Abby
I stand with my hands on my hips, watching a group of law enforcement officers pour into my restaurant.
One of them approaches me, a stern expression on her face. “Mam, you need to shut down this restaurant immediately and straighten out your practice.”
“Pardon?” I say, looking around with wide eyes. I can’t believe my ears.
“The restaurant needs to be closed for the month.”
I lower my hands. “Please, I can’t do that,” I say. “I have customers with reservations, and regulars that are expecting to be seated. I can’t just close for a month.”
Just the thought of doing so makes me feel a little sick. The last thing I want is to let my customers down, and who knows what negative effects it could have on my business long term.
“Please, officer–” I start, but she waves me off. She
