Customer number one

It was cold that morning at 4:45am. Lizbeth was scheduled to open Sips and Sweets, but had to switch shifts with me suddenly. I don’t usually open the coffee shop, but I needed more experience. I was hoping to move up and maybe become assistant manager someday. We typically have a lot of the same people who come in the morning and afternoon. I was not familiar with the regular morning crowd, but Lizbeth would always tell me stories about the first customer of the day. Customer number one. Her most loyal and mysterious regular.

Always on time at 5:05 am, always the same order. Never changes it up and always on time. I knew I needed to make the drink right before he came, hence why I got there early. Sure enough 5:05 comes around and the door swings open. I had his order already prepared, but was acting like I was getting it ready. I didn’t want to make any mistakes today.

“Good morning, is Liz sick today?" He asked with concern. I told him we had switched shifts and that I was happy to help. He seemed a bit annoyed and proceeded with his order. I tried to reassure him without success. After the tense moment, I finished and handed him his drink. He ran out the door nearly spilling it. The chimes rattle loudly and just as the door shuts, I notice something in the corner on the floor. Going around the counter I notice a little black book. I picked it up and opened it. Addresses telephone numbers and names. A directory for his personal contacts. The other pages were filled with what looked like to be journaling. I decided to put it in the drawer next to the register and leave it alone for the rest of the shift.

After an hour or so my imagination started to run wild. The book became exhilarating to me. I started to fall into an intense daydream. What if it was a romance book or personal journal to someone who lived a lavish life. The door chimes. I snap back into reality.

I figured Liz could give him the book the next morning but I didn’t want to just give her the book knowing what important things might be inside. It seemed as if I dug myself into a small hole and needed to get out. I tried to focus on other things the rest of the day, but found myself drawn to the book. Five o’clock approached and Lizbeth opened the door in a frantic hurry. “I’m sorry I’m late Kat, my son has a cold and I was on the phone to the doctor all morning and afternoon trying to get a prescription filled for him." “No worries my friend, I’m happy to stay or switch anytime you need me."

Liz took a deep breathe centering herself and gave me a big hug. “I hate to ask but do you think we could switch again tomorrow? I know you don’t like opening but I just need to get this kid better or I’m going to pull my hair out!” Perfect how things work out sometimes.

This was the opportunity to return the book in the morning and not have to let anyone else know. I hung my apron on the hook and opened my locker grabbing its contents and headed out the door. “Have a good shift see you tomorrow around 5!” “Thanks so much Kat! I will see you tomorrow." I opened the drawer, grabbed the book and put it in my pocket.

4:00am comes pretty early if you aren’t ready to get up. Why did I drink almost a whole bottle of wine last night. The hang over was real but I had all of my stuff laid out already for work. I could say I was at least organized. I was cutting it close to five, so I asked my Dad for a ride to the shop. He’s always up early so he was happy to take me in. I arrived five minutes before it opened and a line was formed by the door. Here we go, take a breath.

The day went on as usual, very busy and productive. I was feeling a tad behind my usual work flow, but still had all the drinks and transactions taken care of. All of the sudden i remembered customer one never showed up this morning. How could it have slipped my mind? I had been doing nothing but thinking about it all day yesterday. The very first customer, customer number one.

The black note book was in my pocket. I kept feeling it throughout the morning, making sure I still had it safe in my possession. Why did he not come back for the book? I was confused and intrigued at the same time. That’s when the phone rings.

“Kat Mcfey you have something in your possession of ours."

I freeze unable to think or barely move, I hang up the phone. Two woman walk into the shop. My anxiety kicks into full gear. My mind racing with thoughts of fear and doubt and then the machine dings. Another reality check. I quickly pour and serve the coffee even making some artsy designs on the foam. The front door opens and a man in a dark blue suit approaches. His eyes on mine almost looking right through me. I try to evade my gaze a bit. He looks at my name tag, and hands me a white envelope. As the man pushes the door open, my manager struts in with a few people. Here we go.

The whole rest of the day, my attention was on the envelope and the black book. I had come across something important, something associated with other people of whom I knew nothing about. I fantasized about another life. Got lost in a dream like world. But then paranoia starts to kick in. I grab the letter and the book from my satchel. I hold the two side by side on my bed. I put the other envelope back into the black book. I hold the other in my hands. I feel such a sense of power and also uncertainty.

Again the phone rings. “I trust you have opened the envelope and received the information." I recognized the voice, it was customer number one. “Yes” I said apprehensively, “Meet at the said address at 3:00pm sharp not a minute early not one minute late." I had questions but somehow couldn’t bring myself to speak, “Bring the book and if you do not show there will be consequences." The line goes dead. It was him. I knew that voice. Where am I going tomorrow? Where is this book taking me? I questioned whether I would go or not the rest of the evening. I was on edge but excited at the same time, what was in store for me? The risks made me feel alive and this sudden change of pace was exhilarating.

The air felt good outside the city, the drive felt nice. I put the gps on the location and I was headed there. I rolled down the window and let my arm hang out the side feeling the air in between my fingers. That’s when I'm I noticed the black Escalade trailing behind me.

Okay Kat what is going on this is getting a little too real for me right now. I see a side street and decide to pull over. The Escalade does the same. It’s right behind me. Panic sets in.

This is serious. I start up my car and proceed to the route. What am I going to do? I can’t call anyone to tell them. Where am I going? How could a little journal lead me down this path? My inner voice chimes in. Get a hold of yourself Kat just focus and keep calm. Twenty minutes away then ten five four three my chest begins to tighten my palms sweaty I start to panic. Panic attack full force. Then the gps goes off, “You have reached your destination." Nothing but miles of flat land no buildings at all. Then out of the corner, I notice a white SUV from the opposite side approaching. It pulls right up to the black Escalade and someone jumps out. It's customer number one. The recognition put me somewhat at ease.

He approaches my window and motions me to come out and I exit. “Thank you for meeting me here at this location, I know this must be confusing for you, but your loyalty to returning the book was proven and you are to be rewarded for your actions."

“I cannot fully convey the books importance but only say it’s worth is invaluable." "I have a check here for 20,000 dollars I can make it out to you right away and you can leave.”

The cars departed and I was left in mine going over what had just happened with the check in my hand. I rarely smoke but I deserved one after that. I reach into the glove box for the old soft pack of Marlboro's. I decided to step outside the car to light it when suddenly I was struck from behind. My vision goes black. A bag on my head. Someone starts to carry me. A car door slams. I feel a pinch on my right arm and then cold leather on my cheek. My eyes start to fade to black. A phrase ringing over and over in my head. At first I couldn't hear it clearly but then I could. Perfect how things just work out sometimes.