Payment for Loyalty

Parker ate in silence, the faint crunch of fries the only sound filling the room. The crispy nuggets followed, dipped in just enough sauce to keep things from feeling bland. No rush. Just slow, methodical bites while his mind drifted.

Between bites, his free hand scrolled lazily through his phone, the screen casting a pale glow against his face. Notifications trickled in—follows—but he barely paid attention, thumbing past the endless feed like it was background noise.

By the time the nuggets were gone, the fries reduced to a few salty crumbs, Parker finally set the phone down. Plate cleared. Stomach full.

Before the evening fully set in, Parker went to his study and made a call with his full bag of cash, of course.