The band finished its set. Matthew pulled his wallet from his pocket, took out a couple of bills, and laid them on the bar. He downed the last swallows of his third beer and made his way out of the Stone Pony.
The night air was balmy, a soothing change from the unforgiving heat of the daytime hours. A half smile on his lips, Matthew felt good. He was satisfied with his day and the work he was doing. But it was too bad that what was such a great story for him was bringing heartbreak to so many others.
He crossed the road and walked south, parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, seeing his car in a parking space near that old Casino building. He stumbled over an empty bottle lying in the street, caught himself from falling, and kept on going. When he reached his car he dropped his keys, picked them up, and fumbled as he unlocked the door. Finally, Matthew opened the door and got inside, barely noticing the dark blue Crown Vic parked just behind him.