John always told me if something happens I was to go back to our spot. Every day.

That’s what I did for 20 days until they told me he wasn’t coming back. Enough items were missing for them to believe he packed up and moved on. What they keep failing to note is the man he told me about. The one in the long black coat with flaming red hair. He always was there. Standing. Watching. For hours. John said it was always different but he was always there.

Johns schedule was pretty consistent. Up at six. Gone by 6:45. At the corner store from seven to twelve. Then lunch at Jimmy’s sandwich house. Usually there til one. And work at the warehouse til 9. Back home shower and bed.

John was predictable. Always took the same routes. Ate at the same places. Even bought the same clothes. Dark wash jeans and a tan collared shirt. He was just John.