Chapter 5 - THE MONEY MISSING FROM THE REGISTER
Three days later, Tommy fired me.
He did it in front of six customers.
“Take off your apron.”
I stared.
“What?”
“You heard me.”
My cheeks burned.
“Why?”
He held up another register report.
“Missing cash.”
I looked at the paper.
“That's impossible.”
“Not my problem.”
I stared at him.
“Tommy, I counted the drawer with you.”
He folded his arms.
“Then maybe you're not as honest as you pretend.”
Something inside me snapped.
“I have worked twelve-hour shifts for you. I've covered weekends. I've stayed late when other people called out.”
He shrugged.
“And now you're done.”
I looked around.
Customers were watching.
Marcus stood frozen behind the counter.
My eyes burned.
But I refused to cry.
Not there.
Not in front of Tommy.
I removed my apron.
Folded it.
Placed it on the counter.
Then walked out.
I made it halfway down the block before the tears came.
I sat on a bus-stop bench.
Rain began falling.
Of course it did.
I looked at my phone.
Rent was due in eight days.
My savings were nearly gone.
And I had just lost the only job that kept me afloat.
A black car pulled up.
I closed my eyes.
“Please don't.”
The window lowered.
Dante looked out.
“Clare.”
I wiped my face.
“Not now.”
He studied me.
“What happened?”
“Nothing.”
His expression changed.
“Who hurt you?”
I laughed bitterly.
“Not everything is a mafia problem.”
He said nothing.
I looked away.
“I got fired.”
Silence.
Then:
“Why?”
“Because my manager says money is missing.”
Dante's eyes narrowed.
“Did you take it?”
I stared at him.
“No.”
He nodded.
“Then we'll find out what happened.”
I shook my head.
“No.”
He looked surprised.
“Clare—”
“I don't want you frightening him.”
Dante went still.
I swallowed.
“I want the truth. Not revenge.”
He studied me for a long moment.
Then nodded.
“All right.”
I looked at him.
“Promise?”
May you like
He held my gaze.
“I promise.”
