Someone in the crowd whispered, “That’s illegal.”
Greg snapped, “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Richard continued as if he hadn’t heard.
“Workers threatened with reduced shifts if they discussed wages.”
My hands grew cold.
That had happened too.
A dishwasher named Mateo had complained about missing hours.
The following week, he went from thirty-five hours to eleven.
I had always wondered why.
Now I knew.
Richard shut the folder.
“This isn’t about one firing.”
Greg’s jaw clenched.
“You have no idea what it takes to keep that location profitable.”
“Actually, I do.”
Richard’s voice became quieter.
“That’s why I know your numbers never made sense.”
The street fell silent.
Greg looked at him.
“What does that mean?”
“It means corporate has been reviewing the books since yesterday.”
Greg took a step backward.
Richard watched him.
“And there is money missing.”
