Killer Unknown

Chapter 4: Have We Met Before?

The next morning, Penelope woke everyone up with the smell of burnt bacon. She called herself trying to tap into cooking for her new restaurant. She attempted to make pancakes, eggs, and bacon. However, it ended up being charcoal bacon, brunet eggs, and ashy lumps of flour. King, Jules, and Beverly all laughed at her effort, but refused to be taste dummies.

"So, have you thought about how you are going to pay for this new found venture of yours?" Jules asked Penelope.

"Actually, I have a plan. I was wondering if you three would be so kind as to sponsor me. Now, hear me out before you say no," Penelope pleaded

"Oh, hell no! You are not gambling with my money. I don't want a job. I got to be wise," Jules snarled.

"Shut up, negative Nancy!" Beverly yelled.

"What's this venture you're talking about?" King asked.

"I didn't get to tell you last night, but Nina is deep in debt and wants to sell the restaurant before she loses it. I offered to take it over for her, but I need funding," Penelope explained.

"How much funding are you talking about?" King asked.

"Well, I have about $30,000 in my savings account. I think around $500,000 should cover me until I get on my feet and produce enough income to pay it back," Penelope stated.

"Half a mil! You want us to give you a half of a million dollars. Have you lost your mind? Did that man knock you out of your senses? I told you that you didn't have any experience!" Jules exclaimed.

"Okay Jules, you don't have to be a part of this. Please leave!" Penelope yelled.

"I'm not going anywhere. I live here too, remember?" Jules said.

"Ignore her, I'm in. Where do I sign?" King proudly said.

"Seriously? Just like that?" Beverly asked.

"Why not, she is family and that's what families do. Isn't it? I mean, family we can trust anyway. Besides, I have my dad's black card, remember? The money is in my savings and I can look at it as an investment. At least, that's what I will tell my dad when he sees the money missing," King explained.

"Well, don't come crying to me when the two of you fail," Jules said as she walked away.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Penelope squealed, hugging King.

"When do you need the money?" King asked.

"I'm meeting with Nina in twenty minutes. I got to go," Penelope replied, running to her bedroom.

Penelope darted to her closet and pulled out the first dress that came to her hand. She knew that she only had five minutes to spare or she was going to be super late. She grabbed her brush, purse, and shoes. Just as she was about to open the front door, King followed her saying that he was driving. Grateful, she hopped in the passenger seat and put on her shoes. Then she did her hair and put on a little lip stick. King watched secretly in the mirror as he drove. Once she felt like she was ready, she sprayed a little perfume on her neck and then hopped out of the car as soon as King parked. The restaurant was empty in preparation for lunch and dinner, later on in the day. Nina greeted her almost immediately with her assistant. They walked to the back of the restaurant where Nina had her office. They all took a seat and began to discuss business.

"Let me start by telling you how thrilled I am to be making this dream a reality," Penelope said excitedly.

"You don't know how thrilled I am to hear you say that," Nina replied.