"Don't get involved," he said to himself, "you're getting involved in your head." He dismissed the intrusive thought. The case was over. Forget Jeffrey Byrne and forget his grieving wife. Let her mourn her drowned husband. No, he hadn't skipped. He lacked opportunity, money or reason to take off. So why this nagging feeling to the contrary, like he was missing something?"
He rose abruptly, his coffee only half finished, and paid his bill. It was before 6:30 so the early bird special was in effect, making the meal a tad cheaper than he'd figured. On an impulse, he turned and looked at the family seated near his table still enjoying their meal. He handed his Visa card back to the cashier.
"Pay for theirs too," he said. She stared at him. "The family over there. Tell them it's from a friend." The cashier shrugged but complied with his request, writing up an additional charge slip. Their unknowing company at his meal was well worth the price of the charge.