“Either she pays, or she waits for the lawyer’s letter and public disgrace.”
I said no more and walked straight to the bar.
The restaurant manager approached cautiously.
“Miss Miller, should we call the police?”
“No.” I shook my head. “Let’s just watch.”
Ten minutes felt like an eternity.
Rachel’s sobbing dwindled into sniffles.
She and Eric argued heatedly in the corner.
I could see Eric’s face grow more impatient while Rachel looked increasingly desperate.
Finally, Eric stormed over, face dark.
He pulled a Black Card from his wallet and slapped it on the counter.
“Charge it.”
His voice dripped with suppressed fury.
“The password is six eights.”
Swipe. Signature.
Just like that, 1.28 million was gone from his card.
I picked up the receipt.
“Mr. Johnson, take care. I won’t see you out.”
Eric gave me a long, deep look.
Then he turned and walked straight out, ignoring Rachel still sitting frozen at the table.
Rachel scrambled up, wiping her tears, and stumbled after him.
“Eric, wait for me! Eric!”
The farce was finally over.
Peace returned to the restaurant as the soft music played again.
The manager came over nervously.
“Miss Miller, about that bottle of wine…”
“Put it on my tab,” I said calmly.