The Conversation
Quinn was too curious now to say no. He wanted to talk with the man and know more.
The woman gave the two men a smile as they walked away and returned to her drink.
Quinn and the man went to sit down at one of the black booths. Quinn pulled up a chair and made sure to face away from the rest of the bar. While he liked to watch the different storylines unfold in a bar, and really didn’t like to have his back to the door, there could be too much motion. It was better to stare at a seated person and wall. Plus, he wanted to focus intently on what the man was going to say.
There was some awkward silence before the man started speaking.
“So, you wanted to know if there was a difference between a sociopath and a psychopath?” the man said, staring right into Quinn’s eyes.
“Yes. I always thought they were the same.”
“Well, they are not.”
Quinn said, “A sociopath may be a little weird, but isn’t it the psychopath who wants to take advantage of others? Or maybe kill you?”
The man just shook his head.
“Well, a sociopath, in my opinion, is far more dangerous and potentially more evil,” he said.
“A sociopath can blend in—very successful, very charming, engaging and extremely bright. They can tell great stories about their adventures. Most people meet them, think they are cool and have
no idea of their ulterior motives until it’s too late. They lie. A lot. Some may be shocked that relationships never work out for them since they are usually so successful and the relationship has seemed normal to others. They usually become sociopaths through environmental factors, like their upbringing.
“But the people who know them best never spill the beans,” the man continued. “They may even make excuses for the blatant lies they were told. I think in the end, people don’t want to admit being naïve and used. So the sociopath moves on to the next unknowing victim.”
Quinn took a look around and noticed the booths on either side of them were still empty. He didn’t recognize the song on the jukebox, but he liked it. He was nearly finished with his drink but had no desire to leave the conversation to order another.
“What about psychopaths?” Quinn asked.
“Well, psychopaths are born a little off. It’s hereditary. They are fearless and risky and do not have a normal temperament. They tend to stand out more as they have a hard time with normal relationships and can become violent.”
“So who is worse?” Quinn asked.
“At least with a psychopath, you know they are weird so you can avoid them,” the man said. “But a sociopath, they can draw you in and fool you and then it’s too late.”
”But how do you spot them?” Quinn asked.
“It’s not easy, and sometimes downright impossible,” the man said. “Do you think I am one?”
“Perhaps,” said Quinn, finding himself more and more intrigued. “You do seem bright and engaging, and you probably want something from me or we wouldn’t be talking. You don’t have a wedding ring on so you may be a failure at relationships. Why are you telling me this?”
“Because, Quinn, I like how you look at the world.”
“I do not believe we have been formally introduced.”
“I know. And it’s going to stay that way. I’ll be in touch.”
The man went out the front door to the parking lot behind the building, started his car and drove away.
Quinn went to the jukebox, inserted a dollar, made his three selections, and ordered another drink. He wanted to hear Bob Dylan again.
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Start reading from the beginning: Ace of Spades I
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