Dead.

Ray:

I viewed the lighter before looking at the dumbfounded man, “This is yours?”

He nodded, his face vague.

I handed him his lighter, “Alright. Could you step back from the window? People would like to enjoy their coffees peacefully without you effecting them with that toxic.” I stated, referring to the cigarette.

The blond nodded, “O-kay.”

I looked at him strangely before walking away slowly-then I remembered. Rectangular glasses, bond hair-I stopped and turned to face him. His view was on the lighter in the palm of his hand. He seemed blanked out, in his own world. I approached him again, “I’m sorry, but do you know where I can find the library?”

The blond looked at me. It took him a while to reply, “We don’t have a library...but we have a bookstore.”

“Oh, what a shame.” I added, “I’m new in town, as you can tell. I moved in to solve-”

“The Raven case, I know-everyone knows.”

I nodded, “Right...and you? What's your name?”

He gave the ground a look before muttering, “Mik-”

“Detective.”

I looked to the open door of the coffee shop, Frank walked out. He stood by the blond’s side, “Do you need something?”

I took a step back, “No. But have you seen Gerard?”

Frank looked at me, “Nope. We broke it off.” I saw from the corner of my eye that Frank tugged at the blond’s jacket. I tucked in my lips, “You must be heartbroken.”

Frank shrugged, “It happens-now if you’ll excuse me, my friend and I are going to see a movie.”

“Sounds fun.” I looked at Frank’s friend, “I never caught your name.”

Frank glanced at him, giving him a look I couldn't describe. But I knew it was the look full of concern and hesitation.

Frank’s friend did not make eye contact, “Mikey, sir.”

Mikey.

Notes