Not everyone saw Henry as Michael did.
From the corner of the counter, two young employees—Troy and Megan—exchanged a look of disgust.
“Perfect,” Troy muttered. “Another fifteen bucks gone.”
Megan snickered, tossing her ponytail over her shoulder. “Patricia’s going to flip when she hears. Easy for him to play hero when it’s not his money.”
Michael’s gut twisted. He listened as their whispers grew sharper, words slicing at Henry’s quiet generosity.
“We’ll tell Patricia the drawer keeps coming up short,” Megan said, lowering her voice. “Bet she’ll believe Henry’s skimming. He’s old—probably needs the cash.”
Troy grinned. “By tomorrow, he’ll be out of here. Good riddance.”
Michael set down his coffee, his hand trembling slightly. He’d seen small-time gossip before, but this was darker—a plan to destroy a man who had already lost so much.
