Cherry Pie

"Coffee. Black. And two pieces of toast. Dry."

"Sugar in your coffee, hon?"

"No ma'am. I don't take sugar when I'm working on a case. It dulls the senses. And I can't afford to be dull."

"An officer, then?"

"Decective. Detective Howard"

"Oh, that's a first for me. I don't think I've ever served a detective before. We get a lot of passers-through here, being so close to the highway. Not too many regulars, since we are a ways out from the town. Definitely quite a few police officers, but nothing so special as a detective. Are you from the city?"

"I arrived early this morning. There have been a significant number of missing persons in this borough. The local municipality wanted some outside assistance."

"Is that so..I have seen the news stories online. But I didn't realize it was as bad as all that. Anyone around here that you are investigating? At the diner I mean?"

"The last victim was seen here this past Tuesday. She was entering the building around 9 pm. But has since vanished. I was hoping to take a look around before meeting up with my partner."

"Oh dear, now who was that last one I read about? Oh, yes. It was that poor little girl, a teenager, I think. They said she ran away from home and must have gotten lost. Of course, teens these days are so troubled. I could never have imagined doing what they do today when I was young. I would have gotten smacked from here til Sunday! Hold on a sec, sweetie, let me get your toast and coffee ready."

~

"Now, here you are, love, toast and black coffee. Are you sure you won't have anything else? A slice of pie, maybe? I can't imagine only eating a bit of toast before a long day.

"No, thank you."

"Well, our slogan is, You'll just die to try our pie! I would hate for you to miss out on it. No? Ok, well, you just holler if you want any. Today our special is cherry, my absolute favorite, right next to Apple Crisp."

"Apple Crisp?"

"What's that, hon?"

"Would you mind answering a few questions for me? You seem to have worked here for quite awhile. I doubt the diner has anything to do with the disappearances, but any information would be helpful."

"Oh, of course, sweetie, I would love to help you out. Maybe I'll get a mention in the paper!"

"Do you know who was working here this past Tuesday, September 15th, around 9pm?"

"Hm, I believe I was. Yes, it was pouring out that night, and I was worried I wouldn't make it home in time to feed Mr. Magpie, my cat. He is an old thing, but very timely about his meals. One time, I didn't get home til past midnight, and he was so angry he wouldn't look at me for a week. But that's cats for you."

"Do you remember who was actually in the restaurant at this point? Customers, waitresses, cooks?"

"It was just me on for the closing shift, Kevin our cook, and Rita on the register. We aren't too busy during the weekday night shifts. Traffic gets much heavier on the weekends, of course. As for the customers, I believe we had a few older gentlemen at table 10, located in the corner. They were on a business trip and decided to stop here on the way. Very nice gentleman too. Besides that, there was a family of four, a couple, and I think a young woman."

"What did the family look like, and the couple?"

"I couldn't really say, they were run of the mill, really. I have served many guests during my time working here. But I think the family had a little boy and a girl. But I'm really not sure I remember."

"And what about the young lady?"

"Well, she was quiet and didn't talk much. Bright red hair she had, though. All she wanted was a cup of tea, if I remember correctly. Odd night to be out and about, I thought."

"Could she possibly have been this girl here? Please take a look at this picture."

"That might have been her; she did have that same weary look about her. Yes, I think that was Cherry."

"Did you say Cherry? That name wasn't released to the public as it is not her legal name. I thought you didn't speak much to her."

"I took her order; she must have told it to me then. As I said, hun, it was a long night, we were all tired, and it was so ugly out."

"If she disclosed any information to you, you need to let me know immediately."

"Now keep your pants on, I thought this was just a friendly visit. I've told you all I know about the girl. She got up to go to the bathroom at one point, and I don't believe she came back. Didn't pay her check either. Could have left me a tip for serving her after we closed, but she just left. People don't understand what it is to work late and only survive on tips."

"I understand, but you're sure she left?"

"Well, damn it, of course she must have! Where else could she have gone?"

"OK, ma'am. Do you recognize this picture at all?"

"What is this? A little boy, no. No, I don't recognize him at all. I told you we get so many customers, I can't be expected to remember all of them!"

"Alright, his name was Crispin. You recognize him? No? Because I think you know who he is."

"Know who he is? How could I?!"

"I'll need you to come down to the station. We will need a formal statement about what you have seen.

"No, I don't think I will."

"Ma'am, it's standard procedure. I must insist. And if you will not comply, I will arrest you for stalling the investigation."

"Alright! I will go with you. But since you are the only one here, and I only have one slice left. I want you to have this."

"What the hell is this?"

"Cherry pie."