CHAPTER 2: THE HAIRCUT
The salon remained silent after the old man's strange words.
"I have a surprise for you."
The receptionist rolled her eyes.
Several customers laughed openly.
The young employee, however, simply smiled.
"Let's get you cleaned up first."
He guided the old man to an empty chair.
The old man's hands trembled as he sat down.
For the next twenty minutes, the young employee worked carefully.
He trimmed the tangled beard.
He cut away months of neglect.
He washed the gray hair with gentle patience.
No rush.
No judgment.
No humiliation.
The old man stared quietly at his reflection as the transformation slowly appeared.
The salon employees watched from a distance.
Some looked curious.
Others looked annoyed.
When the haircut was finally finished, the young employee removed the cape.
"There," he said. "Now you look ready for that job interview."
The old man's eyes filled with emotion.
He stood slowly and looked into the mirror.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then he turned.
"What is your name, son?"
"Daniel."
The old man nodded.
"Daniel."
He repeated the name as if committing it to memory.
Then he reached into his coat pocket.
Everyone expected him to pull out more crumpled bills.
Instead, he removed a small leather wallet.
The room grew quiet.
The wallet looked expensive.
Very expensive.
The old man opened it and handed Daniel a business card.
Daniel frowned.
Then his eyes widened.
The card carried a name recognized throughout the city.
William Harrington.
Founder of Harrington Investments.
One of the wealthiest men in the state.
Daniel looked up in disbelief.
The entire salon froze.
The receptionist's face went pale.
"That's impossible," she whispered.
The old man smiled.
May you like
"No," he said softly.
"It's very possible."
