The manager inserted it into the terminal. For a few long seconds the machine processed the request. Then it emitted a sharp beep, and one word appeared on the screen.

Declined.

Gordon stared at it. “Try again.” The manager calmly repeated the transaction. The result was the same. Declined.

The sound drew the attention of nearby shoppers — the same customers who’d heard Rita loudly boast about her successful daughter-in-law and the extravagant purchases about to be paid for.

Now they watched quietly as reality arrived. The confidence drained from Rita’s face, and she sank back onto the sofa, avoiding everyone’s eyes.

Gordon leaned closer to the manager and lowered his voice. “There has to be something wrong with your machine.”