Sublime

Burger King does not want its employees stealing. And the only way employees can steal without getting caught is by performing transactions without recording them on the cash register—selling you a burger and fries without issuing a receipt and then pocketing the cash. This is what economists call a principal-agent problem.

Neither of us mentioned the hundred dollars that had changed hands. Why should we? He’d been glad to get it and I was glad to give it. A favor’s no good unless you pay for it. One way or the other, you always do.