“Could I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Would you mind putting the coffee on tomorrow's bill?”
Noah smiled.
“It's one dollar.”
“I know.”
“You don't have to pay me tomorrow.”
Walter looked uncomfortable.
“I don't like owing people.”
“Then consider it a gift.”
Walter shook his head.
“No.”
Noah placed another cup of coffee on the counter.
“Then consider it a loan.”
Walter smiled.
“That I can accept.”
Before Noah could walk away, the diner door opened.
A man in an expensive black coat entered.
His name was Richard Cole.
He was a local businessman who owned several properties around town.
He looked at Walter.
Then at Noah.
“Is he still here?”
Noah frowned.
“Do you know him?”
Richard ignored the question.
He walked toward Booth Seven.
Walter didn't look up.
Richard stopped beside the table.
“You've been coming here for weeks.”
Walter slowly raised his eyes.
“I like the coffee.”
“You know what I mean.”
Noah stepped closer.
“Sir, is there a problem?”
Richard smiled.
“There will be if you involve yourself in something you don't understand.”
Walter finally spoke.
“Leave the boy out of this.”
Richard's smile disappeared.
“You should have left town when I gave you the chance.”
Noah stared at Walter.
Walter said nothing.
Richard turned and walked out.
The diner door slammed behind him.
Noah waited.
Then asked:
“Who was that?”
Walter looked toward the window.
“Someone who doesn't like being told no.”
“What did you say no to?”
Walter took a slow breath.
“Selling something.”
“Your house?”
“No.”
“Land?”
Walter smiled sadly.
“My past.”
Noah didn't understand.
He would soon.
The following evening, Walter didn't come.
Neither did he come the next day.
Or the day after.