We arrived at the end of a long road that ended in a wooded backdrop. He paced at the side of the road, head down, a red scarf encircling his face. We'd taken both cars, so he'd recognize the yellow VW, and wouldn't be crammed into the back seat. I followed her to the diner and parked on her passenger side so he could see me as he got out.
His likeness matched the Tony I knew. Broad shoulders filled his coat, curly hair cut short but not too close to the scalp, intelligent dark eyes, and large hands, hidden within large gloves. I lagged a few steps behind as we all ran for the door.
“Hi, my name is Ashley Gilbert.” I reintroduced myself and held out my hand. With a piercing stare, he looked me over before taking my hand. I'd been right, his large hand enveloping mine. The squeeze hurt a
