The Reverence of One: Book Three of the Shadow Series by J.M. Pierce

. It wasn’t even really on his way to work, but the fifteen minute detour was well worth it. He rarely even told anyone about the place, feeling like he’d found gold and wanted to make sure that his treasure stayed hidden. Thad took a lot of pleasure in the little things.
    As he drove his normal morning route, he paid close attention to everything, but nothing he saw had been in the vision. After driving for nearly an hour, he decided that he’d just retrace his steps backward, and if nothing else, he’d stop at Harry’s.
    The return trip revealed nothing new, and he found himself gripping the fat brass handle on the front door to the donut shop. Upon opening the door, the smell of freshly brewed coffee entered his nose and provided a comfort to what had so far been a frustrating morning.
    The lights inside were always dim, something that Thad liked about the place. He’d never been a fan of bright lights , and the dim lights mounted on the walls with nothing overhead provided a haven for those who felt the same. Though it was a small space, there were several booths on either side of the room along with four tables positioned in the center. The benches and chairs were covered with a dark red vinyl that had seen better days , some of them held together with bright silver duct tape. The floor was covered with old tile, every other one chipped in a corner.
    Thad stepped up to the glass showcase at the back of the room, taking his place in line while noticing that only one cinnamon roll remained in the case. As childish as it was, a brief moment of panic came over him, fearful that one of the four people in front of him would take his prize.
    The customer at the register handed the cashier her money and, after receiving change , turned and walked away. Thad glanced behind the glass case, thinking that maybe there was a fresh tray of rolls that they hadn’t put out yet, but there were no more except for the one. He backed out of line slightly, glancing at those in front of him , and the world stopped.
    Standing at the register was a young wo man with long black hair. He watched her intently, hoping for a look at her face. Suddenly the cashier, a white man in his mid-forties, raised his voice.
    “Look, I’d like to help you out, but I just can’t be giving things away. Come back this afternoon and maybe you can have some of the left-overs.”
    The young woman tucked her hair behind her ears and Thad let out an audible gasp. It was her; the girl from his vision.
    “Please,” the girl asked. “I’ll pay you back tomorrow. Can’t I just have some bread or something?”
    “Look, missy,” replied the cashier, “I’m trying to be nice her e , but you ’ r e holding up the line. I told ya, come back after lunch, okay?”
    Thad stepped around the portly man that had been in front of him in line and walked to the young woman’s side. “Excuse me,” he said, placing a hand on the woman’s shoulder. She turned towards him defensively and he quickly withdrew his hand. “Whoa there, I’m sorry.” Thad looked to the cashier. “I’d like to buy this young lady a cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee.” He glanced to the young woman whose face had melted from one of anger to one of confusion. “Is that okay with you?” he asked.
    The black haired woman nodded and replied meekly. “Yes, sir. That’d be great. Thank you.”
    Thad handed the cashier the money and then watched as the last cinnamon roll was handed to the girl. She thanked him once more and then began to walk away.
    “Excuse me, miss?” he said, hesitantly touching her elbow.
    She turned back to him.
    “Would you care to join me?” he asked, gesturing towards a booth.
    She furrowed her brow, casting a suspicious look toward him.
    “Please, it’s nothing like that. I just thought it’d be nice to have a conversation with someone for a change. I’m by myself too much.”
    The genuine smile on his face made her feel at ease. She couldn’t understand