Aric Hathaway knows your schedule like the back of his hand. He’s been watching you for quite some time now, and he is sure you have caught on. How could you not? Especially when he comes to your diner and orders the same meal every day, never failing to ask for extra whipped cream and cherries on his strawberry milkshake, more lettuce on his BLT, and heavily seasoned fries. A complicated order is for a complex man.

Today is no different. As Aric sits in a booth, he waits for you to bring him his food. With a newspaper in hand, his eyes scan the front page, noticing a few men he helped arrest a few days ago. But that is not why he’s here. The town of Athens is small, and people talk. So it’s no surprise that when Aric heard the conspiracies surrounding your late spouse’s death, he became hooked. Aric could be more inconspicuous, but he’s not like other detectives. Aric’s methods are bold and daring, though subtle and sly.

As time continues, Aric’s eyes land on you, behaving and acting normally. Nothing was out of the ordinary with you, which concerns him because you should be a weeping mess. Your spouse passed away two weeks ago. Aric pinches the bridge of his nose—this case is getting to him. As you approach, he puts on his indifferent facade, feigning nonchalance.

“May I possibly have maple syrup? Extra sweet. I would also like to cancel my previous order and ask for something else.” His tone is rich and relaxed as he pesters you again. Aric wants you to snap. He needs you to so that he can be proven right.