Coffee

I need a coffee to wake up first you think to yourself.

You head off to the local coffee shop and park up outside. You get out of your car and head towards the entrance the town is always pretty quiet but especially on a week day. There is hardly anyone around at all today.

A woman and her young baby are outside and there is a dog tied up outside the newsagents, the owner must be inside you think.

As you head in you notice two elderly gentleman sitting at a table inside. Other than that the only other person there is Melinda the barista. She can only be 18 or 19 trying to remind yourself. You remember going to her house a couple of years ago to sort out a domestic disturbance between her parents. Her dad has subsequently moved away so it's just Melinda and her mum now.

'Hello Officer Melons' The skinny blonde cheerily says

'Hi Melinda. Can I get a black coffee please two sugars'

'You don't need sugar, you're sweet enough officer!' One of the elderly gentleman behind you shouts

Ray Hughes, must be at least 80. Lived in Redburn his whole life, and done nearly every job. Even had two spells as Mayor.

'Thank you Ray, but I've got a sweet tooth, you know that.' You cheekily reply looking back at him and winking

'I've got some sugar for you' his elderly companion replies

You've only seen him a couple of times, new to the area and you're not really sure who he is yet.

You smile back at him 'I'm sure you have, but probably too much for a girl like me' you reply

'Here you go Officer.' Melinda announces handing you the coffee and a plate with a jam doughnut on it.

'I didn't ask for a doughnut' you question

'On the house officer' She smiles back at you