Sara's thumb hovers over Send $2,200. LP polos pass the far aisle like harmless weather. Priya's register glows calm.
"Before we leave the counter," Jace says.
"Before we leave," Sara echoes, and taps.
[SYSTEM PROMPT] Income detected: $2,200.00.[SYSTEM PROMPT] Evaluating Talent…[SYSTEM PROMPT] Money Welfare: ×2.[SYSTEM PROMPT] Disbursement today: +$4,400.00.[SYSTEM PROMPT] Total money crit disbursed today: +$6,490.00.[SYSTEM PROMPT] Daily cap remaining (Money): $93,510.00.
Bank ping follows. Name matches. "Received," Jace says.
Priya slides the long receipt into the bag. "Warranty inside. Returns unopened only, within policy."
"Understood," Sara says.
Jace opens the kraft envelope, shows BAL 2,212, crosses it, prints BAL 13. He tucks the card away. "Balance is $13."
Sandra's LP walk intersects without stress. "Thanks for visible hands," she says. "Minor spot today; you're fine."
"Appreciate the rails," Jace says.
They step into noon. Plaza light makes rectangles on stone. Bench. Air.
"Money today +$6,490," Jace logs. "Cap $93,510. Cashback +$18,044. Chain card $13. House card $1,200. Inventory: none." The ruler line in his voice satisfies something.
Maya texts: u did my clappls feed max. Jace hands Max the bagel half from earlier like past him planned kindness.
Taj:RM ~3. Visible hands. Honestly? Victory walk.Jace:Copy. Out for the day.
He writes NO RE-ENTRY on the envelope corner and underlines it.
Marketplace foams: monitor buyer, textbook trades, cash only (canned no cash), tonight meet (pin tomorrow). He files humans into time.
"Lunch?" Max asks.
"Walk-and-water," Jace says. "Then dining. Topped up."
They cross the plaza. Sandra:RM just walked in. You're good. "Good exit" on my note.Jace:Appreciate it. Off your chessboard today.
Sun on shoulders. Lawns open. The store door glints behind, an ex.
Taj sends a coffee sleeve with a frowny face: 2:57. Retail truth.
Sandra:Confirming: RM looking at morning clips. Your earlier visits got a green check. If you're in the plaza, keep walking. LP is on a lap.
Through glass, a suit moves like a shark that knows meetings. The head turns, cataloguing door traffic. The sweep intersects their path. Two choices: walk like noon belongs to you, or stop like you just invented deer.
Jace touches the envelope, feels the pen laid like a bar, remembers no re-entry. His feet know forward. He enjoys rehearsing it for one beat.
The suit's attention tips five degrees, recognizing order from distance.
"We're forgettable," Max whispers.
"Correct," Jace says.
Sandra:good exit.
He doesn't slow.
The store breathes. The plaza opens. The sweep moves on.
The afternoon decides whether to love them.