CHAPTER 6

The frightened animal nestled in the base of Sohrab’s brain wanted to bolt, to run until his muscles burned, but his rational mind held the reins firm; it recognized what his instincts did not: the notion of Dieter’s return was preposterous.  He didn’t know how long he sat, stone-faced and silent while the two parts of him fought for control, but it must have been a long time.  He shook himself and looked up into the craggy face of the waitress, steaming coffee pot held in one hand, a look of patient consternation in her gray eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he said looking from the pot to his cup and back again.  “Of course.  A refill would be nice.  Thank you.”  She smiled; a motion so practiced he couldn’t tel...

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