And while he walked, he slipped something into his apron.
A small black device.
My stomach tightened.
I knew enough about payment systems to recognize what it might be.
A portable card reader.
Not one of ours.
Kyle followed my stare.
For the first time since he had grabbed me, his expression changed.
Anger disappeared.
Fear replaced it.
“Get out,” he said again.
This time his voice was low.
“Kyle,” Amber said, “leave him alone.”
“Stay out of this.”
Henry was still sitting at his table.
Confused.
Embarrassed.
Waiting for someone to tell him why two perfectly good bank cards supposedly didn’t work.
Mason came back.
“Mr. Bell, my manager says we can take cash.”
Henry shook his head.
“I don’t carry much cash anymore.”
Mason gave him an annoyed look.
“Then maybe someone can come pay for you.”
I couldn’t stay silent.
“His card worked.”
Everything stopped.
Mason turned.
