“I can give you the late cleaning hours, Caroline,” Pete said.

“But I have to ask you to settle the morning tab before I add any more meals to the ledger.”

Caroline took a small step forward, her hand resting on the polished edge of the counter.

“The tab is paid on the first of every month.

Grant always settles it when he stops in for his morning paper.”

Pete wiped the stainless steel side of the coffee maker with short, heavy strokes.

“Grant came in yesterday afternoon around four.