10:07 A.M.
Mellner’s came alive with brunchers. People from all races mixed at the restaurant, enjoying breakfasts. The tables were covered in white linen, flatware shined a reflecting silver hue, and water glasses were filled with expert skill by the handsome wait staff.
“I’ve been waiting for this day to come,” Beth Shore said, peeking through her burgundy bangs. She held a check in both hands, studying the amount. “Four hundred and fifty thousand dollars seems a bit steep, though. I expected maybe ten thousand, to tell you the truth. I really don’t deserve this amount from you. That’s not what our friendship is about.”
Burke glowed, happy with his decision to gift a portion of his lottery winnings to the woman. “You do know what the cash is for, right?” He sipped his coffee.
“For be
