We head out towards Main Street–Middletown Maryland on I-40.  After talking with Betty, we drive up and down Main Street, looking for people on porches this time.

A house on Main Street in Middletown, MD.

We see a few people, but turns out we need some gas, so we pull into a gas station first to fill up.  Kara starts talking to Javier Pardo, the owner of the gas station.  He’s owned it for about two years.  He’s originally from Bolivia but came here 18 years ago after dropping out of dentistry school to come to the United States.  “Like you,” he says, “looking for adventure.”

Javier Pardo at his gas station on Main Street in Middletown, MD

When Javier bought the gas station, he also inherited a group of retired men who hang out and have coffee everyday, “The Morning Gang.”  Javier shows us a picture of them sitting out front of the gas station.

“When I first opened I tried to open later in the day than what the Morning Gang was used to.”  Bad idea.  Javier was outnumbered, so he kept with their schedule.  He loves the guys. “They’re like free employees.  They help out, go to the bank when we need change.”

Enter Papi…

Papi, one of the members of "the Morning Gang" who hang out at Javier's gas station on Main Street in Middletown, MD.

Papi wears a John Deere hat, checkered shirt and shuffles inside. His face has deep wrinkles.  We basically attack him with our documentation.  Two recorders and a camera in his face.

“Tell us about The Morning Gang!  We want to know about The Morning Gang!”

The Morning Gang’s been getting together forever at this gas station.  They talk about what goes on in town.  “Did you know some guy came in a few weeks ago, rented a house and shot his wife and his family.  Kids, too.  Why would he do that?  That’s so sad.”

Gas tank is full, time to get moving.  Did we pay?  Sure did.  Thanks Middletown Main Street.