The moment the flames reached the pent up gas fumes was obvious. The explosion wasn't big, there hadn't been time for that much gas to get out. But it was substantial enough to shatter the windows in the building and send a fireball into the night.
Cavan turned to look over his shoulder and catch a look. After a moment of appreciation for a job well done, he looked at his companion.
Usually there was more careful planning involved with this. Choosing somebody. Getting to know them a little bit. But Cavan had a feeling this guy wasn't going to put up with waiting for very long. Improvisation was going to be required. It would still have to be somebody suitable, not just anybody would do.
He was looking even as he stood there. A few people were starting to trail toward the burning diner. He could pick out of them. He spotted a young man with brown hair. A little too skinny. His jeans a little too tight, and his hair in his face. Cavan took him in. Quietly and quickly made the decision.
"It always hurts." His voice was low and he walked toward the young man, motioning to be alone.
Cavan put on a big smile as he approached. "Hey, man, you got a cigarette?"
"Yeah sure." The guy fished around in his pockets. "Did ya hear that fuckin explosion? I'm going to check it out. I bet it's wicked."
"You should be careful. They say that the arsonist is never far from his crime."
"That's a hell of a thing to say, dude."
"Indeed." Cavan punched the guy in the throat, restricting his breathing severely and making it so there would be no screaming. He had many things in his tool kit, but one of the things he'd always wanted was chloroform. If he'd had it, he would have used it with this guy, and would have been able to cart him away easily. As it was, Cavan had to move behind him as he tried to cough and continue to choke him until he was limp.
Cavan heaved the young hipster over his shoulder and returned to where his companion was standing. It hadn't been a pretty show, but you couldn't do everything you wanted to do get a person when you had to fly by the seat of your pans.
"Usually I charm them into going somewhere with me. Work on them a bit. This will do I suppose."