They were the same height, too, Charlie noted as they walked into the bar, the kid still clutching his hat to his chest, horribly uncomfortable and out of place.

How long have you known?

Gabriel shrugged. Charlie proffered a cigarette which Gabriel took, he took one himself and lit them both. He exhaled, slowly.

Why now?

The cigarette glow, wavering, betrayed Gabriel’s shaking hands.

I’m in kind of a tight spot.

The bartender set down the drinks and sighed ain’t we all, kid.
Out of the corner of his eye, Charlie saw Gwen in her coat walking towards the door. She didn’t look at him and she didn’t look back.

Ain’t we all?