Black Friday Eve

Part 7

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Pat continued to sprint and finally saw the cash machines in sight. She examined the crowd to see anyone with gold watches; she knew she'd be cutting it close. She saw two people sporting a Hologram watch and celebrating as they passed through the electronic cash registers. That meant there were no more than 8 watches remaining for the sale price.

Continuing to scan the crowd, Pat saw the minutest of glints in a man's pocket. He had one watch concealed. If there were even on-sale hologram watches left, this shopper may have the 10th watch, therefore being the final person able to take advantage of this discount of a lifetime. The man was two people from the front of the line. That means Pat had less than 10 seconds to do something before the man completed his e-transaction. Pat cocked back the umbrella and aimed. Aim too short and she'd impale the golden hologram shopper, which would free up the watch, but just for a second before the next shopper snatches it and buys it herself. But throw too far and she'd miss the register all together. With no time remaining, Pat launched the closed umbrella and watched it sail all the way to the register; destroying the register on contact. With all other lines 20-people deep already, the man was screwed.

Pat ran to the cash machine directly next to it, finding a man waiting impatiently in line. Pat slid right up to him.

"Hey hunny, I made it!"

"The man turned, opening his mouth in shock. As soon as he was about to speak, Pat wrapped around him in an embrace while delivering a concealed punch below the belt.

The man hunched over, winded.

"Oh baby, are you okay?"

The man gasped for breath as he fell to the floor, but remained in the fetal position.

Pat turned to the register, just needing to scan the watch.

"PAT!"

Pat saw her husband and son rushing toward her.

"You made it!"

"Yes we did!"

The onlookers stared in puzzlement, thinking the previous man was Pat's husband.

"It's okay, we're Mormon."

This being a seemingly suitable explanation, the Macys were left at peace to scan their items.

This was the moment of truth, either the four watches would come in at a manageable $20,000 each, or would balloon to full price—a completely out-of-reach $200,000 per watch.

Pat scanned all four watch boxes by the scanner. The scanner screen flashed:

Processing

Processing

Processing

4 Hologram Supreme Dream Watches X $200,000.00=$800,000.00

After Discount: $80,000

Savings: $720,000

The Macys rejoiced momentarily. They would be able to take home their prize. It took them to their last of 10 credit cards, and brought their savings account to the single digits, but they had just enough to buy the coveted watches.