#Chapter 108: Victory in Small Doses

Abby Karl and I burst into the restaurant, a gust of fresh air sweeping in with us as the door swings shut behind. Our clothes are still wet, covered in mud, and clinging uncomfortably to our skin, but the euphoria coursing through my veins easily overcomes any discomfort that I might be feeling. The kitchen, already in full swing for the day, is a cacophony of noise. John looks up from behind the line, his knife poised mid-air over a bunch of fresh herbs. His brows knit together as he takes in our disheveled state. “Where the hell have you both been?” Without uttering a word, I slide my satchel off my shoulder and set it onto the counter with a triumphant grin. My heart pounds in my chest as I untie the flap, feeling a surge of triumph course through my veins. Turning the bag upside-down, I silently let the truffles tumble out in a glorious cascade. John’s eyes go wide, giving him a comical look. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this shocked, exce