13
- 13 -
The Early Riser had always been a favourite of Shae’s, and Cat was unsurprised to find her there. She sat alone at a table near the back, screen angled to aid reading, mug steaming and bowl empty. Unless her preferences had changed, it contained fruit and yoghurt.
Cat entered, comfortable in his new clothes—far better than those cheap imitations from earlier. He sauntered to the counter, nodding in greeting to anyone who caught his eye—just another resident going about their business. He purchased a coffee, then feigned surprise when he looked to the rear of the establishment.
He wove his way through the tables, careful not to spill his drink, and stopped before Shae. A server cleaned a recently vacated table, piling mugs and plates on a tray before wiping the table down.
