When I wrote the original story, I didn't mention the barmaid's boyfriend. He wasn't there when we took off for the ride, but had arrived at the bar before we returned. She introduced me to him in a fairly short and perfunctory way and about all I remembered of him was negative impressions. The guy wasn't smiling and didn't seem happy about anything. At the time I figured he was just a sourpuss and perhaps a bit unhappy to show up to find his girl out joyriding with some old fart in a sports car.
No big deal at the time. I actually rather enjoy pissing people like that off.
Yesterday's paper brought a truly unpleasant surprise. It seems the boyfriend took issue with some other guy after the bar closed a couple nights ago and shot him dead in the parking lot. The barmaid was present and slightly wounded in the attack as well. Reports indicate the couple had been having problems and jealousy could be a factor.
WTF is wrong with people? Sorry bastard - I hope he suffers in prison. A lot. Dianne and I will keep our ears open and if/when she returns to work will try to cheer her up if we can.
Bastard.