Christy had opened up a small shop selling pastries and baked goods. She was proud of her little store, admiring the rows of cakes, cupcakes, fresh baked breads, and other items. It was about a week after her first day that a rather unusual customer stepped through the door. He was a tall fellow in a long tan trench coat. He leaned over near the register to look over some of the good Christy was selling.
"I'll take a chocolate frosted cupcake," he said. He stood up straight after making his decision.
"Okay," Christy replied, "That'll be two dollars please." She went into the display case and put a chocolate cupcake into a small container for him. She handed him the container, and he immediately opened it and began eating.
"Um," Christy said looking around nervously, "You need to pay for that first."
He ignored her and finished eating the cupcake before responding. "Consider it quality assurance," he replied, "I wanted to make sure it was worth the money." He then took two dollars from his wallet and handed it to her. His eyes watched closely as she put it in the register.
Christy felt herself becoming nervous in his presence. "Is there anything else you need?" she asked.
"You have a very lovely little shop here," he said as he walked around the store, looking it over intently.
"Thanks," she said.
"This neighborhood can be a little rough though," he explained, "If you were to give me a little cash now and again, I'd be happy to keep an eye on the place and make sure no one messes with it."
Christy felt her heart beating faster. "I don't think that is necessary," she replied, "Everyone around here seems super nice."
"Well seeming and actually being are two different things," he said walking back over to the register. He extended his hand past the counter, indicating he wanted to shake her hand. "I'm Spencer by the way," he said.
"Christy," she said. She took his hand, and he shook it forcefully.
"If you change your mind let me know," he said.
Two days later, Christy came in the morning to her store and saw the window smashed in. She started to cry as she looked inside and saw the store in ruins.
"That is a shame," a voice said behind her.
She turned around and saw it was Spencer. "I see those thugs really did a number on your store here," he said walking up to her and patting her back.