“These premium cards can be temperamental.

Let me try the magnetic strip.” She swiped it.

Another beep. Invalid Tender.

“Your card reader is obviously broken,” Beatrice snapped, waving a dismissive hand.

“Christopher, give her your second black card.”

A fine sweat had beaded across Christopher’s forehead.

He pulled out the second card with trembling fingers and pushed it into the terminal himself.

The machine beeped. Transaction Declined.