep breath I hadn't realised I’d been holding and gripped the steering wheel tightly. I stared at my knuckles as they started to turn white.

A prickle on the back of my neck made me look up at the shop window where the woman was staring out at me, her face etched in pity. My lip curled back as I shoved the truck into gear and I pulled away, leaving her behind.

I sped down the road, forcing myself to ease off the accelerator as the speedo started to tick up much higher than it should.

I pulled into the parking lot for Donny’s Pizza Palace, jerking the truck around into a space. I could hear the urn banging against the sides of the truck as it rolled around in the back.

“It looks like it's my turn to knock you about,” I muttered as I jumped out of the truck and jogged into the restaurant.

I spotted Kai and Hawker in a secluded booth at the back of the restaurant. Kai was half way through a pizza the size of a car tyre and Hawker was well into hers too. There were two empty spots opposite them with a pizza before each. I guessed that meant Santos was coming as well but I couldn't see her anywhere.

I made my way over to them, waving off the waitress as she spotted me.

I dropped down into the seat opposite Kai and he looked up at me with a grin. He was Korean and his dark hair was pushed back, growing slightly longer than regulations allowed. No doubt he'd get it cut soon but he never could resist pushing the boundaries.