CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN –SHADOWS OF THE PAST

As Mrs. Hammerton swept out of the diner, Laura let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. Tina rushed over, engulfing her in a hug. "You did it! You tamed the Hamburgler! I've never seen her leave without complaining at least once. Laura Jay, you are officially a Fierro's legend." Laura laughed, the adrenaline of the encounter finally wearing off. "I couldn't have done it without your training. And Mr. Fierro's very convenient collection of oddly specific kitchen gadgets." Speaking of Mr. Fierro, he chose that moment to emerge from his office, mustache quivering with excitement. "Ladies! I've just had a brilliant idea for our next promotion. How do you feel about tableside flambé?" Tina and Laura exchanged a look of amused horror. "Maybe we should discuss that after we've finished the brunch shift, Mr. Fierro," Tina suggested diplomatically. As Mr. Fierro wandered off, already muttering about fire safety regulations and the dramatic potential of flaming desserts, Lau