“Page six. Section nine.”
He put on his reading glasses.
Then read the clause aloud.
The lease required that Beverly Ann Novak remain employed as head waitress, working in the dining room, at no less than her existing compensation, for as long as she wanted the position.
Any reassignment or removal without my written consent would constitute a violation of the lease.
And the landlord could terminate the agreement after thirty days’ written notice.
Ed placed the document on the counter.
“Gus and I signed that agreement in 2011.”
Chad went pale.
He tried to object.
Ed pointed to another page.
“When you bought the business, you accepted the existing lease conditions. Your signature is right here.”
Chad stared at the papers.
“You mean I could lose the diner?”
Ed nodded.
“You moved Bev into the dishwashing room yesterday without her written agreement.”
The room fell silent.
I stood behind the kitchen window with tears burning my eyes.
