As I was walking to my car the scene from yesterday began to replay itself. I felt the eerie sensation that I was being watched. Here came the lady with her dog. As she came close she smiled and greeted me. "Hello. I just wanted to warn you. There has been a shady character in the neighborhood. He's been hanging around dressed in a black hoodie. Have you seen him?"

I was about to tell her I saw him yesterday when her dog started barking at my car again. I turn to look but the parking lot is empty. "Cup cake, bad dog. Be quiet." She picks up her dog and says, " Sorry about that, he's been barking at nothing lately. "

"No problem. Ah, no I haven't seen anyone in a black hoodie. I will be sure to keep a look out."

Her smile fades a little in the edges. "Oh? Okay. I'm sure he was around the library lately."

I drop the niceties too. "What's your name?"

" Oh!? I didn't introduce myself? I'm Cindy. I live a few streets over. "

"Well, Cindy. I'm Michael. I'm the librarian at this library and I haven't noticed any man in a hoodie. If I do I'll be sure to call the police about any loiters. Good bye and stay safe." With that I turned and headed towards my car.

Something about this is off. I look back at Cindy and she's starring at me. I wave good bye and she begins walking away.

Why and I bothered? Why didn't I tell her about yesterday?

I get to my car and look in the back seat and then I remembered the black hoodie that was under my car yesterday. I stoop over to look and a wave of pain washes over me. Damn I forgot about my bruises. There is no hoodie today, I feel relieved.

Then another realization hits me. Yesterday she called her dog Banjo!? I stand up and look for Cindy but she's gone.

Where did she go? Why is she looking for the hoodie guy? Why does she call her dog Banjo and then Cup Cake?

I decide to get into my car and start it. I turn the radio on the full the silence. I can't solve these riddles right now and I feel exposed just sitting here.

I drive to the convenience store to clear my head and get a snack. I guess I'm stress eating. Comfort food sounds nice. I pull in the parking lot. Park by the entry and go inside. The clerk greets me, " Welcome. " It's not the same person from yesterday.

That's right. The clerk saw a little of what happened before I passed out for being crushed by the rack of soft drinks yesterday.

I walk into the counter, "Hello. I was here yesterday and I was wondering if the cashier working yesterday is here?"

"I'm sorry. She got into an accident and passed away. It was very sudden. Is there anything I can help you with?" He said and looked heartbroken.

" I'm so sorry. May I ask what happened? "

"There aren't too many details but it looks like a robbery gone bad. This store hasn't been robbed more than some kids shoplifting before. This is really hard to believe."

" I'm sorry again". I convey my condolences. It is hard to believe. All these events can't be a coincidence.

I leave the store. I'm no longer in the mood to eat junk food. I drove home. As I walk to my front door, hanging there on the door knob is a black hoodie.