Notes of kindness

It wasn’t a day like any other that was was for sure as Cassandra bustled between tables dodging other staff as she delivered her 73rd tray of scallops and crab. It’s was Wednesday and the sharks tooth was not usually busy this time of day but for some reason everyone wanted the special, the one that was available every day of the week. She sat the first plate down in front of a clean shaven middle aged man who was a decent looking guy across from his sat a very thin from her hair to her toes just thin. After setting the second plate down Cassandra made it a point to make sure she had everything needed for the meal before being asked. Extra napkins being the most requested. Cassandra pretty pleased with her performance asked the couple if there was anything else that she could get them : Big mistake.

The woman was not only thin but had a shrill voice “ If we should need anything else I’m sure you’re not too hard to find.” She snorted “You’ve done enough “ Cassandra smiled and looked towards the man “Enjoy your meal” and made her way away from the table quickly.

Stopping by a mirror she took a look at herself she was tired, but not worn down and her hair maintained it’s moist bouncy coils . Her large almond eyes show youth and wisdom beyond her 25 years and she carried herself very well. Cassandra fixed her collar, smoothed her apron, and finger spun that one rouge coil before heading back to check her tables .Her look was effortless she was a cocoa goddess working at the Sharks Tooth.

The night was close to an end and she had one table left to close out . Mr. Decent and Mrs. Shrill. Cassandra made her way to the table pacing herself not to show up too early and also not to have them waiting for the check. Before Cassandra could ask how things went Mrs. Shrill snapped.

“We WANT our check!

Unmoved Cassandra placed the check holder in the middle of of the table and began to pass dishes from the table to a bidder behind her “Ok here you go and I hope everything was to your liking.”

“Randy I’m m ready to leave NOW” the shrill woman snapped again.

Randy took a look at the check and placed a few crisp bills in the folder. He stood turning away from the table and towered over Cassandra “Well let’s go then Charlotte “ he motioned with a “come on” gesture . Charlotte stood picked up the Bill folder counted the bill and snipped “Randy you over tipped again. We’re going to want the change back” Cassandra was eager to see what the hell she considered “over tipping”before she could reach the bill folder Randy snatched it and handed it to her “ Miss, I will not need change” he turned he gaze to Charlotte who turned red with anger or embarrassment “ let’s go dear” Charlotte toss her scarf over her thin neck narrowly missing Cassandra and stomped ahead with Randy following close behind. Once they were out of view Cassandra opened the bill fold and saw four crisp $100 bills the check was $298.14.

Cassandra smiled thanking Mr. Decent silently. With the day at at an end Cassandra checked her drawer began heading to the door when the manager stopped her. “Hey Cassandra one of your customers left this package they said to make sure you got it at the end of the day.” The package was flat and wrapped in brown packing paper with the words “Cassandra Milton “ printed across the front. Cassandra took the package and tucked it into her bag “ hey Mike did you see who left it?” Mike shrugged “no it was left with one of the late hostesses, but you get home I’ll see you on Monday “ Cassandra said good night began to head home her car sputtered as it turned from one street to another “easy girl one day I’m going to get you serviced “ the engine began to hum as if it understood the promise being made.

It was not a night like any other. Cassandra made it home a lot fast than usual and though she did not complain it did not go unnoticed either. After a late dinner and quick shower she finally sat n her bed ready to turn in until she remembered the package.

She reached for her bag and removed the brown paper wrapped package and carefully tore at the seams. Inside was a letter and small black notebook with the initials C.M engraved on the cover.

Cassandra laid the book on the bed and began to read the letter.

To: Cassandra Milton

From: A Friend

“A friend” Cassandra muttered to herself “Alright friend what can I do for you?” She continued to read

I hope I did not scare you with my method of delivery, but it was imperative that I keep my identity secret. I have chosen you because I have seen in the and shown myself and other around nothing but kindness. I have enclosed a book which contains secret or I should say clues to reward you for your kindness. Should you follow the clues they will lead you to your reward of $20,000. You have until Sunday 5pm to solve or your will forfeit the reward.

Enjoy the journey

A Friend