Page 100 of Forbidden Moon
RJ agreed and walked over to join the man. The guy looked pleasant enough, though he didn’t smile. He was of medium height and build, with longish light brown hair and a short beard. If RJ were any judge, he appeared to be sozzled already. Rascal introduced himself as he sat on the tall stool.
“I’m RJ Wilson. Thanks for sharing your table. I didn’t realize it would be so busy in here tonight.”
The man saluted him with a half-empty glass.
“Dominic Bluett. Glad I could help.”
The waitress arrived, and given how busy they were, RJ ordered food and drink right away. He and Bluett exchanged a few pleasantries, even as the man continued to drink. RJ understood his goal was to get smashed quickly to forget about some trouble with a co-worker. Bluett again grew quiet when the waitress returned with the food. While RJ wasn’t about to press for more information, the poor man seemed deeply troubled and in need of a listening ear.
He began eating in relative silence, his bruised cheek aching with every bite. Dominic continued the assault on his liver, mumbling incomprehensibly between gulps. RJ decided to try some innocuous conversation in the hopes Bluett would at least slow down a little.
“So, how long have you lived in Gladstone?”
Dominic paused mid-drink and blinked at him.
“Uhhh, not too long. What ‘bout you?”
“I moved here a few weeks ago for work. Still getting used to the place. What do you do for a living?”
Dominic took another slug and set the glass down a little too hard.
“Grocery store. Yep. Retail sucks.”
RJ racked his brain for something else to say.
“Well, what keeps you busy on your off hours?”
Dominic began leaning a bit, and RJ wondered if he would slide right off the stool.
“Used to birdwatch. Wouldn’t believe what I saw...”
“Oh? Something rare?”
Dominic nodded.
“Yep. Nobody believe it ‘cept the bastard. Never shoudda told. Nope. All my fault.”
RJ didn’t know what the guy rambled on about and chose not to respond while he finished up the last of his meal. Dominic stared at his empty glass and then attempted to wave down the waitress. RJ reached out to steady him.
“Hang on there, friend. Maybe you’ve had enough for tonight. Would you like me to call you a cab?”
Dominic stared, struggling to find the right words.
“Wha? No, no, no... I kin walk.”
He crossed his arms on the table and lay his head down. RJ let him be while he made a quick trip to the men’s room. He arrived to find a line, waiting with the others until he could take care of business. Thus refreshed, he returned to the table to find Mr. Bluett gone. He’d wanted to help the man, but it was too late. Instead, he paid the bill and began the short walk back to his truck, ruminating on his own set of troubles.
As he came closer, he discovered Bluett sitting in the alcove of a closed business, weeping. RJ kneeled to speak with him.
“May I help you, Dominic?”
Sorrowful eyes blinked up at him.
“He’s gon kill them! S’all my fault!”
“Who are you talking about?”
Dominic latched onto RJ’s forearm and leaned closer.
