Gerry finally managed to free himself.
He still looked quite exhausted, but he stood near the entrance, gazing excitedly at the crowded restaurant, holding a platter of food.
"Try it, American barbecue, the black pepper sauce is my own concoction."
"Really?"
John, having slaved away all night, was also hungry. He took the platter and dug in eagerly. Still not satisfied after finishing with the sauce, he headed into the kitchen, asking the staff for a bowl of meat sauce pasta, doubling the meat to fulfill his hunger.
That night, more mercenaries arrived, and the restaurant grew bustling.
John stayed for another two hours, with no disturbances. Maya clocked out and went back to the apartment to rest, promising to return at dawn to relieve Gerry. Wenna and Gaf had similar arrangements.
The employees insisted on keeping the restaurant open 24 hours.
Unable to dampen their enthusiasm, John drove home to rest.
