Chapter II: The Disrespect on the Curb
Standing by the rear bumper of the patrol car, watching with an uneasy, tense expression, was Miller's junior partner.
Miller completely ignored the elder's plea. With a mocking smirk, he thumbed through the wallet, sliding the entire stack of bills straight into his own pocket.
Without a word of apology, Miller tossed the emptied leather wallet onto the dirty concrete pavement, letting it bounce against Donald's shoes.
Miller turned on his heel to walk back toward the cruiser, leaving the old man standing alone on the sidewalk.
Donald didn't shout or raise a hand.
Slowly and deliberately, he bent down, picked up his scuffed leather wallet from the curb, and dusted it against his trousers. He snapped the leather shut, his face hardening into absolute steel.