Chapter 1 - THE MEDALLION IN HIS PALM.
Ethan placed the bill beside Walter Hayes’s half-finished breakfast.
Walter searched his worn wallet, then every pocket of his coat. His face tightened with shame.
“I’m sorry. I thought I had enough. Please do not call the police.”
Ethan looked at the untouched toast and the metal crutches leaning beside the booth.
“No one should be punished for being hungry.”
He took several bills from his own apron, covered the check and pushed the receipt away.
Manager Richard Collins stormed across the diner.
“You paid after I told you to remove him? Take off that apron. You are finished here.”
Customers stared while Ethan untied the job that paid his rent.
Walter slowly stood.
“You chose kindness when it could cost you everything.”
He placed a silver lighthouse medallion in Ethan’s palm and made a call.
“This is Walter Hayes. I found the young man we have been searching for.”
Then he faced Collins.
“Tell the owner I am ready to discuss who should really lose his job.”
May you like
Collins went pale.
The diner’s owner was Walter’s daughter.
