THE SETUP
“I heard it’s a winner,” Rahat lied smoothly. “I don’t know how much. But you take it.”
Eric’s cracked lips parted.
“Really?”
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“Yeah. Let’s go to the store. I’ll drive you.”
They got into the car. The smell of old clothes and exhaust filled the cabin.
He has no idea, Rahat thought. The clerk is in on it.
They pulled up to the convenience store.
This was the moment of truth.
The clerk behind the counter knew the script. He was ready to play his part.
Eric walked in, clutching the ticket. His hands were shaking.
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He placed it on the counter. The scanner beeped.
The sound was deafening in the quiet store.
The clerk’s eyes went wide. He put on an Oscar-worthy performance.
“Oh my god,” the clerk whispered.
He looked at Eric.
“You just won $1,000.”
